Search results for ""royal society of chemistry""

Immunosensors are widely used and are particularly important for fast diagnosis of diseases in remote environments as well as point-of-care devices. In this book, expert scientists are covering a selection of high quality representative examples from the past five years explaining how this area has developed. It is a compilation of recent advances in several areas of immunosensors for multiple target analysis using laboratory based or point-of-care set-up, for example graphene-, ISFET- and nanostructure-based immunosensors, electrochemical magneto immunosensors and nanoimprinted immunosensors. Filling a gap in the literature, it showcases the multidisciplinary, innovative developments in this highly important area and provides pointers towards commercialisation. Delivering a single, comprehensive work, it appeals to graduate students and professional researchers across academia and industry.

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Currently the majority of carbon-based feedstocks come from fossil fuels of which there is a finite supply. Methane is an abundantly available carbon-based feedstock, with large amounts now available through fracking and renewable sources available from biogas plants. However, methane is not very chemically reactive. One of the remaining “grand challenges” in chemistry is the development of clean, efficient, affordable processes that allow methane to be converted to other high value molecules. Highlighting the recent advances in methane activation and direct conversion processes this book discusses the progress and current state of the art for a wide variety of alternative methane activation and subsequent conversion processes, including homogeneous- and heterogeneous catalytic, electrocatalytic and pyrolytic systems. It is a useful resource for anyone working in green chemistry, catalysis and chemical engineering.

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The considerable interest in graphene and 2D materials is sparking intense research on layered materials due to their unexpected physical, electronic, chemical, and optical properties. This book will provide a comprehensive overview of the recent and state-of-the-art research progress on layered materials for energy storage and other applications. With a brief introduction to layered materials, the chapters of this book gather various fascinating topics such as electrocatalysis for fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, photovoltaic devices, thermoelectric devices, supercapacitors and water splitting. Unique aspects of layered materials in these fields, including novel synthesis and functionalization methods, particular physicochemical properties and consequently enhanced performance are addressed. Challenges and perspectives for layered materials in these fields will also be presented. With contributions from key researchers, Layered Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion will be of interest to students, researchers and engineers worldwide who want a basic overview of the latest progress and future directions.

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Lithium-ion batteries are an established technology with recent large-scale batteries finding emerging markets for electric vehicles and household energy storage. Battery research during the past two decades has focussed on practical improvements to available batteries, such as cell design to enhance energy density, which are currently nearing their maximum potential. We must now consider alternative avenues of research in pursuit of a new breakthrough in this technology. This book collects authoritative perspectives from leading researchers to project the emerging opportunities in the field of lithium-ion batteries. Covering topics including anode and cathode materials, electrolytes, emerging markets and the challenges and opportunities of lithium-ion battery supply, it will provide researchers with cutting-edge leads to advance the next generation of materials. Edited by a pioneer in the field, and with contributions from experts from across the globe, this book will be of use to graduate students and researchers in academia and industry interested in lithium-ion batteries and energy storage.

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Metal-based anticancer drugs are among the most successful therapeutic agents, as evidenced by the frequent prescription of selected platinum and arsenic compounds to patients. Metal-based Anticancer Agents covers the interdisciplinary world of inorganic drug discovery and development by introducing the most prominent compound classes based on different transition metals, discussing emerging concepts and enabling methods, as well as presenting key pre-clinical and clinical aspects. Recent progress on the unique features of next-generation targeted metal-based anticancer agents, including supramolecular coordination complexes used for both therapy and drug delivery, promise a bright future beyond the benefits of pure cytotoxic activity. With contributions from global leaders in the field, this book will serve as a useful reference to established researchers as well as a practical guide to those new to metallodrugs, and postgraduate students of medicinal chemistry and metallobiology.

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The chemistry of nanomaterials has developed considerably in the past two decades, and concepts that have emerged from these developments are now well established. The surface modification of nanoparticles is a subject of intense research interest given its importance for many applications across a number of disciplines. This comprehensive guide is the first to be devoted to the surface chemistry of inorganic nanocrystals. Following an introduction to the physical chemistry of surfaces, chapters cover topics such as the surface modification of nanoparticles, water compatible, polymer-based, and inorganic nanocomposites, as well as relevant applications in catalysis, biotechnology and nanomedicine. Highlighting recent advances, Surface Chemistry of Colloidal Nanocrystals provides an integrated approach to chemical aspects related to the surface of nanocrystals. Written by prestigious scientists, this will be a useful resource for students and researchers working in surface science, nanoscience and materials science as well as those interested in the applications of the nanomaterials in areas such as health science, biology, and environmental engineering.

