Microgels by Precipitation Polymerization: Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization, by A. Pich and W. Richtering * Hydrogels in Miniemulsions, by K. Landfester and A. Musyanovych * Nano- and Microgels Through Addition Reactions of Functional Oligomers and Polymers, by K. Albrecht, M. Moeller, and J. Groll * Synthesis of Microgels by Radiation Methods, by F. Krahl and K.-F. Arndt * Microgels as Nanoreactors: Applications in Catalysis, by N. Welsch, M.s Ballauff, and Y. Lu

Microgels by Precipitation Polymerization: Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization, by A. Pich and W. Richtering * Hydrogels in Miniemulsions, by K. Landfester and A. Musyanovych * Nano- and Microgels Through Addition Reactions of Functional Oligomers and Polymers, by K. Albrecht, M. Moeller, and J. Groll * Synthesis of Microgels by Radiation Methods, by F. Krahl and K.-F. Arndt * Microgels as Nanoreactors: Applications in Catalysis, by N. Welsch, M.s Ballauff, and Y. Lu

Since the turn of the last century, significant advances have been documented in the literature on the design and engineering of microgels. Specialized reviews, each covering only a specific aspect of microgel development, are available; however, works that provide a comprehensive overview of the recent status of microgel research can hardly been found. The latter is important to the field as it can offer a broad view of the current situation and the possibilities for future microgel research. The objective of this book is to fill this gap by presenting a snapshot of the latest advances in the synthesis, characterization and applications of microgels. This book consists of three sections. The first section aims at providing an overview of the latest status of microgel research. Concepts in the current understandings of microgel fabrication and characterisation will be discussed. The second section is devoted to exploiting microgel properties and engineering techniques. The development of a diversity of gel systems, ranging from stimuli-responsive microgels and noncovalent crosslinking microgels to phenol formaldehyde-based aerogels, will be reviewed. The potential use of electrospray technologies to manipulate the microstructure of microgels will also be exploited. The last section intends to highlight the application potential of microgels, with a special focus on wastewater treatment, drug delivery, tissue engineering, gene delivery, bioimaging, and antifouling. It is hoped that this book will not only lay a foundation of knowledge and terminology to those interested in a future research career in the subject, but can also serve as a reference guide to researchers working in the field in terms of the concepts and techniques relating to microgel development.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Stimuli-Responsive Gels" that was published in Gels

Smart Stimuli-Responsive Poymers, Films, and Gels Discover the most important developments in synthesis, simulation, and applications of a fascinating compound class There exist a range of natural materials that respond to environmental changes by altering their physical or chemical properties, known as stimuli-responsive polymers, these substances are responsive to light, temperature, pressure, and more. The study of these so-called “smart” polymers is essential to a range of application fields, many of which have generated cutting-edge research in recent decades. A comprehensive introduction to the subject is therefore well-timed Smart Stimuli-Responsive Polymers, Films, and Gels provides an introduction to these polymers and their applications. It includes producing these polymers through synthetic approaches, simulating their responses to different stimuli, and applying these materials in different industries and research capacities. Written to serve the requirements of advanced students and senior researchers alike, this timely work will drive years of research in this vital field. In Smart Stimuli-Responsive Polymers, Films, and Gels readers will also find: Treatment of mechanoresponsive, photoresponsive, and ionizing-radiation responsive polymers Applications in emerging fields such as sensors, biomedicine, catalysis, and more Interdisciplinary research into the properties and responses of these vital compounds Smart Stimuli-Responsive Polymers, Films, and Gels promises to become a seminal work for chemists, materials scientists, and industrial researchers seeking to incorporate these materials into a variety of industrial and research areas.

Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery and Therapy presents recent advances in the field of nanobiomaterials and their important applications in drug delivery, therapy and engineering. The book offers pharmaceutical perspectives, exploring the development of nanobiomaterials and their interaction with the human body. Chapters show how nanomaterials are used in treatments, including neurology, dentistry and cancer therapy. Authored by a range of contributors from global institutions, this book offers a broad, international perspective on how nanotechnology-based advances are leading to novel drug delivery and treatment solutions. It is a valuable research resource that will help both practicing medics and researchers in pharmaceutical science and nanomedicine learn more on how nanotechnology is improving treatments. - Assesses the opportunities and challenges of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems - Explores how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient drug delivery systems - Discusses which nanomaterials make the best drug carriers

This book focuses on a research field that is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising ones for the global optics and photonics community: the “lab-on-fiber” technology. Inspired by the well-established "lab on-a-chip" concept, this new technology essentially envisages novel and highly functionalized devices completely integrated into a single optical fiber for both communication and sensing applications. Based on the R&D experience of some of the world's leading authorities in the fields of optics, photonics, nanotechnology, and material science, this book provides a broad and accurate description of the main developments and achievements in the lab-on-fiber technology roadmap, also highlighting the new perspectives and challenges to be faced. This book is essential for scientists interested in the cutting-edge fiber optic technology, but also for graduate students.