Biopolymer Science for Proteins and Peptides introduces all aspects of natural polymers based on structural proteins and peptides, presenting synthesis, structure, properties, proteins, materials design, and applications. The book begins by presenting the core concepts of polypeptide and protein materials, before discussing synthesis and structure in detail. The next part of the book describes physical properties, biological properties, and issues surrounding stability. Subsequent chapters offer in-depth coverage of both natural and structural protein sources, including collagen, silk, elastin, resilin, keratin, foot protein, and reflectin, and the materials that can be designed from them, such as films, fibers, textiles, microparticles, sponges and scaffolds, nanomaterials, blends, and composites. These materials are also analyzed against the available synthetic polymers. Finally, the text explores current applications and potential future developments. This is an essential resource for researchers and advanced students across a range of disciplines, including biopolymers, structural proteins, polymer science, materials science, biomaterials, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, and pharmaceutical science. In an industry setting, this is of great interest to scientists and R&D professionals working in industries with an interest in bio-based polymers for advanced applications.

Mechanical and Electro-chemical Interactions under Tribocorrosion: From Measurements to Modelling for Building a Relevant Monitoring Approach looks at progress in the field of tribocorrosion. The work is a result of the efforts of the European tribocorrosion community gathered under the auspices of the European Corrosion Federation (EFC) within WP18 Tribocorrosion. In addition to the handbook, Testing Tribocorrosion of Passivating Materials Supporting Research and industrial Innovation published in 2012, this release describes the latest scientific approaches recognized and validated experimentally to address tribocorrosion. Sections look at the phenomena of coupling through an understanding of the associated mechanisms and how to identify variables. Final sections cover strategies to control and/or extend the life of structures in a multi-process coupling situation and an in-depth description of the current state-of-the-art on modeling approaches of tribocorrosion.

Nanomaterials for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells explains nanomaterials and nanocomposites as well as the characterization, manufacturing, and design of alcohol fuel cell applications. The advantages of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are significant for reliable and long-lasting portable power sources used in devices such as mobile phones and computers. Even though substantial improvements have been made in DAFC systems over the last decade, more effort is needed to commercialize DAFCs by producing durable, low-cost, and smaller-sized devices. Nanomaterials have an important role to play in achieving this aim. The use of nanotechnology in DAFCs is vital due to their role in the synthesis of nanocatalysts within the manufacturing process. Lately, nanocatalysts containing carbon such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanocoils have also attracted much attention. When compared to traditional materials, carbon-based materials have unique advantages, such as high corrosion resistance, better electrical conductivity, and less catalyst poisoning. This book also covers different aspects of nanocomposites fabrication, including their preparation, design, and characterization techniques for their fuel cell applications. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers, energy scientists, and electrochemists who are seeking to improve their understanding of how nanomaterials are being used to enhance the efficiency and lower the cost of DAFCs.

Advances in Inorganic Chemistry, Volume 78 presents timely and informative summaries on current progress in a variety of subject areas. Chapters in this new release include Catching reactive species in manganese oxidation catalysis, Mechanistic Puzzles from Iron(III) TAML Activators Including Substrate Inhibition, Zero-Order and Dual Catalysis, Stepping towards C-circular economy: Integration of solar chemistry and biosystems for efficient CO2 conversion into added value chemicals and fuels, Highlighting recent work on metal-coordinated and metallic nanoparticles as NIR imaging probes for biosensing application in living cells, and more. Users will find this to be a comprehensive overview of recent findings and trends from the last decade that covers various kinds of inorganic topics, from theoretical oriented supramolecular chemistry, to the quest for accurate calculations of spin states in transition metals.

Foaming with Supercritical Fluids, Volume Nine provides a comprehensive description of the use of supercritical fluids as blowing agents in polymer foaming. To this aim, the fundamental issues on which the proper design and control of this process are rooted are discussed in detail, with specific attention devoted to the theoretical and experimental aspects of sorption thermodynamics of a blowing agent within a polymer, the effect of the absorbed blowing agent on the thermal, interfacial and rheological properties of the expanding matter, and the phase separation of the gaseous phase, and of the related bubble nucleation and growth phenomena. Several foaming technologies based on the use of supercritical blowing agents are then described, addressing the main issues in the light of the underlying chemical-physical phenomena.