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Nanoparticles have numerous biomedical applications including drug delivery, bone implants and imaging. A protein corona is formed when proteins existing in a biological system cover the nanoparticle surface. The formation of a nanoparticle–protein corona, changes the behaviour of the nanoparticle, resulting in new biological characteristics and influencing the circulation lifetime, accumulation, toxicity, cellular uptake and agglomeration. This book provides a detailed understanding of nanoparticle–protein corona formation, its biological significance and the factors that govern the formation of coronas. It also explains the impact of nanoparticle–protein interactions on biological assays, ecotoxicity studies and proteomics research. It will be of interest to researchers studying the application of nanoparticles as well as toxicologists and pharmaceutical chemists.

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The hydrogen economy is receiving increased attention due to concerns around the consequences of fossil fuel use, and hydrogen has great potential as a way to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Increased hydrogen supplies using cleaner methods are seen as essential for potential hydrogen based power systems for transportation and renewable energy conversion into fuel. Electrochemical Methods for Hydrogen Production provides a comprehensive picture of the various routes to use electricity to produce hydrogen using electrochemical science and technology. The book provides an overview of the fundamentals of electrochemical cells and performance characterisation, as well as a comparison of current applications. It also includes the various types of electrolysers currently used commercially and the range of new electrolysis processes, including photo-electrochemical, biological and thermal energy techniques. Edited by an expert in the field, this title will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in academia and industry working in energy, electrochemistry, physical chemistry and chemical engineering.

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To thrive, every living cell must continuously gauge and respond to changes in its environment. These changes are ultimately implemented by modulating gene expression, a process that relies on transcription by Nature’s most multivalent molecular machine, the RNA polymerase. This book covers progress made over the past decade understanding how this machine functions to compute the cellular state, from the atomistic structural level responsible for chemistry to the integrative level at which RNA polymerase interacts with the other key molecular machineries of the cell.

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Chemical modelling covers a wide range of disciplines and this book is the first stop for any materials scientist, biochemist, chemist or molecular physicist wishing to acquaint themselves with major developments in the applications and theory of chemical modelling. Containing both comprehensive and critical reviews, it is a convenient reference to the current literature. Coverage includes, but is not limited to, boron clusters, molecular modeling of inclusion complexes, modelling of circular dichroism for DNA and proteins, and the interface effect of nanocomposites as electrode materials for Li/Na ion batteries.

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Fatty alcohols are mainly used in the production of detergents and surfactants. They are also components of cosmetics, foods and as industrial solvents. The 2008 edition originated from a multi-year review of the occurrence, behaviour and use of fatty alcohols to inform the registration of such chemicals through the REACH process in the EU. This review highlighted areas requiring further research. In this expanded edition, new information regarding products containing fatty alcohol derivatives, the fate of these down-the-drain products in wastewater systems and the use of compound specific stable isotope methods has been published. This work has been amalgamated with a number of aspects relating to the inclusion of these compounds in the EU bio-based economy drive. Significant advances have been made since the first edition. No other book brings together all the disparate information regarding this group of chemicals that are of great interest to environmental scientist (as biomarkers), industry (as surfactants) and to regulators.

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Cancer is a major global public health problem. Among different environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to cancer risk, diet is a key one. On the one hand, obesity and increased consumption of red and processed meat, ethanol, sugar and saturated fatty acids are associated with increased cancer risk. On the other hand, consumption of micronutrients such as vitamin D, selenium, zinc, folate and bioactive compounds from fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased risk. Written by an influential, international team of experts, this book presents and discusses current topics on nutrition and cancer prevention. It covers both nutritional influences on different cancers plus specific chapters on the commonly occurring cancers. Nutritional genomics-based studies show that some dietary components modulate carcinogenesis through complex cellular and molecular mechanisms. A better understanding of these different cellular and molecular mechanisms is needed to establish efficient dietary recommendations for cancer prevention. This book will provide such an understanding, serving as an important book for all those working in nutritional health, food science and cancer research.

