Biological Soft Matter: Fundamentals, Properties, and Applications

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.

Corinne Nardin conducts research in the Physical Chemistry of Surfaces and Materials department of the Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physical Chemistry for Environment and Materials. She has authored over 50 scholarly articles and 4 book chapters.

Helmut Schlaad is Professor at the University of Potsdam. His research interests include polymer synthesis, bio-sourced polymers, smart functional materials, and bio-inspired polymer structures. He has authored over 180 scientific publications and 11 book chapters.