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COURSE CONTENTS:
Class 1, Monday, 19th March 2012, 15h-16h (Presencial)
Introduction to nanotechnology:
This class will give a brief overview of the history of nanotechnology starting with the pushing force for nanotechnology – use of integrated circuits in computers and will go on to give examples of current research and applications, such as materials, energy, computing and biomedicine. The bottom up vs top down approaches as well as carbon nanotubes, buckyballs, MEMS, quantum dots, nanoelectronics, nanomechanisms, lithography, nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine will be discussed as preparation for further classes.
Class 1, Monday, 19th March 2012, 16h-18h (Seminarios)
Video from European Commission giving overview of nanotechnology, followed by discussion regarding pros and cons of nanotechnology for society.
Non-presencial activities: (4 hours)
Each student should find 5 newspaper articles from the previous 6 months, which present nanotechnology in a positive light. Using these newspaper articles they should prepare a debate (written - maximum 2 A4 pages) on the pros and cons of nanotechnology as outlined in the newspaper articles, concluding with the student’s own personal impression prior to starting the class.
Specific Competency:
Students should be able to have a preliminary overview of what nanotechnology is and what are the potential beneficial applications and possible dangers associated.
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Class 2, Tuesday, 20th March 2012, 15h-17h (Presencial)
Techniques for 'top-down' fabrication of nanostructured surfaces:
This class focuses on the ‘top-down’ approach to producing nanostructured surfaces and will look at microfrabrication techniques for the realisation of microsystems, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microsensors, microactuators and their applications for automotive operation & safety, medical diagnostics and treatment, nanoelectronics, and nanomechanisms- The advantages of Microsystems in terms of reduced energy requirements, parallelisation and cost will be outlined. Anisotropic and isotropic wet and dry bulk and surface micromachining technologies, deep reactive ion etching, LIGA, UV-lithography and advanced lithographic techniques (extreme Uvm e-beam, ion beam and x-ray lithography as well as deposition (chemical & physical vapour deposition, thermal evaporation and sputtering) will be described in detail.
Wednesday, 21st March 2012, 15h-18h (Seminarios)
Visit to Sala Blanca in SRCT - Demonstration of 'top-down' fabrication of nanostructured surfaces, followed by interactive discussion regarding advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
Non-presencial activities (4 hours):
Each student should search the US and/or European patent databases and find a patent that uses microfabrication techniques for the production of a device with automotive/medical/electronic applications. A short summary of the techniques used and the final microsystem detailed in the patent should be prepared.
Specific Competency:
Students should be able to understand the advantages and applications of microsystems and microfabrication techniques. Students should be able to explain the different bulk and surface micromachining and deposition techniques and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
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Class 3, Thursday, 22nd March 2012, 16h-17h (Presencial)
Techniques for 'bottom-up' fabrication of nanostructured surfaces:
This class will address the ‘bottom-up’ approach to producing nanostructures via biological self-assembly. Self-assembled monolayers of thiols on gold and mixed self-assembled monolayers of tailored-designed hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity will be described. The use of amphiphiles on water created via Langmuir Blodgett films, and the use of lipid monolayers and ligand stabilised nanoparticles will also be discussed. The possibility of the self assembly of DNA superstructures using branched DNA as a scaffold or nanoparticles functionalised with DNA, as well as layer by layer electrostatic based approaches will be explored and finally the growing field of dendrimers will be addressed.
Thursday, 22nd March 2012, 17h-18h (Laboratorio)
Demonstration of techniques for bottom-up assembly of nanostructured surfaces.
Non-presencial activities (4 hours):
Each student should choose one of the approaches of biological self assembly and should find (i) three scientific articles in peer reviewed journal, published in the preceding six months (ii) a patent and (iii) a start-up company working on the chosen self-assembly approach. Using the information found, students should prepare a short overview of the current state-of-the-art and the proposed future applications to be exploited by the identified start-up company.
Specific Competency:
Students should be able to understand the reasoning for self-assembly, the concepts of the various approaches of biological self-assembly and the potential applications of these approaches.
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Class 4, Monday, 26th March 2012, 15h-17h (Presencial)
Nanotools: Microsopic techniques for characterisation and manipulation on a nanoscale
This class focuses on nanotools for the characterisation and manipulation of nanostructured forces. The fundamentals of the field ion microscope, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the transmission electron microsope (TEM), the scanning probe microscope, the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and lateral force microscopy (LFM) will be explained in detail. The use of STM for manipulation of atoms and the use of AFM for the characterisation of biological elements and elucidation of forces in and between proteins.