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Smart membranes that respond to environmental stimuli are gaining attention because of their potential use in a variety of applications, from drug delivery to water treatment. Their surface characteristics and/or permeation properties, including pressure-driven hydraulic permeability and concentration-driven diffusional permeability, can be adjusted in response to small chemical and/or physical stimuli in the environment. This book will cover topics such as novel design and fabrication strategies, approaches for controlling structure and performance, as well as cutting-edge applications of smart membranes. It will deliver new insights and fundamentals for both professionals and newcomers in related fields. Edited by an internationally renowned expert and with contributions from key researchers, Smart Membranes provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. It will appeal to students and researchers across materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science and biomedical science.

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Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by Evans and Bishop as an essential micronutrient for reproduction in rats. The active substance was isolated in 1936 by Evans and was named tocopherol, although the tocopherols and tocotrienols are actually a group of eight isomeric molecules that are characterized by a chromanol ring structure and a side chain. Providing an overview of the state-of-the-art of the chemistry of vitamin E, this book reflects the issues stemming from the complexity of the role and actions in vivo as well as in vitro. It summarizes information on the properties and function of vitamin E, the current understanding of the advantages and limitations of it, and also its application in promotion of health and prevention of diseases. Based on sound, solid scientific evidence, this is a timely addition to the literature as the centennial anniversary of the discovery of this important vitamin approaches.

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The most useful properties of food, i.e. the ones that are detected through look, touch and taste, are a manifestation of the food’s structure. Studies about how this structure develops or can be manipulated during food production and processing are a vital part of research in food science. This book provides the status of research on food structure and how it develops through the interplay between processing routes and formulation elements. It covers food structure development across a range of food settings and consider how this alters in order to design food with specific functionalities and performance. Food structure has to be considered across a range of length scales and the book includes a section focusing on analytical and theoretical approaches that can be taken to analyse/characterise food structure from the nano- to the macro-scale. The book concludes by outlining the main challenges arising within the field and the opportunities that these create in terms of establishing or growing future research activities. Edited and written by world class contributors, this book brings the literature up-to-date by detailing how the technology and applications have moved on over the past 10 years. It serves as a reference for researchers in food science and chemistry, food processing and food texture and structure.

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The sequencing of the human genome and subsequent elucidation of the molecular pathways that are important in the pathology of disease have provided unprecedented opportunities for the development of new therapeutics. Nucleic acid-based drugs have emerged in recent years to yield extremely promising candidates for drug therapy to a wide range of diseases. Advances in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics is a comprehensive review of the latest advances in the field, covering the background of the development of nucleic acids for therapeutic purposes to the array of drug development approaches currently being pursued using antisense, RNAi, aptamer, immune modulatory and other synthetic oligonucleotides. Nucleic acid therapeutics is a field that has been continually innovating to meet the challenges of drug discovery and development; bringing contributions together from leaders at the forefront of progress, this book depicts the many approaches currently being pursued in both academia and industry. A go-to volume for medicinal chemists, Advances in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics provides a broad overview of techniques of contemporary interest in drug discovery.

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3D tissue modelling is an emerging field used for the investigation of disease mechanisms and drug development. The two key drivers of this upsurge in research lie in its potential to offer a way to reduce animal testing with respect to biotoxicity analysis, preferably on physiology recapitulated human tissues and, additionally, provides an alternative approach to regenerative medicine. Integrating physics, chemistry, materials science, and stem cell and biomedical engineering, this book provides a complete foundation to this exciting, and interdisciplinary field. Beginning with the basic principles of 3D tissue modelling, the reader will find expert reviews on key fabrication technologies and processes, including microfluidics, microfabrication technology such as 3D bioprinting, and programming approaches to emulating human tissue complexity. The next stage introduces the reader to a range of materials used for 3D tissue modelling, from synthetic to natural materials, as well as the emerging field of tissue derived decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM). A whole host of critical applications are covered, with several chapters dedicated to hard and soft tissues, as well as focused reviews on the respiratory and central nervous system. Finally, the development of in vitro tissue models to screen drugs and study progression and etiologies of diseases, with particular attention paid to cancer, can be found.

