Colloids and Interfaces in Life Sciences and Bionanotechnology

This classroom-tested reference presents a concise introductory treatment of the physicochemical principles that determine interrelated colloidal and interfacial phenomena and their relevance to various life sciences. The book focuses on concepts that form the basis for understanding this behavior. It deciphers the spontaneous assembly of amphiphilic molecules and discusses the intentional fouling of surfaces for the immobilization of cells in bioreactors. It also devotes special attention to reversible and soft colloids and examines the colloidal domain in a historical perspective, the size and distribution of particles, electrokinetic phenomena, and more.

Colloidal systems occur everywhere—in soils, seawater, foodstuff, pharmaceuticals, paints, blood, biological cells, and microorganisms. Colloids and Interfaces in Life Sciences and Bionanotechnology, Second Edition, gives a concise treatment of physicochemical principles determining interrelated colloidal and interfacial phenomena.

New in the Second Edition:

• New topics, including phase separations in polymer systems, electrokinetics of charged permeable surface coatings, and polymer brush coatings to control adsorption and adhesion of particles
• Emphasis on inter-particle interactions and surface phenomena in (bio)nanotechnology
• Full solutions to over 100 updated and additional exercises are presented in the Appendix

Focusing on physicochemical concepts that form the basis of understanding colloidal and interfacial phenomena—rather than on experimental methods and techniques—this book is an excellent primer for students and scientists interested in colloidal and interfacial phenomena, their mutual relations and connections, and the fascinating role they play in natural and man-made systems.