Upconversion Nanophosphors provides detailed information about various lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles and their application in different fields. It will also help solve fundamental and applied problems of inorganic phosphor materials showing upconversion behavior, as well as generate innovative ideas related to the application of inorganic phosphor materials. This book will prove to be an invaluable reference work for scientists, engineers, industrial experts, and masters and PhD students working in the field of upconversion and materials science.

Geographical and Fingerprinting Data for Positioning and Navigation Systems: Challenges, Experiences and Technology Roadmap explores the state-of-the -art software tools and innovative strategies to provide better understanding of positioning and navigation in indoor environments using fingerprinting techniques. The book provides the different problems and challenges of indoor positioning and navigation services and shows how fingerprinting can be used to address such necessities. This advanced publication provides the useful references educational institutions, industry, academic researchers, professionals, developers and practitioners need to apply, evaluate and reproduce this book's contributions. The readers will learn how to apply the necessary infrastructure to provide fingerprinting services and scalable environments to deal with fingerprint data.

Biogenic Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics outlines the synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles to become cancer theranostic agents. The book also discusses their cellular interaction and uptake, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, drug delivery efficiency, and other biological effects. Additionally, the book explores the mechanism of their penetration in cancerous tissue, its clearance, and its metabolism. Moreover, the in vitro and in vivo toxicological effects of biogenic nanoparticles are discussed. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and biomedical scientists who are looking to increase their understanding of how biogenic nanoparticles are being used for a range of cancer treatment types. Metal nanoparticles have traditionally been synthesized by classical physico-chemical methods which have many drawbacks, such as high energy demand, high cost and potential ecotoxicity. As a result, the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles is gaining increasing prominence. Biosynthesis approaches to metal nanoparticles are clean, safe, energy efficient and environment friendly.

Quantum dots (QDs) are hybrid organic/inorganic nanoparticles with novel physical properties. QDs have two components: an inorganic core and an optically active coated shell. Moreover, surface coatings can be applied to QDs to modify the particle as needed for experiments. Hydrophilic coatings prevent leaking of metal cargo from the core, enhancing the solubility in biological contexts and bind molecules, such as receptor-ligands, antibodies, therapeutic, and diagnostic macromolecules for enhanced effects. Their high surface-to-volume ratio allows multiple functional groups to attach onto the surface of the particles at constant surface volume. Silicon-, gallium-, indium-, or germanium-based; cadmium-based; and carbon-based QDs have already been used in many applications, such as imaging probes for the engineering of multifunctional nanodevices. Superior properties of QDs make them an excellent system in technology and biotechnology. This book describes electroanalytical applications of QD-based nanobiosensors, including brief information about the synthesis and characterization of QDs and basics of electroanalytical methods, followed by QDs in electrochemical biomimetic sensors, QDs in microchips, inorganic materials doped QDs, QD-based electrochemical DNA biosensors, electroluminescence for biomarker analysis using aptamer-based QDs, QD-based photoelectrochemical techniques, enzyme-based nanobiosensors using QDs, QD-based electrochemical immunosensors, and QD-modified nanosensors in drug analysis.

Dielectric Metamaterials and Metasurfaces in Transformation Optics and Photonics addresses the complexity of electromagnetic responses from arrays of dielectric resonators, which are often omitted from consideration when using simplified metamaterials concepts. The book's authors present a thorough consideration of dielectric resonances in different environments which is needed to design optical and photonic devices. Dielectric metamaterials and photonic crystals are compared, with their effects analyzed. Design approaches and examples of designs for invisibility cloaks based on artificial media are also included. Current challenge of incorporating artificial materials into transformation optics-based and photonics devices are also covered.

Silver Nanomaterials for Agri-Food Applications explores how silver-based nanomaterials are being used to create more efficient systems and products across the agri-food sector. In particular, the book covers silver nanomaterials as antimicrobial agents, in food science, for plant protection, and for water purification. Sections highlight the effect of silver nanoantimicrobials and drug synergism on drug-resistant pathogens, offer an overview of silver nanomaterials-based nanosensors in agri-food applications, explore the use of silver nanostructures in plant science applications, cover plant protection applications, describe silver nanomaterial applications in the removal of dyes and pesticides from wastewater, and more.