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The food supply chain needs to reassure consumers and businesses about the safety and standards of food. Global estimates of the cost of food fraud to economies run into billions of dollars hence a huge surge in interest in food authenticity and means of detecting and preventing food fraud and food crime. Approaches targeting DNA markers have assumed a pre-eminence. This book is the most comprehensive and timely collection of material from those working at the forefront of DNA techniques applied to food authenticity. Addressing the new field of analytical molecular biology as it combines the quality assurance rigour of analytical chemistry with DNA techniques, it introduces the science behind DNA as a target analyte, its extraction, amplification, detection and quantitation as applied to the detection of food fraud and food crime. Making the link with traditional forensic DNA profiling and describing emerging and cutting-edge techniques such as next generation sequencing, this book presents real-world case studies from a wide perspective including from analytical service providers, industry, enforcement agencies and academics. It will appeal to food testing laboratories worldwide, who are just starting to use these techniques and students of molecular biology, food science and food integrity. Food policy professionals and regulatory organisations who will be using these techniques to back up legislation and regulation will find the text invaluable. Those in the food industry in regulatory and technical roles will want to have this book on their desks.

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How can a plant as beautiful as the foxglove be so deadly and yet for more than a century be used to treat heart disease? The same is true of other naturally occurring molecules as will be revealed in this current book by award-winning author and chemist, John Emsley. More Molecules of Murder follows on from his highly-acclaimed earlier book Molecules of Murder, and again it deals with 14 potential poisons; seven of which are man-made and seven of which are natural. It investigates the crimes committed with them, not from the point of view of the murderers, their victims, or the detectives, but from the poison used. In so doing it throws new light on how these crimes were carried out and ultimately how the perpetrators were uncovered and brought to justice. Each chapter starts by looking at the target molecule itself, its discovery, its chemistry, its often-surprising use in medicine, its effects on the human body, and its toxicology. The rest of the chapter is devoted to murders and attempted murders in which it has been used. But, be reassured that murder by poison is not the threat it once was, thanks to laws which restrict access to such materials and to the skills of analytical chemists in detecting their presence in incredibly tiny amounts.

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Energy is an important area of contemporary research, with clear societal benefits. It is a fast-developing and application-driven research area, with chemistry leading the discovery of new solids, which are then studied by physicists and materials scientists. Solar Energy Capture Materials introduces a range of the different inorganic materials used, with an emphasis on how solid-state chemistry allows development of new functional solids for energy applications. Dedicated chapters cover silicon-based photovoltaic devices, compound semiconductor-based solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC), solution processed solar cells and emerging materials. Edited and written by world-renowned scientists, this book will provide a comprehensive introduction for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers wishing to learn about the topic.

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The increasing interest in graphene, due to its unique properties and potential applications, is sparking intense research into chemically derived graphene. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the recent and state-of-the-art research on chemically derived graphene materials for different applications. Starting with a brief introduction on chemically derived graphene, subsequent chapters look at various fascinating applications such as electrode materials for fuel cells, Li/Na-ion batteries, metal–air batteries and Li-S batteries, photocatalysts for degradation of pollutants and solar-to-fuels conversion, biosensing platforms, and anti-corrosion coatings. The emphasis throughout this book is on experimental studies and the unique aspects of chemically derived graphene in these fields, including novel functionalization methods, particular physicochemical properties and consequently enhanced performance. With contributions from key researchers, the book provides a detailed resource on the latest progress and the future directions of chemically derived graphene for students and researchers across materials science, chemistry, nanoengineering and related fields.

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Technological and computational advances in the past decade have meant a vast increase in the study of crystalline matter in both organic, inorganic and organometallic molecules. These studies revealed information about the conformation of molecules and their coordination geometry as well as the role of intermolecular interactions in molecular packing especially in the presence of different intermolecular interactions in solids. This resulting knowledge plays a significant role in the design of improved medicinal, mechanical, and electronic properties of single and multi-component solids in their crystalline state. Understanding Intermolecular Interactions in the Solid State explores the different techniques used to investigate the interactions, including hydrogen and halogen bonds, lone pair–pi, and pi–pi interactions, and their role in crystal formation. From experimental to computational approaches, the book covers the latest techniques in crystallography, ranging from high pressure and in situ crystallization to crystal structure prediction and charge density analysis. Thus this book provides a strong introductory platform to those new to this field and an overview for those already working in the area. A useful resource for higher level undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers across crystal engineering, crystallography, physical chemistry, solid-state chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and materials science.