Monday, 26th March 2012, 17h-18h (Seminarios)
A video giving an overview of the different characterisation and mainpulation techniques will be given, followed by discussion.
Tuesday, 27th March 2012, 15h-17h (Seminarios)
A visiti to the SRCT for a practical demonstration and seminar detailing the different characterisation techniques available at URV will be given.
Non-presencial activities (4 hours):
Each student should prepare a short essay detailing the progress in microscopy from its humble beginnings through to the development of AFM. The essay should include relevant citations and should outline the fundamentals of each technique as well as applications.
Specific Competency:
Students should have an fundamental understanding of the different microscopic
techniques and be aware of the specific applications of each of the techniques, as
well as the associated respective advantages and disadvantages.
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Class 5, Wednesday, 28th March 2012, 15h-16h (Presencial)
Nanoparticle fabrication and characterisation
This class will address the various methods of nanoparticle fabrication, and stabilisation. The size-related properties of nanoparticles will be described. The techniques to produce nanoparticles of tailor designed properties for selective catalysis, electronics, optics and magnetic applications will be outlined – for example, methods to produce metallic and bi/multi-metallic nanoparticles, semiconductor nanoparticles, organic nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles. Approaches of techniques such as citrate reduction, plasma vaporisation, electrostatic spray assisted vapour deposition, laser ablation, sol-gel synthesis, nanosprays, electron beam lithography, photolithography patterning, nanosphere lithography, microcontact printing etc. will be explained in detail and the issues of stabilisation, the DLVO theory and routes of biofunctionalisation will also be addressed. The applications of these nanoparticles for magnetic, optical, catalytic, electrochemical and medical uses will be outlined.
Wednesday, 28th March 2012, 16h-18h (Laboratorio)
A demonstration of nanoparticle fabrication via three different techniques will be given, and the fabrciated nanoparticles characterised using UV-Vis spectrometry and photon-correlation spectroscopy.
Non-presencial activities (4 hours):
Each student should conceive an application for nanoparticles and design a route to produce, stabilise and functionalise these nanoparticles for industrial exploitation. Issues of mass production, cost, stability, storage and safety should be included in the production route.
Specific Competency:
Students should be able to understand the size-related properties of nanoparticles,
methods for production, stabilisation and biofunctionalisation of nanoparticles. Additionally students should have an understanding of the DLVO theory.
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Thursday, 28th March 2012, 16h-17h (Presencial)
Carbon nanotubes
This class focuses on the production, properties and applications of carbon nanotubes. A background to the history of carbon nanotubes, fullerenes and buckyballs will be provided. The properties of carbon nanotubes dependent upon
their method of production, the difference and advantages and disadvantages of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT). Different synthesis routes such as chemical vapour deposition, arc discharge and laser ablation as well as methods for purification will be discussed in detail. Functionalisation and application of both SWNTs and MWNTs will be discussed.
Thursday, 28th March 2012, 17h-18h (Laboratorio)
A demonstration of carbon nanotube synthesis will be given, coupled by a hands-on look at the instrumentation used.
Non-presencial activities (4 hours):
Each student should research the work and contribution of Buckminster Fuller to
society and prepare an overview of his life and inventions.
Specific Competency:
Students should have an understanding of the properties and methods of producing carbon nanotubes as well as a concept of the potential applications for electronics and diagnostics.
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Monday, 3rd April 2012, 15h-17h (Presencial)
The use of nanobiotechnology for diagnostic applications will be outlined. Biosensors based on nanostructured and functional surfaces will be described in detail. New advances in biosensor technology using magnetic, optical and electrochemical transduction will be outlined for use in catalytic and affinity sensor systems using enzymes, antibodies, cDNA, aptamers, aptazymes, catalytic antibodies, diabodies and tailor designed biological components. The integration of biosensors into microsystems for multiplexed detection will be described where simultaneous detection of proteins and nucleic acids is facilitated with micro system based sample treatment, micro-PCR/capillary electrophoresis/dielectrophoresis/FACS/MACS and biosensoric detection. Methods for site-selective deposition as well as commercially available biochips from Nanogen, Affymetrix will also be looked at. Finally biofunctionalised nanoparticles for imaging of tumours in vivo will be discussed.
