To show the basis of microscopy applied to spectroscopic techniques for the study of the chemical structure and properties of micro- and nano-structured inorganic systems and for combining the results from different experimental techniques in unified phenomenological interpretations.
Prerequisiti
Fundamental knowledge of general and inorganic chemistry and physics at the Bachelor of Science level, specifically: light-matter interactions, atomic and molecular structure, principles of spectroscopy, fluorescence and phosphorescence. Useful to know fundamental concepts of biology, such as the structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and the structure and function of biomolecules. It is not necessary to have previous knowledge on microscopy.
Metodi didattici
Lessons in person with use of slides and blackboard. The slides will be provided to the students after every lesson.
Verifica Apprendimento
For each individual module the student will be asked to prepare of a brief written report in the form of a powerpoint presentation, related to a topic of the course assigned by the professor, followed by an oral test to discuss the report and the fundamental topics of the course.
Testi
Didatic material provided by the professors (slides and scientific articles). There is no unique text book for this course.
Contenuti
The course covers the foundations of microscopy and spectroscopy, developing two complementary topics: 1) analytical tools based on optical devices (e.g. microFTIR, MicroRaman, laser ablation ICPMS) applied to inorganic systems and biomaterials 2) analytical techniques based on charged particles (e.g. transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and their associated spectroscopies, focused ion beam) applied to nano- and micro-structured systems
For each topics, sample preparation strategies, methods to push spatial resolution and sensitivity limits, and specialized techniques for nano-and micro-structured systems will be discussed. Practical case studies cover a wide range of applications, from the structural characterization of solid materials for chemical catalysis to the imaging of complex biological systems and bio-interfaces relevant to biomedical and pharmacological applications.
The course will be divided in two modules: Module i - Inorganic Nanomaterials Module II - Biomaterials and biointerfaces, including