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Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) represent one of the most promising and exciting areas of anticancer drug discovery. Five ADCs are now approved in the US and EU [i.e., ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla™), brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris™), inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa™), gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg™) and moxetumomab pasudotox-tdfk (Lumoxiti®)] and over 70 others are in various stages of clinical development, with impressive interim results being reported for many. The technology is based on the concept of delivering a cytotoxic payload selectively to cancer cells by attaching it to an antibody targeted to antigens on the cell surfaces. This approach has several advantages including the ability to select patients as likely responders based on the presence of antigen on the surface of their cancer cells and a wider therapeutic index, given that ADC targeting enables a more efficient delivery of cytotoxic agents to cancer cells than can be achieved by conventional chemotherapy, thus minimising systemic toxicity. Although there are many examples of antibodies that have been developed for this purpose, along with numerous linker technologies used to attach the cytotoxic agent to the antibody, there is presently a relatively small number of payload molecules in clinical use. The purpose of this book is to describe the variety of payloads used to date, along with a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages and to provide information on novel payloads at the research stage that may be used clinically in the future.

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There have been remarkable advances towards discovering agents that exhibit selectivity and sequence-specificity for DNA, as well as understanding the interactions that underlie its propensity to bind molecules. This progress has important applications in many areas of biotechnology and medicine, notably in cancer treatment as well as in future gene targeting therapies. The editor and contributing authors are leaders in their fields and provide useful perspectives from diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds on the current status of this broad area. The role played by chemistry is a unifying theme. Early chapters cover methodologies to evaluate DNA-interactive agents and then the book provides examples of DNA-interactive molecules and technologies in development as therapeutic agents. DNA-binding metal complexes, peptide and polyamide–DNA interactions, and gene targeting tools are some of the most compelling topics treated in depth. This book will be a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers in chemical biology, biochemistry, structural biology and medicinal fields. It will also be of interest to supramolecular chemists and biophysicists.

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The formation of disulphide bonds is probably the most influential modification of proteins. These bonds are unique among post-translational modifications of proteins as they can covalently link cysteine residues far apart in the primary sequence of a protein. This has the potential to convey stability to otherwise marginally stable structures of proteins. However, the reactivity of cysteines comes at a price: the potential to form incorrect disulphide bonds, interfere with folding, or even cause aggregation. An elaborate set of cellular machinery exists to catalyze and guide this process: facilitating bond formation, inhibiting unwanted pairings and scrutinizing the outcomes. Only in recent years has it become clear how intimately connected this cellular machinery is with protein folding helpers, organellar redox balance and cellular homeostasis as a whole. This book comprehensively covers the basic principles of disulphide bond formation in proteins and describes the enzymes involved in the correct oxidative folding of cysteine-containing proteins. The biotechnological and pharmaceutical relevance of proteins, their variants and synthetic replicates is continuously increasing. Consequently this book is an invaluable resource for protein chemists involved in realted research and production.

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Formaldehyde is virtually ubiquitous in the modern environment due to its cost-effective nature, its use in resin formation, and its preservative properties. Though formaldehyde is necessary for many products and processes important to the world’s economy, this economic dependence on formaldehyde comes at a cost to public health. Growth and consequent industrialization rely heavily on formaldehyde use. New buildings—residences, public places, and offices—are not only built with timber preserved by formaldehyde, but they are also furnished with wood, wool, and textile products that contain formaldehyde. The general population faces environmental exposure from indoor and outdoor air pollution, food, and even medicine. Scientific inquiry into formaldehyde exposure has grown in response. This book consolidates the new and established body of formaldehyde research in the scholarly community, focusing on exposure, genotoxicity, and adverse health outcomes. Through this resource, we hope to increase awareness of the broad range of health effects posed by formaldehyde exposure, and to encourage interdisciplinary interest, as well as research, into this pervasive compound—especially in the United States and China, where formaldehyde production and usage is high. This book will be useful to researchers of environmental and occupational exposure, students, and government regulators and anyone exposed to formaldehyde in the workplace and/or at home.

