OVERVIEW

The class provides the conceptual framework necessary to understand the relationships between molecular characteristics, physical–mechanical properties, and viscoelastic behavior of polymer-based materials, with a view to their application in manufacturing processes in general and in biomedical applications in particular.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of the main chemical, rheological, mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties of polymers, polymer composites and biomaterials. Structure-property correlations of polymers, composites and nanocomposites. Basic notions of biofunctionality, biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of polymer-based materials. Examples of specific applications and development strategies of composites, nanocomposites and biomaterials.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The class is aimed at providing the fundamental principles underlying the design and production of polymer-based formulations, with the objective of developing the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to the preparation, functionalization, and characterization of innovative materials and systems, with applications across different fields, including the biomedical sector.

Upon completion of the course, it will be possible to:

-          correlate the chemical, physical, mechanical, and rheological properties of polymer-based materials with their composition, structure, and intended applications;

-          identify, analyze, and critically discuss data obtained from mechanical, dynamic-mechanical, and rheological characterization techniques;

-          relate the properties of polymer-based materials to their biocompatibility.

-          understand the current production technologies for the manufacture of biomedical devices in relation to their specific applications.

The class is fully shared with the Master’s Degree Program in Sustainable Polymer and Process Chemistry

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The class consists of lectures for a total of 40 hours (5 ECTS) and theoretical–practical laboratory activities for a total of 13 hours (1 ECTS). Attendance at laboratory activities is mandatory.

Laboratory activities are organized in small groups and involve the application of experimental protocols for the characterization of polymer-based materials under the supervision of the professors. At the end of the experimental activities, a brief report on the results obtained is required.

The organization and schedule of laboratory activities will be communicated at the end of the lecture period.

To support the learning process, lecture notes are made available on the AulaWeb platform in parallel with the presentation of the corresponding topics in class.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs must contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the School of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) by email at the lessons start to agree on teaching methods that, while respecting the objectives of the class, take into account individual learning skill.

For more information about requesting services and adaptations see the link:  https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part I (2.5 ECTS)

Theory and modelling of linear viscoelastic behavior. Mechanical properties of polymer-based materials under both small and large deformations. Rheological behavior of polymer-based fluids. Introduction to composite materials.

Part II (2.5 ECTS)

Classification of biomaterials, including biodegradable, bioresorbable, and bioactive systems. Definitions and principles of biostability, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility in polymer-based materials.

Polymer-based biomaterials for orthopedic, dental, and ophthalmological applications.

Fundamentals of tissue engineering and biomimetic materials. Mono-, bi-, and three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue architecture: materials and fabrication techniques.

Part III (1 ECTS, practical activities)

Laboratory activities focused on the characterization of polymer-based materials for biomedical applications.

Based on the content described, the class contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the ONU 2030 Agenda: Goal 4. Quality Education, Goal 5. Gender Equality and Goal 12. Responsible consumption and production.

The detailed syllabus is available on the AulaWeb portal, where students can verify its consistency with the learning objectives of the teaching unit.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The following supporting texts are suggested limited to the program contents:

M.T. Shaw, W.J. Mac Knight "Introduction to Polymer Viscoelasticity", 3nd edition, Wiley 2005

H.A. Barnes, J.F. Hutton, K. Walters " An introduction to rheology", 1st Edition, Volume 3 - June 1, 1989

L.E. Nielsen "Mechanical Properties of Polymers and composites Vol 1 e 2", New York: Marcel Dekker 1974

J.D. Ferry “Viscoelastic properties of polymers”, John Wiley & Son 1980

A. Atala, “Principles of regenerative medicine”, 2nd edition, London: Academic, 2010

“Perspectives on biomaterials: proceedings on the 1985 International Symposium on Biomaterials”, O.C.C- Lin & E.Y.S. Chao, Eds., 1985 (CSB Chimica)

J.B. Park, R.S. Lakes, “Biomaterials-An Introduction”, Springer-Verlag, N.Y. Inc., 2007

A.F. von Recum, “Handbook of Biomaterials Evaluation: Scientific, Technical and Clinical Testing of Implant Materials”, CRC Press, 1999 (ISBN 1560324791).

Specific guidelines on the reference bibliography related to the class content will be provided by the professor at the beginning of the lectures.

Supplementary material is provided upon request in cases of partial attendance due to work commitments or for students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the timetable reported here 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment consists of a written and an oral examination, both conducted by the professors in charge. The number and distribution of exam sessions during the academic year are defined in accordance with the regulations of Degree Course.

The written examination includes:

• a section comprising 10 multiple-choice and/or true/false questions, with 1 point awarded for each correct answer; no penalty is applied for incorrect or unanswered questions. For questions requiring multiple correct answers, partial scores may be assigned proportionally;
• a section consisting of 5 open-ended questions or problems, each graded up to a maximum of 3 points.

The written examination is graded up to a maximum of 25/30 and has a duration of 120 minutes.

The oral examination, accounting for up to 5/30, consists of the discussion of the laboratory report.

Access to the oral examination is granted with a minimum score of 13/30 in the written test; a score of 18/30 or higher allows the student to opt out of the oral examination.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs may request exam adaptations. Well in advance of the exam date (at least 7 days), they must fill out the appropriate online form  (https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back) and contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the School of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) by email. For more information about requesting services and adaptations see the link:  https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination is aimed at verifying the achievement of the learning outcomes of the class, with particular reference to the ability to:

• correlate the properties of polymer-based materials and composites with their composition, structure, and use in manufacturing processes;
• relate the potential biocompatibility of polymer-based materials and composites to their molecular characteristics and application domains;
• critically compare and integrate data obtained from the characterization techniques and structure–property relationships addressed in the class.

The examination also assesses the level of subject mastery and the appropriate use of scientific and technical terminology.

If the learning objectives are not achieved, further individual study of the class content is recommended, including consultation with the professors, before retaking the examination.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professors in charge for other information not included in the teaching schedule.