Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide knowledge on the role of inorganic elements in biological systems, including their therapeutic uses. The chemical properties and the biological function of metal-binding molecules will be discussed; together with the metal homeostasis (uptake, transport, incorporation and release). The main metal complexes used in medicine will be also presented, such as contrast agents and antitumor agents

The course slides will be made available on DIR. The following texts are recommended:
Wolfgang Kaim, Brigitte Schwederski, Axel Klein, "Bioinorganic Chemistry - Inorganic Elements in the Chemistry of Life: An Introduction and Guide", 2nd Edition, Wiley, 2013
Ivano Bertini, Harry B. Gray, et al., "Biological Inorganic Chemistry", University Science Books, 2007
Stephen J. Lippard, Jeremy M. Berg, Principles of Bioinorganic Chemistry", University Science Books, 1994

The course aims at providing the basic knowledge to understand the role of metals in biological systems and the chemical processes in which they are involved. The student should be also able to understand the properties of transition metal and rare earth metal complexes as chemotherapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. The students will be able to use a suitable chemical vocabulary in relation to the topics described in the course

Inorganic Chemistry

Teaching in lecture halls with theoretical lessons and collective discussions

The in itinere learning will be verified with collective discussion

The final judgment will consist in an oral exam. The questions will aim at evaluating the student's preparation in describing the basic theoretical concepts of the technologies presented during the course and in understanding their application potential. Excellence is achieved when the student proves to have a critical knowledge of the concepts presented in the course

The course deals with: bioinorganic chemistry; coordination chemistry; biological functions of inorganic elements; metal ions biological ligands. Metal ions homeostasis (iron, copper, zinc) and iron, copper and zinc diseases. Metalloenzymes and heme containing systems. Biomineralization.
Metals in Medicine: platinum complexes used in clinic practice as anticancer drugs (mechanisms of action and toxicity); gadolinium complexes used as MRI contrast agents

Knowledge of the biological properties of metals and metal complexes, and of their applications in the living systems and medicine.
Making judgments: skill to critically evaluate the concepts learnt.
Communication skills: ability to describe subjects of bioinorganic chemistry with a suitable language