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Catalysts are required for a variety of applications and industrialists and academics are increasingly challenged to find cost effective and environmentally benign catalysts to use. This volume looks at modern approaches to catalysis and reviews the extensive literature on areas such as electrochemical promotion of catalysis, biodiesel-based metals on emission control devices, deoxygenation of fatty acids and transitioning rationally designed catalytic materials to real world catalysts produced on a commercial scale.

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New technologies are made possible by new materials, and until recently new materials could only be discovered experimentally. Recent advances in solving the crystal structure prediction problem means that the computational design of materials is now a reality. Computational Materials Discovery provides a comprehensive review of this field covering different computational methodologies as well as specific applications of materials design. The book starts by illustrating how and why first-principle calculations have gained importance in the process of materials discovery. The book is then split into three sections, the first exploring different approaches and ideas including crystal structure prediction from evolutionary approaches, data mining methods and applications of machine learning. Section two then looks at examples of designing specific functional materials with special technological relevance for example photovoltaic materials, superconducting materials, topological insulators and thermoelectric materials. The final section considers recent developments in creating low-dimensional materials. With contributions from pioneers and leaders in the field, this unique and timely book provides a convenient entry point for graduate students, researchers and industrial scientists on both the methodologies and applications of the computational design of materials.

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Nanogel-based systems have gained tremendous attention due to their diverse range of applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biosensors, orthopaedics, wound healing and drug delivery. Nanogels for Biomedical Applications provides a comprehensive overview of nanogels and their use in nanomedicine. The book starts with the synthesis, methods and characterization techniques for nanogel-based smart materials followed by individual chapters demonstrating the different uses of the materials. Applications covered include anticancer therapy, tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment, tissue engineering, gene delivery and targeted drug delivery. The book will appeal to biologists, chemists, and nanotechnologists interested in translation research for personalized nanomedicine for health care.

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Click chemistry describes organic reactions which are highly efficient, regioselective and allow for mild reaction conditions. The archetypal click reaction of Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is used in many diverse areas and has been extensively developed for polymer synthesis, leading to the term of click polymerization. This technique enables the preparation of functional polymers with linear and topological structures that have the potential to be used in optoelectronics and biological fields. Edited by world renowned experts, Click Polymerization is the first book to comprehensively summarize this approach to polymer synthesis consolidating all the different reaction types in one resource. From the basic knowledge through to the latest developments in synthesis, chapters include transition-metal catalysed and metal-free azide-alkyne click polymerizations as well as thiol-ene, thiol-yne and thiol-epoxy click polymerizations. The book provides an authoritative guide to click polymerization techniques for graduate students and researchers interested in polymer chemistry and materials science.

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The synergy between synthetic biology and biocatalysis is emerging as an important trend for future sustainable processes. This book reviews all modern and novel techniques successfully implemented in biocatalysis, in an effort to provide better performing enzymatic systems and novel biosynthetic routes to (non-)natural products. This includes the use of molecular techniques in protein design and engineering, construction of artificial metabolic pathways, and application of computational methods for enzyme discovery and design. Stress is placed on current ‘hot’ topics in biocatalysis, where recent advances in research are defining new grounds in enzyme-catalyzed processes. With contributions from leading academics around the world, this book makes a ground-breaking contribution to this progressive field and is essential reading for graduates and researchers investigating (bio)catalysis, enzyme engineering, chemical biology, and synthetic biology.

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We rely upon plastics for a great many functions in everyday life, from the cases of consumer electronics to disposable cutlery, plastics are versatile and convenient. However, with the supply of fossil fuels from which fossil-based plastics are derived becoming smaller and more expensive the need for alternatives is becoming increasingly apparent. Policy makers, environmentalists and consumers are increasing pressure on plastics manufacturers to look for greener alternatives to fossil-based plastics. Bioplastics are materials that are derived wholly or partially from biomass feedstocks, making them renewable, whilst maintaining the desirable properties of fossil-based plastics. Many, although not all, bioplastics are also more readily degradable than conventional plastics, a property increasingly desired by consumers. A variety of different bioplastics have already been developed and the field continues to grow. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse subjects relating to bioplastics, including materials science, manufacture and processing and social and environmental impacts. It provides a valuable introduction both for those studying plastics at a graduate level and those starting to work in the field.

