Molecular Gels


Book Description

Molecular gels and fibrillar networks – a comprehensive guide to experiment and theory Molecular Gels: Materials with Self-Assembled Fibrillar Networks provides a comprehensive treatise on gelators, especially low molecular-mass gelators (LMOGs), and the properties of their gels. The structures and modes of formation of the self-assembled fibrillar networks (SAFINs) that immobilize the liquid components of the gels are discussed experimentally and theoretically. The spectroscopic, rheological, and structural features of the different classes of LMOGs are also presented. Many examples of the application of the principal analytical techniques for investigation of molecular gels (including SANS, SAXS, WAXS, UV-vis absorption, fluorescence and CD spectroscopies, scanning electron, transmission electron and optical microscopies, and molecular modeling) are presented didactically and in-depth, as are several of the theories of the stages of aggregation of individual LMOG molecules leading to SAFINs. Several actual and potential applications of molecular gels in disparate fields (from silicate replication of nanostructures to art conservation) are described. Special emphasis is placed on perspectives for future developments. This book is an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners either already researching self-assembly and soft matter or new to the area. Those who will find the book useful include chemists, engineers, spectroscopists, physicists, biologists, theoreticians, and materials scientists. Richard G. Weiss is Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. Pierre Terech is Research Director, CNRS – Atomic Energy Center – Grenoble University, Grenoble, France.




Molecular Gels


Book Description

Over the past decade, research on molecular gels has expanded and progressed rapidly. This timely book presents the latest developments and understanding of the topic, covering the different classes of gels (ionogels, metallogels, hydrogels and organogels) from their molecular level interactions and formation to their properties as materials and applications. The book starts with a general introduction to molecular gels including their definition and a comparison of the different types. Chapters then examine the physical chemistry of molecular gels, including the most recent theories, experimental techniques and computational approaches. Final chapters on the applications of molecular gels illustrate, with modern case studies, the principles developed in previous chapters. Written by leading researchers, this is an indispensable resource on the different types of gels for postgraduate students and researchers across supramolecular chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, soft matter and chemical engineering.




Functional Molecular Gels


Book Description

Written by active researchers in the area, this book details the latest research on the field from fundamentals to applications.




Supramolecular Gels


Book Description

Supramolecular Gels Discover a current and authoritative overview of the cutting-edge in supramolecular gels from a leading voice in the field A promising new class of materials shows potential and is receiving increasing attention as an intelligent material for multifunctional systems. In a work that is sure to be of great interest to a wide variety of researchers, chemists, and engineers, Supramolecular Gels: Materials and Emerging Applications delivers an application-oriented and focused book exploring the most recent applications of supramolecular gels. This interdisciplinary book presents the underlying fundamentals of supramolecular gels before discussing their assembly mechanisms and structures. It also introduces different material systems, including composite supramolecular gels, organogels, hydrogels, self-healing, and graphene-based supramolecular gels. The book discusses current and emerging applications of these materials in devices like sensors and actuators, biomedical tools, and environmental applications. The distinguished author also offers valuable insights with respect to the design and character of brand-new versatile soft materials. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the fundamentals of supramolecular gels, including their formation, classification, self-assembly, and mechanisms An exploration of supramolecular chirality and regulation in gel structures, as well as self-assembly and environmental applications of composite supramolecular gels Practical discussions of fluorescent organogels and hydrogels and their applications in analyte sensing An examination of self-healing and graphene-based supramolecular gels, and supramolecular gels for sensors and actuators Perfect for materials scientists, organic chemists, biochemists, catalytic chemists, and environmental chemists, Supramolecular Gels: Materials and Emerging Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of sensor developers and other professionals seeking a one-stop reference for this rapidly developing category of intelligent materials.




Polymeric and Self Assembled Hydrogels


Book Description

The only book to give a complete picture of current hydrogel research, covering all the major applications as well as the fundamental principles behind them.




Self-Assembled Peptide Nanostructures


Book Description

The self-organization of bionanostructures into well-defined functional machineries found in nature has been a priceless source of ideas for researchers. The molecules of life, proteins, DNA, RNA, etc., as well as the structures and forms that these molecules assume serve as rich sources of ideas for scientists or engineers who are interested in developing bio-inspired materials for innovations in biomedical fields. In nature, molecular self-assembly is a process by which complex three-dimensional structures with well-defined functions are constructed, starting from simple building blocks such as proteins and peptides. This book introduces readers to the theory and mechanisms of peptide self-assembly processes. The authors present the more common peptide self-assembled building blocks and discuss how researchers from different fields can apply self-assembling principles to bionanotechnology applications. The advantages and challenges are mentioned together with examples that reflect the state of the art of the use of self-assembled peptide building blocks in nanotechnology.




Protein Self-Assembly


Book Description

This volume explores experimental and computational approaches to measuring the most widely studied protein assemblies, including condensed liquid phases, aggregates, and crystals. The chapters in this book are organized into three parts: Part One looks at the techniques used to measure protein-protein interactions and equilibrium protein phases in dilute and concentrated protein solutions; Part Two describes methods to measure kinetics of aggregation and to characterize the assembled state; and Part Three details several different computational approaches that are currently used to help researchers understand protein self-assembly. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and cutting-edge, Protein Self-Assembly: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers who are interested in learning more about this developing field.




Macromolecular Self-Assembly


Book Description

This book describes techniques of synthesis and self-assembly of macromolecules for developing new materials and improving functionality of existing ones. Because self-assembly emulates how nature creates complex systems, they likely have the best chance at succeeding in real-world biomedical applications. • Employs synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science principles and techniques • Emphasizes self-assembly in solutions (particularly, aqueous solutions) and at solid-liquid interfaces • Describes polymer assembly driven by multitude interactions, including solvophobic, electrostatic, and obligatory co-assembly • Illustrates assembly of bio-hybrid macromolecules and applications in biomedical engineering




Low Molecular Mass Gelators


Book Description

With contributions be numerous experts.