Biology and medicine are probably the principal application fields of nanotechnologies. On the other hand, more and more micro/nanosystems are bio-inspired, i.e. they are developed thanks to design rules taken from nature. In this context, the term nanobiosystem can refer to very different devices and applications dealing with nanoscale phenomena coupled with biological units (biomolecules, cells, ...). Examples are: lab-on-chip (LOC), artifical synapses, nanobiosensors, theranostic nanoparticles, DNA nanomachines, etc... The course, on the second semester of the first year of Master of Science in Nanotechnologies For ICTs, deals with the scaling at micro and nanosize of main physical phenomena involved in biomedicine. The student will gain the ability to comprehend how a nanosystem can link to biological functions, thus being able to design a nanobiosystem. The course is entirely taught in English.

The student will gain the following knowledge about: - new concepts on materials properties at micro/nano-scale - design of micro/nano-biosystems - fundamentals of artificial synapses - fundamentals of micro/nano-fludics - fundamentals of micro/nano-mechanics - biomedical applications (diagnostics) of M/NEMS and LOC The student will gain the following skills: - ability to understand and identify the key properties of micro/nano-scale materials and devices - ability to exploit micro/nano-scale phenomena - ability to exploit nanobiosystems for biomedical applications (diagnostics)

- General physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetisms, optics) - Fundamentals of chemistry - Elements of quantum mechanics and electronics - Elements of materials science - Elements of micro and nanofabrication

The course is divided in four parts: I. Scaling of classical physics; quantum effects in nanoparticles and resistive switching devices (1,5 cfu) II. Fundamentals of micro/nano-fluidics (1,5 cfu) III. Fundamentals of micro/nano-mechanics (1 cfu) IV. Sensor science and case studies of nanobiosystems for diagnostics (2 cfu)

The course structure is mainly lesson in class, with some exercises during the lectures. An experimental session at laboratories of DISAT – Department of Applied Science and Technologies is scheduled at the end of the course, where students, in small groups and under professor supervision, will implement an experiment based on nanomechanical sensors.

Reading materials comprehend the slides uploaded by the teacher on the website (“portale della didattica”), as well as supporting papers uploaded on the same site. Demonstration are made on the blackboard, with reference to the following books: Senturia, Microsystem Design, Kluwer Tabeling, Introduction to Microfluidics, Oxford Press Colin, Microfluidics, Wiley Schmid, Villanueva, Roukes, Fundamentals of Nanomechanical Resonators, Springer

Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria;

If online, final exam will consist in an oral dissertation via Virtual Classroom platform. The structure will be similar to the onsite written exam, with a demonstration along with definitions and open questions. The exam is passed with a score of at least 18/30 and the maximum mark is 30/30 with laude. The exam aims to test the student ability to understand and revise the topics covered in class lectures.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale facoltativa; Elaborato scritto prodotto in gruppo;

If onsite, final exam will be composed by: 1) a written exam of 90 minutes with definitions, demonstrations and open questions on issues discussed during the course; any use of educational material (books, notes, slides, etc.) is interdicted 2) for who passes the written exam, an optional oral presentation on close examination of a topic suggested by the teacher or a detailed report with data analysis on the lab experience; the report will be done in teams, up to 2 points are added to the written mark of each single student (same mark for all components of the group) and the report should be uploaded before the first written exam of one of the group. The written exam is mandatory, it is passed with a score of at least 18/30 and the maximum mark is 30/30 with laude. The exam aims to test the student ability to understand and revise the topics covered in class lectures.