Nanobiomechanics

3 credits · Graduate

The course consists of didactic lectures and many laboratory demonstrations and real experiments done by the students themselves. Topics include: Principles of single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS), SMFS experimental techniques, resolution and resolution limitations; Entropic and enthalpic elasticity of (bio)polymers; Structure and nanomechanics of DNA, polysaccharides, and proteins; Mechanisms of spontaneous folding, misfolding and refolding of proteins; Chaperones-assisted protein refolding; Principles of computer modeling of biopolymer mechanics; Development and characterization of novel, protein-based nanostructured, rationally designed biomaterials with unique mechanical properties. Open to graduate students; instructor consent required for undergraduate students to enroll.