(bio)nanotechnology

Syllabus: Nanotechnology is the science and technology of miniaturisation at scales of <100nm, and BioNanotechonology is its application to biology. This hybrid discipline can also mean making atomic-scale machines by imitating or incorporating biological systems at the molecular level or building tiny tools to study or change natural structure properties atom by atom. The module will start with the introduction of basic concepts in nanophysics. We will then approach nanotechnology from a physical point of view, reviewing bottom-up processes to fabricate and analyse individual nanoparticles and nanoaggregates. Then, we will study coalescence/sintering and assembly processes that lead to nanowires and nanofoams. Students will study the physical properties of nanosystems. They will learn about nanomaterials' mechanical properties, the interaction of biomaterials with surfaces and nanoparticles, electrical transport, and optical properties.
Nanoscale materials
Assembly at the nanoscale
Physics at the nanoscale
Sensors, biosensing