The MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) market returned to growth in 2010. The total MEMS market is worth about $6.5 billion, up more than 11 percent from last year and nearly as high as its historic peak in 2007. MEMS devices are used across sectors as diverse as automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial process control, instrumentation and telecommunications - forming the nerve center of products including airbag crash sensors, pressure sensors, biosensors and ink jet printer heads. Part of the MEMS cluster within the Micro & Nano Technologies Series, this book covers the fabrication techniques and applications of thick film piezoelectric micro electromechanical systems (MEMS). It includes examples of applications where the piezoelectric thick films have been used, illustrating how the fabrication process relates to the properties and performance of the resulting device. Other topics include: top-down and bottom-up fabrication of thick film MEMS, integration of thick films with other materials, effect of microstructure on properties, device performance, etc.

The book will take a systematic look at nanoparticle risks within the paradigm of risk assessment, consider the limitations of this paradigm in dealing with the extreme uncertainties regarding many aspects of nanoparticle exposure and toxicity, and suggest new methods for assessing and managing risks in this context. It will consider the occupational environment where the potential for human exposure is the greatest as well as the issues relevant to occupational exposure assessment (e.g., the exposure metric) and the evidence from toxicological and epidemiological studies. A chapter will be devoted to how conventional risk assessment can be carried out for a candidate nanoparticle (e.g., carbon nanotubes), and the limitations that arise from this approach. We will propose several alternate methods in another chapter including screening assessments and adapting the rich methodological literature on the use of experts for risk assessment. Another chapter will deal with non-occupational populations, their susceptibilities, and life-cycle risk assessments. There will be a chapter on current risk management and regulatory oversight frameworks and their adequacy. This chapter will also include a discussion of U.S. and E.U. approaches to risk assessment, as well as corporate approaches.

Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems covers the core concepts and latest research regarding the use of nanoscale materials for the development and application of drug delivery systems. The book introduces the reader to nanotechnology in drug delivery, covering the synthesis, encapsulation techniques, characterization and key properties of nanoscale drug delivery systems. Later chapters review the broad range of target applications, including site-specific delivery of drugs for cardiovascular disease, cancer, bacterial infection, bone regeneration. and much more. This book helps translate advanced research into a clinical setting, analyzing the toxicity and health and safety challenges associated with utilizing nanotechnology in biomedicine. This will be a useful reference for those interested in nano-sized drug delivery in biomedicine, including academics and researchers in materials science, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical science and related disciplines.

Nanoarchitectonics for Smart Delivery and Drug Targeting is one of the first books on the market to exclusively focus on the topic of nanoarchitectonics, a rapidly developing area of nanotechnology which allows scientists to arrange nanoscale structural units, typically a group of atoms or molecules, in an intended configuration. This book assesses novel applications of nanomaterials in the areas of smart delivery and drug targeting using nanoarchitectonics and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each application.

2D Materials contains the latest information on the current frontier of nanotechnology, the thinnest form of materials to ever occur in nature. A little over 10 years ago, this was a completely unknown area, not thought to exist. However, since then, graphene has been isolated and acclaimed, and a whole other class of atomically thin materials, dominated by surface effects and showing completely unexpected and extraordinary properties has been created. This book is ideal for a variety of readers, including those seeking a high-level overview or a very detailed and critical analysis. No nanotechnologist can currently overlook this new class of materials.

Encapsulations, a volume in the Nanotechnology in the Agri-Food Industry series,presents key elements in establishing food quality through the improvement of food flavor and aroma. The major benefits of nanoencapsulation for food ingredients include improvement in bioavailability of flavor and aroma ingredients, improvement in solubility of poor water-soluble ingredients, higher ingredient retention during production process, higher activity levels of encapsulated ingredients, improved shelf life, and controlled release of flavor and aroma. This volume discusses main nanoencapsulation processes such as spray drying, melt injection, extrusion, coacervation, and emulsification. The materials used in nanoencapsulation include lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, cellulose, gums, and food grade polymers. Applications and benefits of nanoencapsulation such as controlled release, protections, and taste masking will be explained in detail.

Novel Approaches of Nanotechnology in Food, a volume in the Nanotechnology in the Agri-Food Industry series, represents a summary of the most recent advances made in the field of nanostructured materials that have significant impact on the agri-food industry. Because the current food market needs innovation, nanotechnology coupled with novel interdisciplinary approaches and processing methods has enabled important advances that have the potential to revolutionize agri-food sector. Nanotechnology can serve to resolve challenges faced by the food and bioprocessing industries for developing and implementing systems that can produce qualitative and quantitative foods that are safe, sustainable, and ecofriendly. This book is a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, and engineers in food science and biotechnology fields, as well as students who want information on cutting-edge technologies.

