This book opens with a description of fundamental aspects of protein adsorption to surfaces, a phenomenon that plays a key role in biotechnological applications, especially at solid-liquid interfaces. Presented here are methods for studying adsorption kinetics and conformational changes such as optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS). Also described are sensitive bench techniques for measuring the orientation and structure of proteins at solid-liquid interfaces, including total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE), dual polarisation interferometry (DPI) and time of flight - secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF–SIMS). A model study of fibronectin at polymer surfaces is included, as are studies using microporous membranes and textiles with immobilized enzymes for large-scale applications. Biocompatibility, anti-fouling properties and surface modification to modulate the adsorption and activity of biomolecules are among the other topics addressed in this invaluable book.

Non-electrolytes. Adsorption of small molecules. Adsorption from mixtures of miscible liquids. Adsorption of nonionic surfactants. Adsorption of polymers. Electrolytes. Adsorption of small ions. Adsorption of ionic surfactants. Adsorption of dyes. Adsorption of polyelectrolytes from dilute solution.

Proteins are exposed to various interfacial stresses during drug product development. They are subjected to air-liquid, liquid-solid, and, sometimes, liquid-liquid interfaces throughout the development cycle-from manufacturing of drug substances to storage and drug delivery. Unlike small molecule drugs, proteins are typically unstable at interfaces where, on adsorption, they often denature and form aggregates, resulting in loss of efficacy and potential immunogenicity. This book covers both the fundamental aspects of proteins at interfaces and the quantification of interfacial behaviors of proteins. Importantly, this book introduces the industrial aspects of protein instabilities at interfaces, including the processes that introduce new interfaces, evaluation of interfacial instabilities, and mitigation strategies. The audience that this book targets encompasses scientists in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, as well as faculty and students from academia in the surface science, pharmaceutical, and medicinal chemistry areas.

Albumin Structure, Function and Uses reviews the many facets of serum albumin, including its history and evolutionary development, structure and function, synthesis, degradation, distribution and transport, and metabolic behavior. The use, misuse, and abuse of albumin in the treatment of disease are also discussed. This book is comprised of 17 chapters and begins with a commentary on how albumin is used, misused, and abused in the treatment of disease such as peptic ulcer, and a description of the real indications for its use. Concepts in albumin purification are then examined, along with the amino acid sequence of serum albumin and some aspects of its structure and conformational properties. Subsequent chapters explore the phylogenetics of albumin; albumin binding sites; clinical implications of drug-albumin interaction; genetics of human serum albumin; and hepatic synthesis of export proteins. Albumin catabolism and intracellular transport are also considered, together with surgical and clinical aspects of albumin metabolism. This monograph should be a useful resource for biochemists and clinicians.

The interfacial behaviour of surfactants and proteins, and their mixtures, is of importance in a wide range of areas such as food technology, detergency, cosmetics, coating processes, biomedicine, pharmacy and biotechnology. Methods such as surface and interfacial tension measurements and interfacial dilation and shear rheology characterise the relationships between these interfacial properties and the complex behaviour of foams and emulsions is established. Recently-developed experimental techniques, such as FRAP which enable the measurement of molecular mobility in adsorption layers, are covered in this volume. The development of theories to describe the thermodynamic surface state or the exchange of matter for proteins and protein/surfactant mixtures is also described.Features of this book:• Reflects the state-of-the-art research and application of protein interfacial layers rather than a snapshot of only some recent developments.• Emphasis is placed on experimental details as well as recent theoretical developments.• New experimental techniques applied to protein interfacial layers are described, such as FRAP or ADSA, or rheological methods to determine the mechanical behaviour of protein-modified interfaces.• A large number of practical applications, ranging from emulsions relevant in food technology for medical problems such as lung surfactants, to the characterisation of foams intrinsic to beer and champagne production.The book will be of interest to research and university institutes dedicated to interfacial studies in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, medicine and food engineering. Industrial departments for research and technology in food industry, pharmacy, medicine and brewery research will also find this volume of value.

An Introduction to Tissue-Biomaterial Interactions acquaints an undergraduate audience with the fundamental biological processes that influence these sophisticated, cutting-edge procedures. Chapters one through three provide more detail about the molecular-level events that happen at the tissue-implant interface, while chapters four through ten explore selected material, biological, and physiological consequences of these events. The importance of the body’s wound-healing response is emphasized throughout. Specific topics covered include:Structure and properties of biomaterials Proteins Protein-surface interactions Blood-biomaterial interactions Inflammation and infection The immune system Biomaterial responses to implantation Biomaterial surface engineering Intimal hyperplasia and osseointegration as examples of tissue-biomaterial interactions The text also provides extensive coverage of the three pertinent interfaces between the body and the biomaterial, between the body and the living cells, and between the cells and the biomaterial that are critical in the development of tissue-engineered products that incorporate living cells within a biomaterial matrix. Ideal for a one-semester, biomedical engineering course, An Introduction to Tissue-Biomaterial Interactions provides a solid framework for understanding today’s and tomorrow’s implantable biomedical devices.