Overall objectives:

1 - OBJECTIVES: To acquire knowledge concerning the nanomaterials used for biomedical applications. To understand the multi and interdisciplinary character of the field. To be aware of the ethical issues that can arise when nanomaterials are used in biomedicine. To be aware of the difficulties to overcome and of the potentialities of the current/future use of nanomaterials in biomedicine.
2 - SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE STUDENT: Capacity for teamwork. Development of the ability for intellectual concentration and self-study. Development of the capacity for critical thinking. Capacity for applying the acquired knowledge in new situations. Capacity to communicate science in oral and written forms.

Syllabus:

1 - A brief review of the composition and functioning of cells. Biological barriers faced by nanomaterials in the human body.
2 - Interaction of cells with nanoscale materials and nanostructured materials. Mechanisms of cellular uptake and excretion.
3 - Principal types of nanomaterials (nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanostructured surfaces) used/under study in biomedicine. Properties presented by these materials that are at the base of their application in biomedicine.
4 - Nanomaterials application in the biomedical field - drug delivery, gene delivery, and gene silencing, in vitro (e.g. nanoarrays, quantum dots) and in vivo (magnetic resonance imaging, computer tomography) diagnostics, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Nanomaterials functionalization for biological targeting. Theranostic approaches.
5 - Basic notions of nanotoxicology.
6 - Ethical issues related to nanomedicine.

Literature/Sources:

Vários , Artigos de revisão na área ,

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The curricular unit includes 32h of theoretical classes and 32h of theoretical-practical classes. In the former, the teacher's teaching is accompanied by multimedia projection; during these classes, the teacher is always open to discussions with the students. In the TP lessons, the students are invited to solve problems, as well as search and explore scientific articles in the domain of the curricular unit. The evaluation of the curricular unit consists of: a) 1 written test (50% weight); b) 1 oral presentation of a scientific article (20% weight); c) 1 monography about one specific topic within the scientific area written in the form of a scientific paper (30% weight).