Multiscale Modeling Approaches for Composites outlines the fundamentals of common multiscale modeling techniques and provides detailed guidance for putting them into practice. Various homogenization methods are presented in a simple, didactic manner, with an array of numerical examples. The book starts by covering the theoretical underpinnings of tensors and continuum mechanics concepts, then passes to actual micromechanic techniques for composite media and laminate plates. In the last chapters the book covers advanced topics in homogenization, including Green's tensor, Hashin-Shtrikman bounds, and special types of problems. All chapters feature comprehensive analytical and numerical examples (Python and ABAQUS scripts) to better illustrate the theory.

Advances are continuously being made in applying the coatings and surface treatments by different techniques to reduce the damages from tribology. Engineers need more detailed information to compare the capability of each coating process in wear resistant and lubrication applications. It is also important to focus on the concepts of tribology in various applications such as the manufacturing process, bio implants, machine elements, and corrosive environments. The need for a comprehensive resource addressing these findings in order to improve wear resistance is unavoidable. Tribology in Coatings and Surface Treatment: Technology, Properties, and Applications evaluates the latest advances the fabrication of wear-resistant and lubricant coatings by different techniques and investigates wear-resistant coatings and surface treatments in various applications such as the automobile industry. Covering a wide range of topics such as lubricant coatings and wearable electronic devices, it is ideal for engineers, industry professionals, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Environmental devices help in monitoring the collection of one or more measurements that are used to access the status of an environment. Today, environmental monitoring and analytical methods are among the most rapidly developing branches of analysis. The functionalization of nanomaterials in the field of environmental science has increasing importance with regards to the fabrication of devices. Functionalized nanomaterials reformulate new materials and advanced characteristics for improved application in comparison to old fashion materials and open an opportunity for the development of devices for introducing new technology and techniques for monitoring environmental challenges. The monitoring of these environmental challenges in advances have direct impact on health and sustainability. Functionalized nanomaterials have different mechanical, absorption, optical or electrical properties than original nanomaterials. In fact, major utilization of nanomaterials occurs in their functionalized forms, which are very different from the parent material. This handbook provides an overview of the different state-of-the-art materials, devices and environmental applications of functionalized nanomaterials. In addition, the information offers a platform for ongoing research in the field of environmental science and device fabrication. The main objective of this book is to cover the major areas focusing on the functionalization of nanomaterials, device fabrication along with different techniques and environmental applications of functionalized nanomaterials-based devices. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and environmental scientsts who are looking to increase their understanding of how functionalized nanomaterial-based devices are being used for environmental monitoring applications.

Sustainable Biopolymer Composites: Biocompatibility, Self-healing, Modeling, Repair and Recyclability focuses on sustainable polymer composites also referred to as bio- composites. Vital aspects such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, repair and recyclability are discussed in detail. In addition, complexities like rapid and scalable processing, onsite repair, and minimal environmental effects are also covered along with the appropriateness of advanced polymer composites for structural applications in automotive, aviation and marine industries. This book will be an indispensable resource for scientists, engineers, physicists and chemists who are interested in the preparation, applications and repair analysis of bio-based composites and nano-composites for different types of applications. The composites repair process is extremely complex, hence it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of damage mechanisms to apply the most suitable repair technique. Damage assessment using onsite inspection, e.g., NDT, THz techniques and the automated repair process for reliability and repeatability, are vital parameters when executing bonded composite repair. Furthermore, overall integrity and structural health monitoring of composites repair is also necessary.

Tribocorrosion: Fundamentals, Methods, and Materials provides a balanced coverage of recent advancements in both experimental and computational areas of tribocorrosion, covering the basic concepts of tribology and electrochemistry, as well as testing set-ups, protocols, electrochemical methods, and more. It outlines experimental methods, demonstrating the different effects of material loss due to mechanical and electrochemical actions and looks at their effects in applied automotive, aerospace and biomedical settings. Standard testing protocols, tribocorrosion mechanisms in sliding contacts, and modeling and simulation techniques are all covered at length, as is bio-tribocorrosion and the best ways to prevent it.

