Advances in Planar Lipid Bilayers and Liposomes volumes cover a broad range of topics, including main arrangements of the reconstituted system, namely planar lipid bilayers as well as spherical liposomes. The invited authors present the latest results of their own research groups in this exciting multidisciplinary field. Incorporates contributions from newcomers and established and experienced researchers Explores the planar lipid bilayer systems and spherical liposomes from both theoretical and experimental perspectives Serves as an indispensable source of information for new scientists

Biomembranes consist of molecular bilayers with many lipid and protein components. The fluidity of these bilayers allows them to respond to different environmental cues by changing their local molecular composition as well as their shape and topology. On the nanometer scale, this multi-responsive behavior can be studied by molecular dynamics simulations, which provide both snapshots and movies of the bilayer conformations. The general conceptual framework for these simulations is provided by the theory of curvature elasticity. The latter theory also explains the behavior of giant vesicles as observed by optical microscopy on the micrometer scale. The present volume describes new insights as obtained from recent developments in analytical theory, computer simulations, and experimental approaches. The seven chapters of the volume are arranged in a bottom-up manner from smaller to larger scales. These chapters address the refined molecular dynamics and multiscale modeling of biomembranes, their morphological complexity and adhesion, the engulfment and endocytosis of nanoparticles, the fusion of giant unilamellar vesicles, as well as recent advances in microfluidic technology applied to model membranes. - Bridging the gap between lipid molecules and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) - Integrated view obtained from analytical theory, computer simulations, and experimental observations - Multiresponsive behavior and morphological complexity of biomembranes

Advances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self-Assembly, Volume 26, formerly titled Advances in Planar Lipid Bilayers and Liposomes, provides a global platform for a broad community of experimental and theoretical researchers studying cell membranes, lipid model membranes, and lipid self-assemblies from the micro- to the nanoscale. Chapters in this new release include sections on the Applicative use of electroporation models: from the molecular to the tissue level, Tubular membrane structures, Trends in Big Data Technologies, Biomedical application of TiO2+Gd nanostructures, and The metamorphic transformation of a water-soluble monomeric protein into an oligomeric transmembrane pore. An assortment of chapters in this volume represents both original research as well as comprehensive reviews written by world leading experts and young researchers. - Surveys recent theoretical and experimental results on lipid micro- and nanostructures - Presents potential uses of applications, like clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, biotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering and food products - Includes both original research and comprehensive reviews written by world leading experts and young researchers - Provides a global platform for a broad community of experimental and theoretical researchers studying cell membranes, lipid model membranes, and lipid self-assemblies from the micro- to the nanoscale

Biological Soft Matter Explore a comprehensive, one-stop reference on biological soft matter written and edited by leading voices in the field Biological Soft Matter: Fundamentals, Properties and Applications delivers a unique and indispensable compilation of up-to-date knowledge and material on biological soft matter. The book presents a thorough overview about biological soft matter, beginning with different substance classes, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides. It goes on to describe a variety of superstructures and aggregated and how they are formed by self-assembly processes like protein folding or crystallization. The distinguished editors have included materials with a special emphasis on macromolecular assembly, including how it applies to lipid membranes, and proteins fibrillization. Biological Soft Matter is a crucial resource for anyone working in the field, compiling information about all important substance classes and their respective roles in forming superstructures. The book is ideal for beginners and experts alike and makes the perfect guide for chemists, physicists, and life scientists with an interest in the area. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: An introduction to DNA nano-engineering and DNA-driven nanoparticle assembly Explorations of polysaccharides and glycoproteins, engineered biopolymers, and engineered hydrogels Discussions of macromolecular assemblies, including liquid membranes and small molecule inhibitors for amyloid aggregation A treatment of inorganic nanomaterials as promoters and inhibitors of amyloid fibril formation An examination of a wide variety of natural and artificial polymers Perfect for materials scientists, biochemists, polymer chemists, and protein chemists, Biological Soft Matter: Fundamentals, Properties and Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of biophysicists and physical chemists seeking a one-stop reference summarizing the rapidly evolving topic of biological soft matter.

