This book presents a number of selected papers given at the LB9 conference, held in Potsdam, Germany, in August 2000. It is dedicated to new techniques and methodologies for studying interfacial layers. One group of manuscripts deals with the application of surface plasmons at solid interfaces, used for example in resonance spectroscopy and light scattering. New applications of various types of Atomic Force Microscopy are reported making use of various modifications of tips. A number of chapters are dedicated to light emitting diodes built with the help of LB layers. The aim of these studies is the improvement of efficiency. Electrochemical methods were described as tools for developing sensors, in particular miniaturised pH or gas sensors.
The application of synchrotron X-ray and NMR techniques have been described in detail in two extended chapters. It is demonstrated how molecular information can be detected by these methods for various types of interfacial layers.
This monograph, along with 130 papers that have been submitted for publication in the special issues of relevant journals, represent the proceedings of the LBP conference.

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.