Nanotechnology in Conservative Dentistry provides a detailed review of the use of nanotechnology in conservative dentistry, from diagnosis and restorative materials, through to tissue engineering and regeneration. This book covers fundamental topics in the field of conservative dentistry, including caries therapy, dentin reconstruction, pulp protection and more; each chapter reviews and discusses how nanotechnology can be implemented as a novel approach to traditional conservative dentistry techniques, exploring the many uses and advantages of this fast-growing technology. Various nanobiomaterials and technologies are covered, as well as assessment of the biocompatibility and toxicological risks of utilizing nanotechnology in dentistry. Nanotechnology in Conservative Dentistry will help dentists and materials science academics alike, understand the potential of nanotechnology in dentistry, building on and going beyond traditional concepts and techniques in this field.

Tailor-Made and Functionalized Biopolymer Systems: For Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications covers the design and application of these functionalized and tailor-made biopolymers and biopolymer systems intended for drug delivery and biomedical applications. Various concepts, design protocols and biomedical applications of tailor-made biopolymer systems are covered, guiding the reader from theoretical knowledge to practical application. Authored by an array of experts from global institutions, this book offers an interdisciplinary approach to how tailor-made biopolymers lead to novel drug delivery and treatment solutions. This will be a useful reference to a broad audience, including biomedical engineers, materials scientists, pharmacologists and chemists.

Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies is a comprehensive reference covering critical research, laboratory and industry developments on renewable energy technological, production, conversion, storage, and management, including solar energy systems (thermal and photovoltaic), wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, bioenergy and hydrogen production, and large-scale development of renewable energy technologies and their impact on the global economy and power capacity. Technological advancements include resources assessment and deployment, materials performance improvement, system optimization and sizing, instrumentation and control, modeling and simulation, regulations, and policies. Each modular chapter examines recent advances in specific renewable energy systems, providing theoretical and applied aspects of system optimization, control and management and supports them with global case studies demonstrating practical applications and economical and environmental aspects through life cycle analysis. The book is of interest to engineering graduates, researchers, professors and industry professionals involved in the renewable energy sector and advanced engineering courses dealing with renewable energy, sources, thermal and electrical energy production and sustainability.

Metal oxide nanomaterials exhibit interesting electrical and photochemical properties because of their size, stability, and high surface area that render them as great choices in fabricating alternative electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and sensor applications. The hybridization of metal oxides with other materials lead to the improvement in electrical conductivity, stability, and electron transfer kinetics during the electrocatalytic reactions. These key factors result in greater sensitivity of the sensor materials towards the analyte molecules. This book reviews the electrochemical determination of a variety of toxic chemical contaminants using metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials. Ultrasensitive and selective detection of toxic chemical contaminants is important and demanding, especially for monitoring and controlling environmental pollution. In recent years, metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials have shown high potential in the electrochemical detection of heavy metals, inorganic anions, phenolic compounds, pesticides, and chemical warfare reagents. Metal Oxides in Nanocomposite-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Toxic Chemicals comprehensively reviews this topic. In addition to the instrumental simplicity, the electrochemical methods show the improved sensor performance through the synergetic effect of metal oxide and other electroactive nanomaterial present in the nanocomposite. Thus, detailed information on the electrochemical sensing of toxic chemical contaminants using metal oxide-based nanomaterials are discussed. The recent progress in developing electrochemical sensors using metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials and perspectives on future opportunities in sensor research and development are addressed in the book.

Bioinspired and Biomimetic Materials for Drug Delivery delves into the potential of bioinspired materials in drug delivery, detailing each material type and its latest developments. In the last decade, biomimetic and bioinspired materials and technology has garnered increased attention in drug delivery research. Various material types including polymer, small molecular, protein, peptide, cholesterol, polysaccharide, nano-crystal and hybrid materials are widely considered in drug delivery research. However, biomimetic and bioinspired materials and technology have shown promising results for use in therapeutics, due to their high biocompatibility and reduced immunogenicity. Such materials include dopamine, extracellular exosome, bile acids, ionic liquids, and red blood cell. This book covers each of these materials in detail, reviewing their potential and usage in drug delivery. As such, this book will be a great source of information for biomaterials scientists, biomedical engineers and those working in pharmaceutical research.