The concept of smart drug delivery vehicles involves designing and preparing a nanostructure (or microstructure) that can be loaded with a cargo, this can be a therapeutic drug, a contrast agent for imaging, or a nucleic acid for gene therapy. The nanocarrier serves to protect the cargo from degradation by enzymes in the body, to enhance the solubility of insoluble drugs, to extend the circulation half-life, and to enhance its penetration and accumulation at the target site. Importantly, smart nanocarriers can be designed to be responsive to a specific stimulus, so that the cargo is only released or activated when desired. In this volume we cover smart nanocarriers that respond to externally applied stimuli that usually involve application of physical energy. This physical energy can be applied from outside the body and can either cause cargo release, or can activate the nanostructure to be cytotoxic, or both. The stimuli covered include light of various wavelengths (ultraviolet, visible or infrared), temperature (increased or decreased), magnetic fields (used to externally manipulate nanostructures and to activate them), ultrasound, and electrical and mechanical forces. Finally we discuss the issue of nanotoxicology and the future scope of the field.

Nanobiomaterials in Medical Imaging presents the latest developments in medical exploratory approaches using nanotechnology. Leading researchers from around the world discuss recent progress and state-of-the-art techniques. The book covers synthesis and surface modification of multimodal imaging agents, popular examples of nanoparticles and their applications in different imaging techniques, and combinatorial therapy for the development of multifunctional nanocarriers. The advantages and potential of current techniques are also considered. This book will be of interest to postdoctoral researchers, professors and students engaged in the fields of materials science, biotechnology and applied chemistry. It will also be highly valuable to those working in industry, including pharmaceutics and biotechnology companies, medical researchers, biomedical engineers and advanced clinicians.

Rational Design of Enzyme-Nanomaterials, the new volume in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume covers research methods in rational design of enzyme-nanomaterials, and includes sections on such topics as conjugation of enzymes and dextran-aldehyde polymers, improved activity of enzymes bound to titanate nanosheet, nano-layered 'stable-on-the-table' biocatalysts and nanoparticle-based enzyme sensors.

Nanotechnology: An Introduction, Second Edition, is ideal for the newcomer to nanotechnology, someone who also brings a strong background in one of the traditional disciplines, such as physics, mechanical or electrical engineering, or chemistry or biology, or someone who has experience working in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. This book brings together the principles, theory, and practice of nanotechnology, giving a broad, yet authoritative, introduction to the possibilities and limitations of this exciting and rapidly developing field. The book's author, Prof Ramsden, also discusses design, manufacture, and applications and their impact on a wide range of nanotechnology areas.

Nanocolloids: A Meeting Point for Scientists and Technologists presents an easy-to-read approach to current trends in nanoscale colloid chemistry, which offers relatively simple and economically feasible ways to produce nanomaterials. Nanocolloids have been the subjects of major development in modern technology, with many current and future applications. The book helps scientists and technologists to understand the different aspects of modern nanocolloid science. It outlines the underlying fundamental principles of nanocolloid science and covers applications ranging from emulsions to dispersions and suspensions. You will find details on experimental techniques and methods for the synthesis and characterization of nanocolloids, including the latest developments in nanoemulsions and nanoparticles.

Nanobiomaterials in Soft Tissue Engineering brings together recent developments and the latest approaches in the field of soft tissue engineering at the nanoscale, offering a new perspective on the evolution of current and future applications. Leading researchers from around the world present the latest research and share new insights. This book covers the major conventional and unconventional fabrication methods of typical three-dimensional scaffolds used in regenerative medicine. Surface modification and spatial properties are included in an up-to-date overview, with the latest in vivo applications of engineered 3D scaffolds discussed. The book also considers the impact, advantages and future scope of the various methods. This book will be of interest to postdoctoral researchers, professors and students engaged in the fields of materials science, biotechnology and applied chemistry. It will also be highly valuable to those working in industry, including pharmaceutics and biotechnology companies, medical researchers, biomedical engineers and advanced clinicians.

Nanobiomaterials in Hard Tissue Engineering covers the latest developments in the field of hard tissue engineering at the nanoscale. Leading researchers from around the world discuss the latest research and offer new insights. This book presents data about the fabrication and characterization of nanobiomaterials involved in hard tissue reconstruction, describing recent progress and the advantages of both conventional and computer-aided methods. Recent applications of different classes of nanobiomaterials are discussed, with in vitro and in vivo applications also explained in detail. Special attention is paid to the applications of nanobiomaterials in bone regeneration and in the development of functional coatings for tailored implants to improve osseointegration. Finally, the book considers future challenges and perspectives. This book will be of interest to postdoctoral researchers, professors and students engaged in the fields of materials science, biotechnology and applied chemistry. It will also be highly valuable to those working in industry, including pharmaceutics and biotechnology companies, medical researchers, biomedical engineers and advanced clinicians.

Surface Chemistry of Nanobiomaterials brings together the most recent findings regarding the surface modification of currently used nanomaterials, which is a field that has become increasingly important during the last decade. This book enables the results of current research to reach those who wish to use this knowledge in an applied setting. Leading researchers from around the world present various types of nanobiomaterials, such as quantum dots (QDs), carbon nanotubes, silver nanoparticles, copper oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, magnetite, hydroxyapatite and graphene, and discuss their related functionalization strategies. This book will be of interest to postdoctoral researchers, professors and students engaged in the fields of materials science, biotechnology and applied chemistry. It will also be highly valuable to those working in industry, including pharmaceutics and biotechnology companies, medical researchers, biomedical engineers and advanced clinicians.