Advances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self-Assembly, Volume 29, formerly titled Advances in Planar Lipid Bilayers and Liposomes, provides a global platform for the study of cell membranes, lipid model membranes, and lipid self-assemblies, from the micro- to the nanoscale. As planar lipid bilayers are widely studied due to their ubiquity in nature, this book presents research on their application in the formulation of biomimetic model membranes, and in the design of artificial dispersion of liposomes. Moreover, the book discusses how lipids self-assemble into a wide range of other structures, including micelles and the liquid crystalline hexagonal and cubic phases. Chapters in this volume present both original research and comprehensive reviews written by world leading experts and young researchers. Surveys recent theoretical and experimental results on lipid micro- and nanostructures Presents potential use applications, such as clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, biotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering and food products Includes both original research and comprehensive reviews written by world leading experts and young researchers Provides a global platform for a broad community of experimental and theoretical researchers studying cell membranes, lipid model membranes, and lipid self-assemblies, from the micro- to the nanoscale

An authoritative reference that contains the most up-to-date information knowledge, approaches, and applications of lipid crystals Crystallization of Lipids is a comprehensive resource that offers the most current and emerging knowledge, techniques and applications of lipid crystals. With contributions from noted experts in the field, the text covers the basic research of polymorphic structures, molecular interactions, nucleation and crystal growth and crystal network formation of lipid crystals which comprise main functional materials employed in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The authors highlight trans-fat alternative and saturated-fat reduction technology to lipid crystallization. These two issues are the most significant challenges in the edible-application technology of lipids, and a key solution is lipid crystallization. The text focuses on the crystallization processes of lipids under various external influences of thermal fluctuation, ultrasound irradiation, shear, emulsification and additives. Designed to be practical, the book’s information can be applied to realistic applications of lipids to foods, cosmetic and pharmaceuticals. This authoritative and up-to-date guide: Highlights cutting-edge research tools designed to help analyse lipid crystallization with the most current and the conventional techniques Offers a thorough review of the information, techniques and applications of lipid crystals Includes contributions from noted experts in the field of lipid crystals Presents cutting-edge information on the topics of trans-fat alterative and saturated-fat reduction technology Written for research and development technologists as well as academics, this important resource contains research on lipid crystals which comprise the main functional materials employed in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.

This book is about the importance of water in determining the structure, stability and responsive behavior of biological membranes. Water confers to lipid membranes unique features in terms of surface and mechanical properties. The analysis of the hydration forces, plasticiser effects, controlled hydration, formation of microdomains of confined water suggests that water is an active constituent in a water-lipid system. The chapters describe water organization at the lipid membrane–water interphase, the water penetration, the long range water structure in the presence of lipid membranes by means of X-ray and neutron scattering, general polarization, fluorescent probes, ATR-FTIR and near infrared spectroscopies, piezo electric methods, computer simulation and surface thermodynamics. Permeation, percolation, osmotic stress, polarization, protrusion, sorption, hydrophobicity, density fluctuations are treated in detail in self-assembled bilayers. Studies in lipid monolayers show the correlation of surface pressure with water activity and its role in peptide and enzyme interactions. The book concludes with a discussion on anhydrobiosis and the effect of water replacement in microdomains and its consequence for cell function. New definitions of lipid/water interphases consider water not only as a structural-making solvent but as a mediator in signalling metabolic activity, modulating protein insertion and enzymatic activity, triggering oscillatory reactions and functioning of membrane bound receptors. Since these effects occur at the molecular level, membrane hydration appears fundamental to understand the behavior of nano systems and confined environments mimicking biological systems. These insights in structural, thermodynamical and mechanical water properties give a base for new paradigms in membrane structure and function for those interested in biophysics, physical chemistry, biology, bio and nano medicine, biochemistry, biotechnology and nano sciences searching for biotechnological inputs in human health, food industry, plant growing and energy conversion.