One of the key challenges in biophysics and chemical biology is gaining an understanding of the underlying physico-chemical basis of the highly complex structure and properties of biomembranes. It used to be thought that the lipid component played a mainly passive role, simply acting as a self-assembled bilayer matrix within which the active protein components functioned. However, it has now become clear that there is a intimate two-way interplay between the lipid and the protein components in determining membrane structure, organization and dynamics, and that lipids play many active roles in biological function. Concepts such as lateral segregation and domain formation, lateral pressure, curvature and curvature elasticity have attracted enormous interest in recent years, although their validity when applied to real biomembranes remains unclear or even obscure. This Faraday Discussion considered recent developments in the study of biomembrane structure, ordering and dynamics, with particular emphasis on the roles of lipids in these phenomena. As well as discussing new experimental and theoretical findings and novel methodologies, the meeting focused on exploring the relevance of concepts from amphiphile self-assembly and soft matter physics to understanding biomembranes.

Driven both by real industrial needs and curiosity for fundamental research, edible oil structuring has emerged as a subject of growing interest with applications in real food systems. With contributions from leading research groups around the world, this book provides a comprehensive and concise overview of the field with special emphasis on the updates from the last 5 years. New insights into the mechanism of gelation in mono- and multicomponent gels are discussed for several categories of previously known structuring agents along with the potential food applications of some of these systems. In addition, use of alternative methods to explore structuring properties of hydrophilic biopolymers are presented with illustrative examples. Some new concepts such as bio-based synthesis of supergelators, foamed oleogels and use of innovative dispersion techniques give a broader picture of the current research in edible oil structuring. This book will be of interest to students, academics and scientists involved in the research of edible oil structuring. It will be an important reference as it provides current information on the state-of-the-art of the field.

Advances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self-assembly, Volume 31, 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.

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.

Advances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self-Assembly, 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. Planar lipid bilayers are widely studied due to their ubiquity in nature and find their application in the formulation of biomimetic model membranes, and in the design of artificial dispersion of liposomes. Moreover, lipids self-assemble into a wide range of other structures, including micelles and the liquid crystalline hexagonal and cubic phases. Consensus has been reached that curved membrane phases do play an important role in nature as well, especially in dynamic processes, such as vesicles fusion and cell communication. Self-assembled lipid structures have enormous potential as dynamic materials ranging from artificial lipid membranes to cell membranes, from biosensing to controlled drug delivery, from pharmaceutical formulations to novel food products to mention a few. An assortment of chapters in this volume represents both original research as well as comprehensive reviews written by world leading experts and young researchers.

"Handbook of Chromatography: Analysis of Lipids" provides a valuable review of state-of-the-art applications of chromatographic techniques (TLC, GC, HPLC) and other analytical techniques. Much of this volume is devoted to applications of HPLC (including supercritical fluid chromatography) in the analysis of lipids such as fatty acids, oxygenated fatty acids, enantiomeric acyl- and alkylglycerols, and lipoproteins. The handbook also provides extensive coverage of applications of combinations of various chromatographic techniques used in the analysis of ozonides, anacardic acids, glycerophospholipids, products of lipolysis, artifacts and contaminants in edible fats, acylated proteins, non-caloric lipids, lipophilic vitamins, acyl-Coenzyme A thioesters, dolichols, mycolic acids, technical fats and fat products, and liposomes.
"Handbook of Chromatography: Analysis of Lipids" will be a useful reference for oil chemists, biochemists, fat science technologists, and other scientists involved in lipid research.

Our brain is recognized by all specialists as the most complex entity created in nature. Regarding the extraordinary capacities of its functioning, still incompletely known, the control of the brain by our dietary lipids may seem very improbable to many people. Yet, research has shown that an imbalance in the intake of essential fatty acids is related to conditions as prevalent as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Research on psychological disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, aggressiveness and suicidal behavior are discussed in this text. Several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis are also explored. Several observations prove that not only are omega-3 fatty acids actively involved in maintaining the noble functions of our brain, but other lipids, including cholesterol, liposoluble vitamins (A, D and E) and some carotenoids play roles as well and are presented in this book. Dietary Lipids for Healthy Brain Function focuses on this important research for human health. This book brings readers, doctors, dietitians and nutritionists arguments that could improve brain development in young people, prevent many nervous diseases and slow down the age-related decline of higher brain functions. This book provides helpful information to improve health in the young as well in the old, using practical and personalized recommendations for preventing and treating nervous pathologies. Features: * Focuses on the importance of dietary lipids on the proper brain functioning. * Provides relevant references demonstrating the efficiency of dietary lipids to maintain a healthy brain. * Introduces lipid sources and describes their roles by lipid groups in behavior issues and various chronic nervous diseases.

Extensively revised, reorganized, and expanded, the third edition of the industry standard, The Lipid Handbook reflects many of the changes in lipid science and technology that have occurred in the last decade. All chapters have been rewritten, many by new authors, to match the updated thinking and practice of modern lipid science and bring a fresh perspective to twenty years of tradition. Retaining the general structure of the previous editions, The Lipid Handbook with CD-ROM, Third Edition collates a wide range of information into a single volume. New contributions highlight the latest technologies utilized in today's lipid science such as chromatographic analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An entirely new chapter is devoted to non-food uses such as lipids as surfactants, cosmetics, and biofuels. Expanded sections illustrate a growing emphasis on lipid metabolism and the nutritional, medical, and agricultural aspects including human dietary requirements and disorders of lipid metabolism. The dictionary section is vastly expanded to cover chemical structure, physical properties, and references to thousands of lipid and lipid related molecules. The handbook now includes a CD-ROM that allows instant access to tabulated and referenced information and can be searched either as the full text or by structure or substructure. Drawing from the best minds in the field, The Lipid Handbook with CD-ROM, Third Edition presents the latest technological developments and the current and future directions and applications of lipid science to the next generation of researchers.

Most plasma lipid abnormalities reflect an interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors. This volume describes plasma lipid transport, the various categories of plasma lipid disorders and the relationship between plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and atherosclerotic disease. It examines the contrasting role of LDL and HDL in atherogenesis and also describes the possible contributions of VLDL and chylomicrons. Cell surface receptors and other key proteins playing an important role in plasma lipoprotein regulation and metabolism are discussed, and the possible contribution of oxidative damage to LDL atherogenicity is considered. There is a final reflection on the effects of these disorders on endothelial function. The information provided should be useful to physicians and scientists interested in plasma lipid transport and how abnormalities of plasma lipids and lipoproteins relate to disease states.