Course detail

Chemistry of Biopolymers and Supramolecules

FCH-MC_CBSAcad. year: 2025/2026

Students are introduced to basic concepts and terminology of biopolymer and supramolecular chemistry. Intermolecular interactions that play a key role in supramolecular chemistry (hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, pi interactions etc.) are discussed in detail. They are also acquainted with representative biopolymers and synthetic supramolecular systems. Analytical methods used in the study of biopolymers and supramolecules are part of the lectures.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Filip Mravec, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Physical and Applied Chemistry (ÚFSCH)

Entry knowledge

Organic chemistry, Biochemistry and Physical chemistry knowledge.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Examination: written and oral route - student demonstrates knowledge through a logical understanding of the subject matter.
Attendance to lectures is not required but is recommended.

Aims

The aim is to provide the basic awareness on biopolymer chemistry aand supramolecular chemistry, with respect to the supramolecular design and applications.
Knowledge of basic concepts of biopolymers chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. Understanding the basic types of interactions and their importance for complexation in living and inanimate systems. Knowledge of the latest trends in the design and implementation of supramolecular systems and devices based on biopolymers.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Abe A., Dušek K., Kobayashi S.: Biopolymers: Lignin, Proteins, Bioactive Nanocomposites. Berlin Heidelberg, Springer -Verlag GmbH, 2010 (CS)
Ariga K., Kunitake T.: Supramolecular chemistry: fundamentals and applications: advanced textbook. Berlin, Springer, 2005. (CS)
Schneider, H.J.: Application of supramolecular chemistry. Boca Raton, CRC Press 2012. (CS)
Steed J. W., Atwood J. L.: Supramolecular chemistry. Chichester, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2000. (CS)
Vandamme E. J., Steinbüchel A.: Biopolymers Vol. 5-6. Weinheim, Wiley-VCH, 2002. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NPCP_CHCHTE Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory
  • Programme NKCP_CHCHTE Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

  • Programme NPCP_CHMA Master's

    specialization BF , 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Filip Mravec, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Introduction to biopolymers and supramolecular chemistry (history, basic concepts and terminology, applications)
Intermolecular interactions I (elementary interactions, interaction potential, covalent vs. non-covalent interactions, charged, polar and non-polar interactions, van der Waals interactions, H bond)
Supramolecular water chemistry (history, water anomalies, water molecule, structure of ice and liquid water, water in organism)
Supramolecular chemistry of living systems (membrane potential, membrane transport, ion and water channels, tetrapyrrole cycles, supramolecular features of photosynthesis and respiration, (enzyme catalysis, neurotransmitters and hormones, nucleic acids, other examples of natural self-assembly)
Biopolymers as the basis of carrier systems.
Biopolymers in tissue engineering.
Selected poylsaccharides (hyaluronan, chitosan, betaglucans).
Selected proteins (collagen, keratin, casein)
Selected polyesters (polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactide, polyglycolide).
Self-assembly in solids and liquids (crystal engineering, surfactants, liquid crystals, ionic liquids).
Analytical methods in biopolymer and supramolecular chemistry.

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Filip Mravec, Ph.D.