The course discusses the physics of colloidal dispersions and in particular the following aspects: interactions between colloidal particles: van der Waals, electrostatic and hydrodynamic forces; colloidal stability; kinetic models for aggregation in colloidal systems (population balances); structure, size and morphology of aggregates and their experimental characterization; definition of gel phase and gelation kinetics; role of fluid dynamics in colloid aggregation; aggregation kinetic models in laminar and turbulent flows.

In the last part of the course the stability of protein solutions is considered with reference to the following aspects: protein structure and unfolding processes; aggregation during the manufacture and the formulation of therapeutic proteins; aggregates characterization (from globular to fibrils); effect of the environmental physical chemical conditions on the protein propensity to aggregate; technologies for protein aggregate removal.

oral exam.