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376-1611-00L 4 Credits BSC D-HEST , D-BIOL
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Biomedical Interfaces

Biomedizinische Grenzflächen

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Viola Vogel, Dr. Sebastian Lickert, Dr. Mario Christian Benn, Dr. Fabrizio Pennacchio
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:13

Abstract

This class serves as an introduction into the design of materials for biomedical applications. Its focus lies on controlling interactions at the interface between biomolecules or living cells and synthetic materials. Knowing some basic concepts allows us to define prototypical requirements for material surfaces and to utilize molecular engineering principles for their realization.

Objective

1. The students will know basic rules that determine the interaction of biological molecules or cells with synthetic materials on the nanoscale. 2. The students will be able to define essential requirements how to functionalize materials in the context of specific biomedical applications. 3. The students will be able to predict the outcome of self-assembly processes and utilize these to achieve a desired function or biological behavior at interfaces.

Content

- protein-surface interactions - anti-adhesive surface coatings - biosensors - bacteria-surface interactions - cell-nanoparticle interactions - drug delivery systems - cell-matrix interactions - soft tissue engineering

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts of the lecture can be accessed online. All hand-outs are in English.

Literature

Selected chapters of - Biomaterials Science: an Introduction to Materials in Medicine, by B. Ratner, 3rd Ed. Academic Press (2013). - Biomimetic Materials and Design: Biointerfacial Strategies, Tissue Engineering and Targeted Drug Delivery, by A.K. Dillow and A.M. Lowman, CRC Press (2002). - Biomaterials: Principles and Practices, by J.Y. Wong et al., CRC Press (2013). - Molecular Biology of the Cell, by B. Alberts et al., Taylor & Francis, 5th Ed. (2007). Detailed literature references will be provided in the lectures.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Keine Hilfsmittel
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Die Prüfungsfragen sind in Deutsch und Englisch.Studierende können die Antworten in Deutsch und/oder Englisch beantworten.Präsentation eines wissenschaftlichen Artikels ergibt Bonus von 0.25 auf Endnote der Sessionsprüfung.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Biomedizinische Grenzflächen
  • Mon 09:45-11:30 (HCI G 7)
2 h weekly
exercise Biomedizinische Grenzflächen
  • Mon 11:45-12:30 (HCI D 8)
  • Mon 11:45-12:30 (HCI G 7)
  • Mon 11:45-12:30 (HCI H 8.1)
  • Mon 11:45-12:30 (HCI J 4)
  • Mon 11:45-12:30 (HCI J 8)
  • Mon 11:45-12:30 (HIL E 5)
  • Mon 11:45-12:30 (HIL F 10.3)
1 h weekly

Offered In