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636-0550-00L 4 Credits MSC D-BSSE
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Biomolecular Nanotechnology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Michael Nash
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:27

Abstract

Biomolecular nanotechnology is a broad field that focuses on the study and science of biological materials including DNA, RNA and proteins at length scales below 10 nm. This is a broad overview of the topic with a focus on current research themes.

Objective

The objective is to familiarise the students with a broad range of topics related to biotechnology, nanotechnology, and biophysics with a focus on current research and reading of scientific literature.

Content

Introduction to biomacromolecules; Measurement techniques for characterisation of biomacromolecules; Fundamentals of molecular recognition; Recombinant DNA; Protein engineering; Directed evolution; Protein folding; Polymers; Elastin-like polypeptides; Intelligent materials; Spatially localized hydrogels; Mechanical properties of proteins and macromolecules; Single-molecule force spectroscopy

Resources

Literature

Representative literature: (1) Alberts, Molecular Biology (Ch.2 Cellular chemistry). (2) Ratner, Biomaterials Science (Ch. 2.3, 2.4 Polymers & hydrogels). (3) Walsh, Protein Biochemistry, (Ch. 2, Protein Structure). (4) Nath et. al. Analytical chemistry, 74(3): 504-509, 2002. (5) DeMonte, D., et. al. Proteins DOI: 10.1002/prot.24320, 2013. (6) Feldhaus, M.J., et al. Nature Biotechnology 21 (2): 163–70, 2003. (7) Link, A.J., et al. PNAS 103 (27): 10180–85, 2006. (8) Chen, I. et al. PNAS 108 (28): 11399–404, 2011. (9) Marín-Navarro, J., et. al. PloS One 10 (12). journals.plos.org: e0144289, 2015. (10) Christensen, T. et al. Biomacromolecules 14 (5): 1514–19, 2013. (11) Shimoboji, T., et al. PNAS. 99(26): 16592-16596, 2002. (12) Puchner, E.M. et al. PNAS. 105(36): 13385–13390, 2008. (13) Dietz, H., et al. PNAS 103 (5): 1244–47, 2006.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Registration modalities, date and venue of this performance assessment will include written critiques of reading assignments, an in class presentation, and final report.Registration modalities, date and venue of this performance assessment are specified solely by the Uni Basel.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Biomolecular Nanotechnology (University of Basel)
Lecture: Wednesday 8-10 Tutorial: Thursday 8-9 First lecture on Wednesday, September 23 The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Wed 08:00-10:00 (ON LI NE)
2 h weekly
exercise Biomolecular Nanotechnology (University of Basel)
Lecture: Wednesday 8-10 Tutorial: Thursday 8-9 First lecture on Wednesday, September 23, first tutorial on Thursday, September 24 The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Thu 08:00-09:00 (ON LI NE)
1 h weekly

Offered In