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In recent years carbon dioxide has played an increasingly important role in biomass processing. This book presents the state-of-the-art of a range of diverse approaches for the use of carbon dioxide in biomass valorisation. The book explores cutting-edge research and important advances in green high-pressure technologies. It gives an overview of the most relevant and promising applications of high-pressure CO2-based technologies in biomass processing from the perspective of the biorefinery concept. Demonstrating the interdisciplinary aspects of high-pressure technologies from biology, chemistry and biochemical engineering areas, this book brings researchers and industrialists up to date with the latest advances in this field, including novel technologies for energy; biochemicals and materials production; and green chemical engineering processes.

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In recent years there has been tremendous progress in the area of tissue engineering research. This book focusses on the fundamental principles underpinning these recent advances in the materials science developed for tissue engineering purposes. Smart materials for tissue engineering are produced by modifying the physicochemical and biological properties of the scaffolds with response to external stimuli to enhance the tissue regeneration. The functions of living cells can be regulated by smart materials which respond to changes in the surrounding microenvironment. This book comprehensively documents the recent advancements in smart materials for tissue engineering and will provide an essential text for those working in materials science and materials engineering, in academia and industry.

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Aging is a natural phenomenon that is peculiar to all living things. However, accumulating findings indicate that senescence could be postponed or prevented by certain approaches. Substantial evidence has emerged supporting the possibility of radical human health and lifespan extension, in particular through pharmacological modulation of aging. A number of natural dietary ingredients and synthetic drugs have been assumed to have geroprotective potential. In the development of anti-aging therapeutics, several cell, insect, and animal models may provide useful starting points prior to human studies. This book provides an overview of current research aimed to search for life-extending medications and describes pharmacological aspects of anti-aging medicine. Readers are introduced to the fascinating historical background of geroprotection in the first chapter. In-depth information on models for investigating geroprotective drugs precedes a section covering anti-aging properties of pharmaceutical compounds, such as calorie restriction mimetics, autophagy inducers, senolytics and mitochondrial antioxidants. Finally, strategies to translate discoveries from aging research into drugs and healthcare policy perspectives on anti-ageing medicine are provided to give a complete picture of the field. A timely and carefully edited collection of chapters by leading researchers in the field, this book will be a fascinating and useful resource for pharmacologists, gerontologists and any scientifically interested person wishing to know more about the current status of research into anti-aging remedies, challenges and opportunities.

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Arsenic is a naturally occurring element and, as such, it is present in the environment and in our food and drink. It can even be involved in supporting life processes. However, due to its toxicity, there is concern about its presence in our diet. This book examines the real risks and impacts of arsenic in our lives. Looking at arsenic and its compounds, this book explores the presence of arsenic in food and water, the need to clarify its toxicity, and current scientific and public misconceptions about arsenic. It also looks at the use of arsenic in medicine, from cancer treatments to alternative therapies such as homeopathy. Following on from "Is Arsenic an Aphrodisiac?: The Sociochemistry of an Element", this book continues the authors work in addressing the issues surrounding arsenic. It is a fascinating read for general readers as it unveils the reality of our exposure to arsenic in our daily lives.

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Concerns about the adverse effects of chemicals present in the environment have created a need for better systems to assess their potential consequences on human health. One potential solution is the versatile and state-of-the-art Comet assay. Simple, sensitive, rapid and visual, this modern toxicological method allows quantitative and qualitative assessment of DNA damage in single cells. This assay is used in diverse fields ranging from clinical applications, human monitoring and environmental toxicology through to genetic toxicity testing. This updated and revised edition of The Comet Assay in Toxicology provides the latest information on this important tool. It addresses, in-depth, the different protocols, statistical analyses and applications used worldwide. It also includes the guidelines recommended by the Working Group on Comet Assay. The book begins with a review of the genesis of the assay for those new to the technique and goes on to explain procedures followed to assess different types of DNA damage, various applications of the assay, and guidelines for the conduct of the assay in in vitro and in vivo systems. New chapters written for this edition will provide information on the most contemporary approaches and applications, including in silico approaches, on meta-analysis of data and on the application of the Comet Assay in nanotoxicology. This book will serve as both a reference and a guide to students as well as investigators in the biomedical, biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences fields.

