OVERVIEW

The course provides an overview of the enabling technologies, working principles, and biomedical applications of biosensors and microsystems. Key biochemical sensing elements and mechanisms are presented, along with the main physical transduction principles as well as the main features introduced by miniaturization of a physical/chemical system. The course also covers relevant microfabrication techniques and processes for the development of biosensors and microsystems. Particular emphasis is placed on the unique opportunities offered by these technologies in medical diagnostics, disease treatment, and therapy.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles and components of biosensors, including the sensing element and the transducer, along with essential criteria for their design and selection according to different application contexts. In the second part, the course focuses on microsystems for medical and biotechnological applications, highlighting the impact of miniaturization and introducing key nano- and microfabrication techniques. A further objective is to develop the students’ ability to critically assess available technologies and commercial solutions in relation to their suitability for specific biomedical and biotechnological needs.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main Aim of the course is to provide the basic concepts of biosensing and of microsystems applied to biomedicine and biotechnology as well as to highlight the possible role of the bioengineer in developing new technologies/devices/applications/markets based on biosensors and microsystems.

By the end of the course the student will be able: 

 - to describe the figures of merit of biosensors

 - to describe the most common transduction principles exploited in biosensors, including those based upon electrochemical techniques, gravimetric techniques, fluorescence, plamonics and other optical techniques, calorimetric techniques

 - to calcluate and handle quantitative input-output relations for biosensor either based on ennzymatic ot high affinity sensing elements

- to critically evaluate applications of biosensors and the advantages/disadvantage of using biosensors compared to other analytical techniques

 - to describe the most main thin film techniques for microfabrication

 - to critically assess the possibilities and limitations of the most common fabrication technologies for microsystems

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of biochemistry and physics

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes lectures, practical exercises, and laboratory sessions.

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures with multimedia support

• Assignments to be done at home, consisting of questions and exercises on topics covered in the classroom, will be made avaiable on aulaweb

• Laboratory work on biosensing and soft lithography

• Individual or group projects on specific applications

Participation in lab activities is strongly recommended for successful learning outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• basic concepts of Chemical- and Bio- Sensors

    – physical/chemical/bio sensor definitions/classification

    – molecular bonds

    – proteins (antibodies, enzymes) and nucleic acids

    – sensor characteristics

• molecular sensing elements (bioreceptors)

• immobilization techniques

• biosensors figure of merits

• immunoassays

• transducing principles

    – electrochemical

    – optical

    – mechanical

    – calorimetric

• microsystems definitions and markets

• miniaturization: scaling laws

• micro- and nano-fabrication technologies

     – thin film micro/nano-fabrication techniques

     –“soft”/”additive” techniques

• from micro- to nano-systems: nanotechnology and biosensors

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used in the classroom and other material (videos, additional readings) will be avaiable on Aualweb/Teams

Specific indications on reference bibliography will be provided by the professor at the beginning of the lectures

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/11159/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

During the lecture period, students will be assigned homework, which may consist of Wooclap questions or short problems to be solved individually. Assignments must be submitted within the given deadlines; failure to do so will negatively affect the final evaluation.
On a voluntary basis, students may also give a classroom presentation of a scientific paper previously agreed upon with the instructor; this activity will be positively considered in the final assessment.

The final examination consists of an oral interview structured into four questions:

• two questions on different topics covered during the lectures,
• one question related to the laboratory reports submitted during the lectures
• one question concerning the homework assignments.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam is designed to verify

• the achievement of the expected learning outcomes

• the capability to interpret laboratory experiences and experimental results;
• the correct use of technical/sceitnific language and the capability to communicate concepts effectively;
• the capability of critical thinking and interdisciplinary integration.

The evaluation will be based on:

• accuracy and completeness of the answers;
• logical structure and clarity of explanation;
• use of appropriate scientific vocabulary;
• depth of understanding and ability to connect theory with practice.

Students with certification of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are advised to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course in order to identify teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory tools.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule