Advanced and innovative analytical methods for applications in life sciences

Aims: The course deals with modern analytical techniques and innovative methodologies for applications in life sciences. Fundamental principles and applied aspects of essential analytical technologies in small-molecule, biomacromolecules, and biomaterials-based research will be described. The pros and cons of the different techniques will be reviewed by using a blended flipped classroom strategy. Starting from case studies, a description of the main bioanalytical and bioelectrochemical techniques will be provided. Miniaturization of analytical instrumentation and lab-on-a-chip technology will be explored. Selected strategies of point-of-care testing will be discussed.

On completion of the course students will be able to:

• Identify the optimal methods and analytical strategies for the different applications in the field of life sciences;
• Formulate and interpret analytical chemistry data;
• Connect the advancement of analytical chemistry instrumenttion and scientific progress in life sciences;
• Describe common components of analytical instrumentation;
• Describe the functions of a microfluidic system and the components of a lab-on-a-chip tool;
• Optimally decide on the use Point-Of-Care diagnostic or lab-based methods;
• Read, summarise and discuss scientific articles in the field analytical methods, bioassays, bioelectrochemistry, microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems.

Lectures (4 ECTS):

• Analytical techniques and instrumentation in clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics and omics: fundamental principles and applied aspects for the analysis of small-molecules, biomacromolecules, and biomaterials. Optical, separation, spectrometric techniques. (Blended flipped classroom).
• Bioelectrochemistry: the role of electrochemistry in life sciences, from in vivo electroanalysis to electroanalytical sensors and biosensors; in-vivo cell monitoring by using microelectrodes and nanoelectrodes; voltage-clamp, patch-clamp and related techniques; electroanalytical sensors and biosensors in clinical analysis (potentiometric, voltametric, amperometric systems); imaging by using micro and nano electrodes and scanning electrochemical microscope; impedance spectroscopy for cytotoxicity evaluation and material characterization.
• Optical Bioanalytical assays: Biomacromolecules in analytical chemistry; immunochemical assays (immunoprecipitation and radioimmunoassay; enzyme immunoassays; lateral flow assays; microbead-based assays; electrochemiluminescence assays); other bioreceptors in affinity assays; enzyme and rate analyses; analysis of nucleic acids (amplification techniques: PCR, real-time PCR, and other amplification techniques; discrimination and detection techniques: electrophoresis, fluorescence-based methods; DNA microarrays, DNA sequencing); Nanotechnology for bioanalysis: classification of nanomaterials; analytical techniques for nanomaterial characterization; bioanalytical applications of nanomaterials; SERS assays; optical properties of nanomaterials and colorimetric detection with nanoparticles.
• Point-of-Care-testing and Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) systems: Introduction to microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems, with liquid flows in micrometer-sized channels, for chemical and biochemical analysis. Methods for fabrication of microfluidic systems and control of microsscale flows. Common components and functions of a microfluidic system. Application to POCT.

Lab practice (2 ECTS):

1. Separation of Urinary Compounds by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
2. Agarose Gel Electrophoresis for DNA fragments separation
3. Competitive rIgG/anti rIgG ELISA
4. Glucose Measurement by a second generation biosensor
5. Signal profile in voltammetric experiments

Assessment and Grading:

Midterm Assessment: Midterm written assessments on the topics of the course will be possible and decided with the students.

Exam: Oral test to assess the knowledge, the ability to apply knowledge, autonomy of judgment, and the skills to discuss the issues related to analytical techniques.