Structure And Dynamics Of Confined Polymers

Polymers are essential to biology because they can have enough stable degrees of freedom to store the molecular code of heredity and to express the sequences needed to manufacture new molecules. Through these they perform or control virtually every function in life. Although some biopolymers are created and spend their entire career in the relatively large free space inside cells or organelles, many biopolymers must migrate through a narrow passageway to get to their targeted destination. This suggests the questions: How does confining a polymer affect its behavior and function? What does that tell us about the interactions between the monomers that comprise the polymer and the molecules that confine it? Can we design and build devices that mimic the functions of these nanoscale systems? The NATO Advanced Research Workshop brought together for four days in Bikal, Hungary over forty experts in experimental and theoretical biophysics, molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and biochemistry interested in these questions. Their papers collected in this book provide insight on biological processes involving confinement and form a basis for new biotechnological applications using polymers. In his paper Edmund DiMarzio asks: What is so special about polymers? Why are polymers so prevalent in living things? The chemist says the reason is that a protein made of N amino acids can have any of 20 different kinds at each position along the chain, resulting in 20 N different polymers, and that the complexity of life lies in this variety.

Representing the wide breadth academic disciplines involved in this ever-expanding area of research, this reference provides a comprehensive overview of current scientific and technological advancements in soft materials analysis and application. Documenting new and emerging challenges in this burgeoning field, Soft Materials is a unique and outsta

Concerns about global warming and the depletion of oil reserves have led to significant research into more sustainable composite materials made from natural materials. Recently, research has focussed on the development of nanoscale reinforcements for this new group of composites, significantly improving and extending their range of desirable properties. Environmentally friendly polymer nanocomposites summarises this wealth of research and its practical implications. After an introduction to the subject, part one looks at matrix and reinforcement materials as well as their characterisation. Part two reviews key properties such as tensile and dynamic mechanical properties and thermal stability. It also considers issues such as barrier properties, biodegradability, rheology, electrical and thermal conductivity. The book concludes by reviewing potential applications. This book is ideal for polymer and material scientists, researchers and engineers. It will also help industrial researchers and R&D managers who want to bring advanced eco-friendly polymer composite-based products into the market. Summarises the practical implications of the development of nanoscale reinforcements for sustainable composite materials made from natural materials Examines matrix and reinforcement materials and their characterisation and reviews key properties such as tensile and dynamic mechanical properties Considers barrier properties, biodegradability, rheology, electrical and thermal conductivity and potential applications

The rapidly-developing field of confined polymers is reviewed in this volume. Special emphasis is given to polymer aspects of this interdisciplinary problem. Taken together, the contributions offer ample evidence of how the field of polymer science continues to evolve with the passage of time. The topics revolve around the tendency of surfaces to impede chain relaxation and to stimulate new sorts of chain organization. These have been implicated in a variety of spectacular phenomena. Here is a listing of authors and affiliations: K. Binder (Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany); P.-G. de Gennes (College de France, France); E.P. Giannelis, R. Krishnamoorti, and E. Manias (Cornell University and University of Houston, USA); G.S. Grest (Exxon Research and Engineering Co., USA); L. Leger, E. Raphael, and H. Hervet (College de France, France); S.-Q. Wang (Case Western Reserve University, USA).

A study of how nanotechnology can be used in disease detection and treatment. It shows how nanotechnology offers sensitive tools for the early detection of cancer, discussing the use of lasers to measure optical deformability in cancer cells, and therapeutics through the use of nanomaterials.

Volume 2 of the conference proceedings of the SPE/Antac on 'Plastics Bridging the Millennia- subtopic of 'Materials', held on the 2-6 May 1999 in New York City, USA.

This volume presents computer simulation methods and mathematical modelling of physical processes used in surface science research. It offers in-depth analysis of advanced theoretical approaches to behaviours of fluids in contact with porous, semiporous and nonporous solid surfaces. The book also explores interfacial systems for a wide variety of p

One of the most exciting areas of polymer research is the study of interfacial phenomena and their practical applications. This major work reviews the key research in this important area and is used in such areas as biomaterials. Part one looks at the thermodynamics, kinetics and other fundamental properties of polymer surfaces and interfaces. The second part of the book reviews ways of characterising and manipulating interfacial phenomena. It includes examples of practical applications such as vaccine delivery, tissue engineering and the development of therapeutic lung surfactants. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Molecular interfacial phenomena of polymers and biopolymers is a standard work on understanding polymeric interfacial properties and their medical and other practical applications. Reviews key research in this hot area including biomaterials Examines polymeric interfacial properties and reviews medical and other practical applications Edited by a leading authority with contributions from distinguished experts worldwide