Cilia are tiny hairs covering biological cells to generate and sense fluid flow. Millions of years of evolution have inspired a novel technology which is barely a decade old. Artificial cilia have been developed to control and sense fluid flow in microscopic systems, presenting new and interesting options for flow control in lab-on-a-chip devices. This appealing link between nature and technology has seen rapid development in the last few years, and this book presents a review of the state-of-the-art in the form of a professional reference book. The editors have pioneered the field, having initiated a major European project on this topic soon after its inception. Active researchers in academia and industry will benefit from the comprehensive nature of this book, while postgraduates and those new to the field will gain a clear understanding of the theory, techniques and applications of artificial cilia.

Cilia are microscopic finger-like cell-surface organelles possessed by a great many eukaryotic organisms, including humans, whose purposes include generating local fluid movements via rhythmic whip-like beating and environmental sensing. Despite intense research efforts since their discovery by van Leeuwenhoek in the 1670's, several key questions regarding ciliary functions, experimental manipulation and in silico imitation remain unanswered. Major justifications for cilia research lie in their involvement in various forms of human disease (ciliopathies) and their ability to instantiate decentralised, asynchronous sensorial-actuation of adjacent matter through modulation of beating characteristics. Further elucidation of these characteristics, which is a problem requiring the combined expertise of mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers and life scientists, will lead to novel biomedical therapies, creation of `smart' actuating surfaces for microfluidics/lab-on-chip applications and a greater understanding of fluid mechanics in real-world scenarios. This lavishly-illustrated anthology presents recent advances in the fields of ciliary investigation, manipulation, emulation, mimesis and modelling from key researchers in their fields: its goal is to explain the state-of-the-art in cilia bioengineering and bio-computation in a uniquely creative, accessible manner, towards encouraging further transdisciplinary work in the field as well as educating a broad spectrum of scientists and lay people. The volume is split into three distinct but interwoven themes:Biology: Biological preliminaries for the study of cilia; the state-of-the-art in genetic engineering of ciliated cells for biomedical purposes; reprogramming of cilia dynamics in live cells.Engineering: Creation of macro cilia robots for object sorting applications; pneumatic cilia for the optimization of fluid motion; electrostatic, magnetic and MEMS cilia for microfluidic mixing; reviews in artificial cilia fabrication, actuation and flow induction methods.Numerical and computational modelling. Analyses of thin film cilia for `lab on chip' microfluidic mixing applications; modelling of gel-based artificial cilia towards simulating dynamic behaviors of responsive cilia layers in complex fluids across a wide range of potential applications.

Cilia and Flagella presents protocols accessible to all individuals working with eukaryotic cilia and flagella. These recipes delineate laboratory methods and reagents, as well as critical steps and pitfalls of the procedures. The volume covers the roles of cilia and flagella in cell assembly and motility, the cell cycle, cell-cell recognition and other sensory functions, as well as human diseases and disorders. Students, researchers, professors, and clinicians should find the book's combination of "classic" and innovative techniques essential to the study of cilia and flagella.Key Features* A complete guide containing more than 80 concise technical chapters friendly to both the novice and experienced researcher* Covers protocols for cilia and flagella across systems and species from Chlamydomonas and Euglena to mammals* Both classic and state-of-the-art methods readily adaptable across model systems, and designed to last the test of time, including microscopy, electrophoresis, and PCR* Relevant to clinicians interested in respiratory disease, male infertility, and other syndromes, who need to learn biochemical, molecular, and genetic approaches to studying cilia, flagella, and related structures

In recent years, the role of cilia in the study of health, development and disease has been increasingly clear, and new discoveries have made this an exciting and important field of research. This comprehensive volume, a complement to the new three-volume treatment of cilia and flagella by King and Pazour, presents easy-to-follow protocols and detailed background information for researchers working with cilia and flagella. - Covers protocols for primary cilia across several systems and species - Both classic and state-of-the-art methods readily adaptable across model systems, and designed to last the test of time - Relevant to clinicians and scientists working in a wide range of fields

Advances in Applied Mechanics draws together recent, significant advances in various topics in applied mechanics. Published since 1948, the book aims to provide authoritative review articles on topics in the mechanical sciences. The book will be of great interest to scientists and engineers working in the various branches of mechanics, but will also be beneficial to professionals who use the results of investigations in mechanics in various applications, such as aerospace, chemical, civil, environmental, mechanical, and nuclear engineering. - Includes contributions from world-leading experts that are acquired by invitation only - Beneficial to scientists, engineers, and professionals who use the results of investigations in mechanics in various applications, such as aerospace, chemical, civil, environmental, mechanical, and nuclear engineering. - Covers not only traditional topics, but also important emerging fields

From experts in engineering and biology, this is the first book to integrate sensor and actuator technology with bioinspired design.

This book covers the design, synthesis, properties, and applications of functional photoactive soft materials, including aspects of polymers, block copolymers, elastomers, biomaterials, liquid crystals, chemical and physical gels, colloids, and host-guest systems. It combines, in a unified manner, authoritative accounts describing various structural and functional aspects of photoactive soft materials. Photoactive Functional Soft Materials: Preparation, Properties, and Applications: * Brings together the state-of-the-art knowledge on photoactive functional soft materials in a unified manner * Covers a vibrant research field with tremendous application potential in areas such as optoelectronics, photonics, and energy generation * Appeals to a large interdisciplinary audience because it is highly useful for researchers and engineers working on photonics, optoelectronics, imaging and sensing, nanotechnology, and energy materials Photoactive Functional Soft Materials: Preparation, Properties and Applications focuses on the design and fabrication of photoactive functional soft materials for materials science, nanophotonics, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications.