Bringing together experts from 15 countries, this book is based on the lectures and contributions of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on “Nanotechnological Basis for Advanced Sensors” held in Sozopol, Bulgaria, 30 May - 11 June, 2010. It gives a broad overview on this topic, and includes articles on: techniques for preparation and characterization of sensor materials; different types of nanoscaled materials for sensor applications, addressing both their structure (nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanostructured films, etc.) and chemical nature (carbon-based, oxides, glasses, etc.); and on advanced sensors that exploit nanoscience and nanotechnology. In addition, the volume represents an interdisciplinary approach with authors coming from diverse fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science and biology. A particular strength of the book is its combination of longer papers, introducing the basic knowledge on a certain topic, and brief contributions highlighting special types of sensors and sensor materials.

This volume gives a broad overview of advanced technologies for detection and defence against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents. It provides chapters addressing the preparation and characterization of different nanoscale materials (metals, oxides, glasses, polymers, carbon-based, etc.) and their applications in fields related to security and safety. In addition, it presents an interdisciplinary approach as the contributors come from different areas of research, such as physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science and biology. A major feature of the book is the combination of longer chapters introducing the basic knowledge on a certain topic, and shorter contributions highlighting specific applications in different security areas.

Potential applications of nanotechnology in food industry include: encapsulation and delivery of substances in targeted sites, increasing flavor, introducing antibacterial nanoparticles into food, enhancing shelf life, sensing contamination, improved food storage, tracking, tracing, and brand protection. This book provides a basic understanding of the nanoscience and nanotechnology and their applications to different food industry sectors, covering both benefits and drawbacks using nanotechnology in food processing and discussing the development of an international regulatory framework.

The two volumes of Handbook of Gas Sensor Materials provide a detailed and comprehensive account of materials for gas sensors, including the properties and relative advantages of various materials. Since these sensors can be applied for the automation of myriad industrial processes, as well as for everyday monitoring of such activities as public safety, engine performance, medical therapeutics, and in many other situations, this handbook is of great value. Gas sensor designers will find a treasure trove of material in these two books.

Nanobiosensors: Nanotechnology in the Agri-Food Industry, Volume 8, provides the latest information on the increasing demand for robust, rapid, inexpensive, and safe alternative technologies that monitor, test, and detect harmful or potentially dangerous foods. Due to their high sensitivity and selectivity, nanobiosensors have attracted attention for their use in monitoring not only biological contaminants in food, but also potential chemical and physical hazards. This book offers a broad overview regarding the current progress made in the field of nanosensors, including cutting-edge technological progress and the impact of these devices on the food industry. Special attention is given to the detection of microbial contaminants and harmful metabolotes, such as toxins and hormones, which have a great impact on both humans and animal health and feed. - Includes the most up-to-date information on nanoparticles based biosensors and quantum dots for biological detection - Provides application methods and techniques for research analysis for bacteriological detection and food testing - Presents studies using analytical tools to improve food safety and quality analysis

The topics discussed at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop “Nanotechnology in the Security Systems" included nanophysics, nanotechnology, nanomaterials, sensors, biosensors security systems, explosive detection. There have been many significant advances in the past two years and some entirely new directions of research are just opening up. Recent advances in nano science have demonstrated that fundamentally new physical phenomena are found when systems are reduced in size with dimensions, comparable to the fundamental microscopic length scales of the investigated material. Recent developments in nanotechnology and measurement techniques now allow experimental investigation of transport properties of nano devices. This work will be of interest to researchers working in spintronics, molecular electronics and quantum information processing.

The book exhaustively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators from the perspective of organic chemistry. The field of polymeric sensors and actuators is developing very rapidly as newly derived polymer materials are suitable for sensor technology. This book uniquely and comprehensively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators. The author has researched both scientific papers and patents to include all the recent discoveries and applications. Since many chemists may not be very familiar with the physical background as well as how sensors operate, Polymeric Sensors and Actuators includes a general chapter dealing with the overall physics and basic principles of sensors. Complementary chapters on their methods of fabrication as well as the processing of data are included. The actuators sections examine the fields of applications, special designs, and materials. The final chapter is dedicated to liquid crystal displays. The book concludes with four extensive indices including one special one on analytes to allow the practitioner to easily use the text. This comprehensive text examines the following sensor types: Humidity Sensors Biosensors Mechanical Sensors Optical Sensors Surface Plasmon Resonance Test Strips Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Sensors Piezoelectric Sensors Acoustic Wave Sensors Electronic Nose Switchable Polymers