Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Study Plan
This information is intended exclusively for students already enrolled in this course.If you are a new student interested in enrolling, you can find information about the course of study on the course page:
Laurea magistrale in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology - Enrollment from 2025/2026The Study Plan includes all modules, teaching and learning activities that each student will need to undertake during their time at the University.
Please select your Study Plan based on your enrollment year.
1° Year
| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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One course to be chosen among the followingOne course to be chosen among the followingTwo courses to be chosen among the followingThree courses to be chosen among the following2° Year activated in the A.Y. 2020/2021
| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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One course to be chosen among the followingOne course to be chosen among the followingTwo courses to be chosen among the followingThree courses to be chosen among the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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Two courses to be chosen among the following ("Biotechnology in Neuroscience" and "Clinical proteomics" 1st and 2nd year; the other courses 2nd year only)Legend | Type of training activity (TTA)
TAF (Type of Educational Activity) All courses and activities are classified into different types of educational activities, indicated by a letter.
Supramolecular chemistry of biological systems (2019/2020)
Teaching code
4S003661
Teacher
Coordinator
Credits
6
Language
English
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
CHIM/06 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Period
I semestre dal Oct 1, 2019 al Jan 31, 2020.
Learning outcomes
This course examines the fundamentals of supramolecular chemistry, the domain of chemistry beyond that of molecules, in biological contexts. The discipline focuses on the chemical systems made up of a discrete number of assembled molecular subunits or components. Important concepts that have been demonstrated by supramolecular chemistry include molecular self-assembly, biomolecular folding, molecular recognition, host-guest chemistry, and molecular architectures. Students develop an understanding of the driving forces of supramolecular associations and how to exploit them for applications in biotechnology and biomedicine.
Program
- Concepts. Reversible non-covalent interactions between molecules, including hydrogen bonding, metal coordination, hydrophobic forces, van der Waals forces, pi-pi interactions, electrostatics. Cation , anion, and neutral molecule binding.
- Biological supramolecular systems: protein-protein and protein-ligand complexes, nucleic acids, viruses, membranes, cells.
- Methods. Fluorescence spectroscopy, Calorimetry, NMR spectroscopy.
- Self-assembly and self-organization. Thermodynamics of self-assembly. Template effects. Protein aggregation, fibril formation.
- Molecular recognition. Host-guest chemical systems. Receptor-ligand complexes. Lock and key model. Pre-organization and complementarity. Dynamic effects and allosteric binding. Rational drug design. Protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Supramolecular antibiotics.
- Template-directed synthesis. Encapsulation systems for catalysis. Catalytic systems. Enzyme mimics.
- Molecular transport and delivery. Encapsulation and targeted release mechanisms. Liposomal drug carriers. Cyclodextrins.
- Biomolecule-nanoparticle interactions. The biomolecular corona of nanoparticles. Nanoparticle effects on protein stability and structure. Hybrid nanosystems. Nanoparticle functionalization with biomolecules.
| Author | Title | Publishing house | Year | ISBN | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan W. Steed & Jerry L. Atwood | Supramolecular chemistry | John Wiley & Sons | 2009 | 978-0-470-51234-0 | |
| Peter J. Cragg | Supramolecular chemistry. From biological inspiration to biomedical applications. | Springer | 2010 | 978-90-481-2581-4 |
Examination Methods
The examiner will verify through oral examination that the student has learned the chemical bases of supramolecular interactions, namely the principles that guide the molecular recognition mechanisms. The student must also be able to thoroughly discuss the main biological supramolecular systems, including in particular the biomolecular complexes, the superstructures, aggregates, and vesicular systems. Students are expected to know of examples of supramolecular chemistry in biomedical applications.
