This volume comprises the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Study Institute held at Geilo, Norway, 24 March - 3 April 2003, the seventeenth ASI in a series held every two years since 1971. The objective of this ASI was to identify and discuss areas where synergism between modern physics, soft condensed matter and biology might be most fruitful. The main pedagogical approach was to have lecturers focussing on basic understanding of important aspects of the relative role of the various interaction- electrostatic, hydrophobic, steric, conformational, van der Waals etc. Soft condensed matter and the connection between physics and biology have been the themes of several earlier Geilo Schools. A return to these subjects thus allowed a fresh look and a possibility for defining new directions for research. Examples of soft materials, which were discussed at this ASI, included colloidal dispersions, gels, biopolymers and charged polymer solutions, polyelectrolytes, protein/membrane complexes, nucleic acids and their complexes. Indeed, most forms of condensed matter are soft and these substances are composed of aggregates and macromolecules, with interactions that are too weak and complex to form crystals spontaneously. A characteristic feature is that small external forces, slight perturbations in temperature, pressure or concentration, can all be enough to induce significant structural changes. Thermal fluctuations are almost by definition strong in soft materials and entropy is a predominant determinant of structure, so that disorder, slow dynamics and plastic deformation are the rule. Hence the phrase ‘soft condensed matter’ has been coined.

Soft condensed matter physics, which emerged as a distinct branch of physics in the 1990s, studies complex fluids: liquids in which structures with length scale between the molecular and the macroscopic exist. Polymers, liquid crystals, surfactant solutions, and colloids fall into this category. Physicists deal with properties of soft matter system

Organic Materials as Smart Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery presents the latest developments in the area of organic frameworks used in pharmaceutical nanotechnology. An up-to-date overview of organic smart nanocarriers is explored, along with the different types of nanocarriers, including polymeric micelles, cyclodextrins, hydrogels, lipid nanoparticles and nanoemlusions. Written by a diverse range of international academics, this book is a valuable reference for researchers in biomaterials, the pharmaceutical industry, and those who want to learn more about the current applications of organic smart nanocarriers. Explores the most recent molecular- and structure-based applications of organic smart nanocarriers in drug delivery Highlights different smart nanocarriers and assesses their intricate organic structural properties for improving drug delivery Assesses how molecular organic frameworks lead to more effective drug delivery systems

In Nanoconvergence , William Sims Bainbridge tours the future of science and technology in plain, nontechnical English. Bainbridge draws on an extraordinary breadth and depth of knowledge, based on his unique role at the epicenter of the nanoconvergence revolution. He successfully integrates insights from far-reaching scientific fields into a compelling human story—offering powerful insights you can use to plan your career, seek new investment opportunities, or simply understand what's coming next. Discover new breakthroughs in measuring, manipulating, and organizing matter at the nanoscale and the implications of those advances See why science fiction's view of nanotechnology is wrong and why the truth is even more exciting Preview new technologies built on the principles of cognitive science and enabled by nanotechnology Learn how nanotechnology may save Moore's Law, allowing computers to double in power every year for the next two decades Discover why nanoconvergence may spark a renaissance in the social sciences Examine the potential impact of scientific and technological convergence on human society and diversity

Overview of Soft Condensed Matter PhysicsSoft condensed matter physics is a fascinating field that focuses on the study of materials with properties between those of conventional solids and liquids. This subchapter aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of soft condensed matter physics, exploring its fundamental concepts and applications. Soft condensed matter refers to a wide range of materials, including polymers, colloids, liquid crystals, and biological systems. These materials are often characterized by their ability to flow and deform under external forces, which makes them highly dynamic and responsive. Understanding their unique behavior and properties is crucial for various fields, including materials science, nanotechnology, biology, and medicine. One of the key concepts in soft condensed matter physics is the interplay between structure and dynamics. The arrangement of particles and molecules within these materials significantly influences their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. By studying the structure, scientists can gain insights into the material's behavior and its response to external stimuli. Another important aspect of soft condensed matter physics is the study of phase transitions. These transitions occur when a material undergoes a change in its physical properties due to external factors such as temperature, pressure, or concentration. Soft condensed matter systems often exhibit rich phase behavior, with the formation of various ordered and disordered structures. Understanding these phase transitions is crucial for developing new materials with tailored properties. The subchapter will also delve into the various experimental and theoretical techniques used in soft condensed matter physics. Students will learn about microscopy techniques, such as atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy, which allow for the visualization of materials at the nanoscale. They will also explore spectroscopic techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance, which provide insights into the structure and dynamics of soft matter systems. Furthermore, this subchapter will highlight the interdisciplinary nature of soft condensed matter physics. Students will discover how concepts from physics, chemistry, and biology are combined to understand and manipulate soft materials. They will also explore the practical applications of soft condensed matter physics, such as the development of new drug delivery systems, smart materials, and advanced sensors.