Molecular and Cellular Imaging
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to present different techniques of microscopy (optical, electronic and scanning probe) also applied in lab-on-a-chip systems.
After following this course, the students will acquire basic know-how in microscopy and the capability to select suitable approaches to image biological samples.
The course is ideally linked to those dealing with the need of imaging, i.e. molecular and cellular biology, etc.
After following this course, the students will acquire basic know-how in microscopy and the capability to select suitable approaches to image biological samples.
The course is ideally linked to those dealing with the need of imaging, i.e. molecular and cellular biology, etc.
Expected learning outcomes
After following this course, the students will acquire basic know-how in microscopy and the capability to select suitable approaches to image biological samples.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Part 1
The first part of the course provides a description of the imaging techniques applied to biology. Some basic notions of geometrical optics are functional to the detailed description of optical microscopes. Confocal microscopy and related techniques (FRAP, FRET, FLIM) will be extensively treated together with more recent developments in super-resolution techniques, in particular SIM, PALM, STORM, STED. Electron microscopies (SEM, TEM, Cryo-TEM) will be presented underlying the different investigations on biological samples that can be carried out. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) will be also presented as a versatile approach for measuring mechanical properties of biological samples.
Part 2
The second part of the course deals with the topic of in vitro quantitative cell and tissue biology.
An overview of physic laws governing small systems will be highlighted and explained through Lab-on-chip (LOC) devices, that are laboratory functionalities integrated into miniaturized devices. Next, biomaterials commonly employed as scaffolds in tissue engineering and the related fabrication technologies (focusing on 3D bioprinting) will be presented together with those methodologies used to modify their chemical surface properties. In the end, some examples of engineered 3D cell cultures will be deeply discussed and practical problems will be presented.
The first part of the course provides a description of the imaging techniques applied to biology. Some basic notions of geometrical optics are functional to the detailed description of optical microscopes. Confocal microscopy and related techniques (FRAP, FRET, FLIM) will be extensively treated together with more recent developments in super-resolution techniques, in particular SIM, PALM, STORM, STED. Electron microscopies (SEM, TEM, Cryo-TEM) will be presented underlying the different investigations on biological samples that can be carried out. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) will be also presented as a versatile approach for measuring mechanical properties of biological samples.
Part 2
The second part of the course deals with the topic of in vitro quantitative cell and tissue biology.
An overview of physic laws governing small systems will be highlighted and explained through Lab-on-chip (LOC) devices, that are laboratory functionalities integrated into miniaturized devices. Next, biomaterials commonly employed as scaffolds in tissue engineering and the related fabrication technologies (focusing on 3D bioprinting) will be presented together with those methodologies used to modify their chemical surface properties. In the end, some examples of engineered 3D cell cultures will be deeply discussed and practical problems will be presented.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
All the theoretical and practical lectures will be delivered in the class-room.
For students abroad the lessons will be synchronously delivered on ZOOM platform.
Archive and Notices on Ariel.
For students abroad the lessons will be synchronously delivered on ZOOM platform.
Archive and Notices on Ariel.
Teaching Resources
1] G. Haugstad, Atomic force microscopy: understanding basic modes and advanced applications, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N.J, 2012.
[2] U. Kubitscheck, ed., Fluorescence microscopy: from principles to biological applications, Wiley-Blackwell, Weinheim, 2013.
[3] R.F. Egerton, Physical principles of electron microscopy: an introduction to TEM, SEM, and AEM, second edition, Springer, Cham, 2016.
[4] Tissue Engineering, Edited By Bernhard Palsson, Jeffrey A. Hubbell, Robert Plonsey, Joseph D. Bronzino, CRC Press 2019.
Copies of the slides projected in the classroom as well as other materials will be made available through the course website on the ARIEL platform of the University of Milano (https://clenardib.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx). By no means this material replaces the lectures or a textbook. The material is made available only to registered students of the Degree Course in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and should not be distributed to others.
[2] U. Kubitscheck, ed., Fluorescence microscopy: from principles to biological applications, Wiley-Blackwell, Weinheim, 2013.
[3] R.F. Egerton, Physical principles of electron microscopy: an introduction to TEM, SEM, and AEM, second edition, Springer, Cham, 2016.
[4] Tissue Engineering, Edited By Bernhard Palsson, Jeffrey A. Hubbell, Robert Plonsey, Joseph D. Bronzino, CRC Press 2019.
Copies of the slides projected in the classroom as well as other materials will be made available through the course website on the ARIEL platform of the University of Milano (https://clenardib.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx). By no means this material replaces the lectures or a textbook. The material is made available only to registered students of the Degree Course in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and should not be distributed to others.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of:
1) presentation with slides of a paper assigned by the teachers concerning recent studies in the biotechnology field in which at least one of the imaging techniques described during the course are used (max 20 min);
2) oral exam concerning the topics covered in the course, in particular a part will deal with the principles and istruments for bioimaging and a part concerning the application of imaging techniques in lab-on-chips.
The exam will be in person. For students abroad specific arrangements will be taken according with the teacher.
1) presentation with slides of a paper assigned by the teachers concerning recent studies in the biotechnology field in which at least one of the imaging techniques described during the course are used (max 20 min);
2) oral exam concerning the topics covered in the course, in particular a part will deal with the principles and istruments for bioimaging and a part concerning the application of imaging techniques in lab-on-chips.
The exam will be in person. For students abroad specific arrangements will be taken according with the teacher.
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER - University credits: 3
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS - University credits: 3
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS - University credits: 3
Lectures: 48 hours
Professor:
Lenardi Cristina
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)