Smart polymers react sharply to small changes in physical or chemical conditions and present an intelligent response to chemical stimuli (i.e., chemical species -including biomolecules-, pH, solvents, redox, stimuli that trigger controlled depolymerization) and physical stimuli (i.e., temperature, light, mechanical stress and electrical stimuli). For these reasons, the interest in smart polymers has recently increased exponentially, especially in biological stimuli (i.e., application of polymer-based biosensors, drug delivery, tissue engineering, precision medicine and cell therapy). This book offers a unique opportunity to review the physical-chemical fundamentals of smart polymers, and their behaviour. It also provides an excellent review of the main applications of smart polymers.

An introductory study of the Classic Mayan writing forms from the centre at Chichen Itza. The methodology of the study and preliminary statements on the nature of the evidence are followed by a transcription and proposed translation of each fragment. The conclusion presents ideas and findings on the linguistic style and vocabulary of Mayan language based on the evidence from Chichen Itza.