Monday, 3rd April 2012, 15h-17h (Laboratorio)
Several demonstrations of microsystems for clinical diagnostics will be given - from finger-prick sample to diagnostic read-out.
Tuesday, 4th April 2012, 15h-17h (Seminarios)
Movie Session: GATTACA – movies that feature future possibilities of nanobiotechnology. The objective of the movie session is to give an overview of the knowledge that will be gleaned from the course and the current and potential applications of the knowledge.
Non-presencial activities (8 hours):
Each student should prepare a document on how the microsystem used in the movie GATTACA, (where a blood sample is taken from a thumb prick, and based on this blood sample, the person can be identified and his/her biochemical profile and current and future medical conditions assessed), should be designed, fabricated and an explanation as to how it would function should be outlined. This system should incorporate knowledge gleaned from the all parts of the course. Maximum 5 A4 pages.
Specific Competency:
Students should be able to understand catalytic and affinity biosensors and should be able to design a microsystem that incorporates sample procurement, treatment and detection of the desired analyte for environmental, food control, biowarfare, and medical applications.
Wednesday, 5th April 2012, 15h-16h (Presencial)
Nanotoxicity and the environment
There are opinions that while the tremendous positive impacts of nanotechnology are widely publicized, potential threats or risks to human health and the environment are just beginning to emerge. With limited information available for support, critics are presenting a number of concerns on the devastating effects of nanotoxicity on human health and the environment. Detailed studies on the long-term effects of NPs are required to overcome or reduce possible threats. This class will discuss the possibilities of nanotoxicity, as well as techniques for metrology and control of nano-sized structures in the atmosphere.
Wednesday, 5th April 2012, 16h-19h (Seminario)
Seminar by Prof. C. Vyvyan Howard, University of Ulster, World leader in area of nanotoxicology.
Movie "The Day The Earth Stood Still" - a fictional work that looks at the threat posed when nanobots are accidentally released into the environment. A discussion of "Prey" by Michael Crichton, where nanorobots used for medical imaging are unknowingly allowed into the atmosphere.
Non-presencial activities (4 hours):
Students should write a short debate (2 pages maximum) on the potential harms of nanotechnology, based on the seminar, movie and book discussion and propose methods for control and monitoring of the environment.
Specific Competency: Students should be able to understand the concept of nanotoxicity and nanotoxicology and the potential harm to the environment and human health that is posed by the uncontrolled release of nanosized structures. Students should also be aware of the techniques used to measure and monitor nanosized structures in the environment, as well as in human organs.
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Thursday, 6th April 2012, 16h-17h (Presencial)
Nanomaterials & energy
As energy costs rise and petroleum supplies dwindle, science is searching for clean, renewable sources to meet global energy needs. Hydrogen, fuel cells, and solar cells are among sources being explored. This class will discuss thermoelectric power generators, hydrogen storage materials, battery development, fuel cells and energy storing devices, looking specifically at the unique properties of carbon, silicon and metallic nanostructures for the environmentally friendly production of energy.
Specific Competency: Students should be aware of the limited supply of fossil fuels and the potential benefits nanotechnology has to offer for the production of energy. They should be able to understand the unique properties of nanomaterials and how they can address specific issues e.g. energy storage in a manner much more efficient than on a macroscale.
Non-presencial activities (4 hours):
Students should search for 4 examples of nanomaterials currently used for energy production/storage, and should write 0,5 page on each one, explaining the specific benefits of the nanomaterials used.
