804023 What you always wanted to know about nanoparticles (and never dared to ask)

Type
Lecture and seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Organisation
Offered in
Sommersemester 2023
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Nanotechnology is one of the "hot topics" of our time. News reports and public opinions range from hype to hysteria about safety concerns.
In this course we will address a wide range of questions and issues concerned with nanomaterials including their technological and biomedical potential and the possible impact on cells, organisms and the environment.

•Nanomaterials / nanoparticles / ENMs (engineered nanomaterials): definitions; natural vs. man-made ENMs; differences of nano-materials vs bulk materials; Nanomaterials used today
•Investigating on the nano scale: Methods and technologies for characterization of ENMs; Surface (imaging) methods; Synthesis and Engineering of ENMs; Fabrication and Functionalization of nanomaterials
•Nano risk assessment: Nanotoxicity – a valid term?; Nano risk assessment of a selected product; Possible effects of ENMs on living systems; Models, calculations and simulations for ENM exposure, distribution, etc; Cell culture and animal models for nano risk assessment; Microfluidics as an alternative tool for nano risk evaluation
Previous knowledge expected

Basic knowledge in cell biology and cell culture technology.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completing the course the students …
-Can describe the special characteristics of nano-structured materials.
-Know different methods for ENM fabrication and analysis.
-Understand the critical aspects of ENM risk assessment for organisms and the environment.
-Understand the need for standardization in the field of nanotechnology (especially tracing methods), know current efforts and strategies and are able to critically assess the ongoing developments.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.