Course content

The chemical structure of biopolymers, nomenclature and reactions. Physical dimensions and chain rigidity. Conformations and conformation changes. Molecular weight distribution. Thermodynamic properties of biopolymers with emphasis on polyelectrolytes. Depolymerisation: chemistry and kinetics. Theoretical basis and laboratory exercises connected to experimental techniques: viscosity and intrinsic viscosity, osmosis, light scattering, chromatographic methods.

Learning outcome

After finishing this course, the students are expected to: - Know the structure and properties of important polysaccharides in biotechnology, including the understanding of sequence parameters in alginates. - Be able to, based on a given chemical structure, understand and predict certain physichal properties of a biopolymer, and how these are influenced by external factors (pH, I, T). - Know the principles behind experimental determination of molecular weight distribution (and its various averages). - Determine the shape and extension in solution of a biopolymer, base don physical data. - Use simple methods for depolymerisation of polysaccharides: kinetics and reaction mechanisms.

Learning methods and activities

The course is coordinated with TBT4135 with some overlap. Lectures, theoretical exercises, laboratory work. Project report. The course will be given in English if international students are taking the course. Exam: Written. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is only for PhD-students who have not taken TBT4135 or a similar course.Basic knowledge in organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biotechnology/biochemistry. The course has limited attendance. Please register for attendance in accordance with general deadlines. If too few students sign up for the course, it might be cancelled.

Course materials

B.E. Christensen: Compendium. Selected review and research articles.

Credit reductions