Thursday, 6th April 2012, 16h-17h (Seminario)
Video related to nanomaterials & energy
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Description |
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Students can arrange an appointment (Office 213) during the hours of 16-18h every Tuesday and Thursday by e-mail. |
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Other comments and second exam session |
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Evaluation: 10 minute presentation (Pruebas) - 30% Class attendance and participation - 5% Non-presencial activities - 65% Class 1, Introduction to nanotechnology: Non-presencial activities: (4 hours) Each student should find 5 newspaper articles from the previous 6 months, which present nanotechnology in a positive light. Using these newspaper articles they should prepare a debate (written - maximum 2 A4 pages) on the pros and cons of nanotechnology as outlined in the newspaper articles, concluding with the student's own personal impression prior to starting the class. Specific Competency: Students should be able to have a preliminary overview of what nanotechnology is and what are the potential beneficial applications and possible dangers associated. Class 2, Techniques for 'top-down' fabrication of nanostructured surfaces: Non-presencial activities (4 hours): Each student should search the US and/or European patent databases and find a patent that uses microfabrication techniques for the production of a device with automotive/medical/electronic applications. A short summary of the techniques used and the final microsystem detailed in the patent should be prepared. Specific Competency: Students should be able to understand the advantages and applications of microsystems and microfabrication techniques. Students should be able to explain the different bulk and surface micromachining and deposition techniques and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Class 3, Techniques for 'bottom-up' fabrication of nanostructured surfaces: Non-presencial activities (4 hours): Each student should choose one of the approaches of biological self assembly and should find (i) three scientific articles in peer reviewed journal, published in the preceding six months (ii) a patent and (iii) a start-up company working on the chosen self-assembly approach. Using the information found, students should prepare a short overview of the current state-of-the-art and the proposed future applications to be exploited by the identified start-up company. Specific Competency: Students should be able to understand the reasoning for self-assembly, the concepts of the various approaches of biological self-assembly and the potential applications of these approaches. Class 4, Nanotools: Microsopic techniques for characterisation and manipulation on a nanoscale Non-presencial activities (4 hours): Each student should prepare a short essay detailing the progress in microscopy from its humble beginnings through to the development of AFM. The essay should include relevant citations and should outline the fundamentals of each technique as well as applications. Specific Competency: Students should have an fundamental understanding of the different microscopic techniques and be aware of the specific applications of each of the techniques, as well as the associated respective advantages and disadvantages. Class 5, Nanoparticle fabrication and characterisation Non-presencial activities (4 hours): Each student should conceive an application for nanoparticles and design a route to produce, stabilise and functionalise these nanoparticles for industrial exploitation. Issues of mass production, cost, stability, storage and safety should be included in the production route. Specific Competency: Students should be able to understand the size-related properties of nanoparticles, methods for production, stabilisation and biofunctionalisation of nanoparticles. Additionally students should have an understanding of the DLVO theory. Class 6, Carbon nanotubes Non-presencial activities (4 hours): Each student should research the work and contribution of Buckminster Fuller to society and prepare an overview of his life and inventions. Specific Competency: Students should have an understanding of the properties and methods of producing carbon nanotubes as well as a concept of the potential applications for electronics and diagnostics. Class 7, Biosensors and lab-on-a-chip for diagnostic applications Non-presencial activities (8 hours): Each student should prepare a document on how the microsystem used in the movie GATTACA, (where a blood sample is taken from a thumb prick, and based on this blood sample, the person can be identified and his/her biochemical profile and current and future medical conditions assessed), should be designed, fabricated and an explanation as to how it would function should be outlined. This system should incorporate knowledge gleaned from the all parts of the course. Maximum 5 A4 pages. Specific Competency: Students should be able to understand catalytic and affinity biosensors and should be able to design a microsystem that incorporates sample procurement, treatment and detection of the desired analyte for environmental, food control, biowarfare, and medical applications. Class 8, Nanotoxicity and the environment Non-presencial activities (4 hours): Students should write a short debate (2 pages maximum) on the potential harms of nanotechnology, based on the seminar, movie and book discussion and propose methods for control and monitoring of the environment. Specific Competency: Students should be able to understand the concept of nanotoxicity and nanotoxicology and the potential harm to the environment and human health that is posed by the uncontrolled release of nanosized structures. Students should also be aware of the techniques used to measure and monitor nanosized structures in the environment, as well as in human organs. Class 9, Nanomaterials & energy Non-presencial activities (4 hours): Students should search for 4 examples of nanomaterials currently used for energy production/storage, and should write 0,5 page on each one, explaining the specific benefits of the nanomaterials used. Specific Competency: Students should be aware of the limited supply of fossil fuels and the potential benefits nanotechnology has to offer for the production of energy. They should be able to understand the unique properties of nanomaterials and how they can address specific issues e.g. energy storage in a manner much more efficient than on a macroscale. |
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Handouts will be uploaded to moodle before each class. |
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Handouts will be uploaded to the Moodle. |
(*)The teaching guide is the document in which the URV publishes the information about all its courses. It is a public document and cannot be modified. Only in exceptional cases can it be revised by the competent agent or duly revised so that it is in line with current legislation. |
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