Molecular and Cellular Imaging
A.Y. 2025/2026
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 spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, UV-Vis) for characterization of biological samples and with in vitro quantitative cell and tissue biology. An overview of Lab-on-chip (LOC) devices for laboratory functionalities integrated into miniaturized devices. 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 spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, UV-Vis) for characterization of biological samples and with in vitro quantitative cell and tissue biology. An overview of Lab-on-chip (LOC) devices for laboratory functionalities integrated into miniaturized devices. 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. Some visits to imaging platform will be scheduled.
For students abroad the lessons will be synchronously delivered on ZOOM platform.
Archive and Notices on MyAriel.
For students abroad the lessons will be synchronously delivered on ZOOM platform.
Archive and Notices on MyAriel.
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 MyAriel 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 MyAriel 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) oral exam concerning the topics covered in the course, in particular a part will deal with the principles and istruments for bioimaging, the spectral techniques for characterization of biological samples and Lab-On-Chip systems.
2) 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).
The exam will be in person. For students abroad specific arrangements will be taken according with the teacher.
1) oral exam concerning the topics covered in the course, in particular a part will deal with the principles and istruments for bioimaging, the spectral techniques for characterization of biological samples and Lab-On-Chip systems.
2) 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).
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