804302 Biomimetic model lipid membranes

Type
Lecture
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Schuster, Bernhard
Organisation
Offered in
Sommersemester 2025
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

This lecture gives a comprehensive overview on artificial model lipid membrane systems, their key role in membrane protein research, and applications in Life Sciences and particularly in Nanobiotechnology. The course provides a summary of past and state-of-the-art concepts for planar and spherical nature-inspired lipid membranes. Furthermore, an introduction on the most important techniques for characterizing functional lipid membranes (i.e. membranes with incorporated membrane-active peptides or membrane proteins) will be given. Consequently, the present biomimetic model lipid membrane lecture combines various aspects of chemistry, biology and materials sciences with a focus on nanobiotechnological applications like peptide or membrane protein-based biosensors, lab-on-a-chip and lipid chips, and drug targeting and delivery systems. Hence, artificial model lipid membrane systems are important constituents in lines like (nano)medicine, cosmetics, biotechnology, food technology, sensor development, and diagnostics.
Previous knowledge expected

Basic knowledge in biochemistry.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

The aim of the course is to impart knowledge on artificial model lipid membranes so that the students are familiar with state-of-the-art concepts for production, characterization and application of nature-inspired lipid membranes.
After the course the students are able to evaluate different model lipid systems for their application potential but also limits. They have acquired knowledge in the basic mechanisms of drug targeting and delivery systems and of membrane-based biosensors and hence, have the ability to discuss critically the pertinent literature and information from the internet. In addition, the students have acquired models and concepts guiding them to further life-long learning.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.