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Polymer science faces the challenge of meeting growing market demand for polymers whilst achieving sustainability through environmentally friendly processes. Microwave heating has emerged as a greener technique that accelerates a variety of chemical reactions, including polymerization. Microwave-assisted reactions can be cleaner and more rapid and economic analyses suggest that the cost of curing polymers may be reduced by switching over to the use of microwaves. This book provides comprehensive coverage of microwave-assisted polymerization. The first chapter introduces readers to the theory behind the accelerating effects of microwaves on chemical reactions and covers the types of commercial microwave reactors being used for synthesis and processing of polymers that are available on the market. Subsequent chapters are organised by type of reaction, including radical homo and co-polymerizations, step growth polymerization and peptide synthesis. Importantly, analysis of processes and product properties in comparison with conventional methods is also detailed. This book will be a valuable resource for green chemists and polymer scientists and engineers who want to develop sustainable processes.

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Antibiotics are familiar drugs to us all, so familiar that we may take them for granted. They allow us to survive life-threatening infections, and allow us to protect the animals we farm for food. Many antibiotics have now become ineffective against common diseases, and there are few alternative treatments to replace them. In this topical popular science book, Laura Bowater, Professor of Microbiology Education and Engagement at Norwich Medical School, considers the past, present and uncertain future of antibiotics. This book begins by looking back at how infectious diseases, such as smallpox and the plague, were able to wreak havoc on populations before the discovery of the first antibiotics. These then revolutionised the medical world. In an engaging and accessible style, Professor Bowater takes the reader through how antibiotics are made, how bacteria are able to mutate and develop resistance and she explains why there is now a lack of new antibiotic drugs coming to market. What will a future of continued antibiotic resistance look like? How can human activities prevent the rise of ‘superbugs'? Professor Bowater highlights the need for universal cooperation in order to tackle this global health challenge, which, if not addressed, could transport us back to the medical dark ages.

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Drug misuse and dependence is an ever evolving field of study, which has exploded over recent years owing to the advent of the internet. Due to the ever-growing number of young people using drugs recreationally and the privatisation of drug screening and detection services, there is the need to disseminate evidence-based information concerning the technology and methods available for studying this expanding field. Detection of Drug Misuse describes the current state-of-the-art techniques used for identifying and confirming drug misuse as well as recent advances in biomarkers, instrumentation and analysis methodology. The title discusses both recreational and designer drugs, including non-addictive and addictive drugs. This book is a useful and fascinating resource for healthcare professionals working in the field of drug misuse as well as academics and postgraduates researching within analytical, chromatography, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry; drug metabolism; addiction science; and forensic toxicology, science and medicine.

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Covering computational tools in drug design using techniques from chemoinformatics, molecular modelling and computational chemistry, this book explores these methodologies and applications of in silico medicinal chemistry. The first part of the book covers molecular representation methods in computing in terms of chemical structure, together with guides on common structure file formats. The second part examines commonly used classes of molecular descriptors. The third part provides a guide to statistical learning methods using chemical structure data, covering topics such as similarity searching, clustering and diversity selection, virtual library design, ligand docking and de novo design. The final part of the book summarises the application of methods to the different stages of drug discovery, from target ID, through hit finding and hit-to-lead, to lead optimisation. This book is a practical introduction to the subject for researchers new to the fields of chemoinformatics, molecular modelling and computational chemistry.

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Why does chocolate taste so good? Why do we seek 'the one'? How do traits such as intelligence, creativity and violence arise and what purpose do they serve? This book links these characteristics to the origins of life, showing that the conditions necessary to bring life into existence echo through our modern day behaviour. The chemistry of the body is not only fascinating but also highly relevant to everyone, since we are all concerned with maximising our health and enjoyment of life. Currently, there are not many popular science books concerned with biochemistry. One reason for this might be the particularly complex nature of the science involved. This book starts with the fundamentals and then works towards a deeper understanding of the chemistry of human nature. Essential reading for anyone with an interest in this science and written at a level accessible to experts and non-experts alike.

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Synthetic biology combines science and engineering in order to design, build and test novel biological functions and systems. As with any multi-disciplinary field, there is a rapidly-growing body of literature concerning synthetic biology and locating the best information or identifying the hottest topics can be time-consuming. This volume captures the expanding primary literature in the form of critical and comprehensive reviews providing the reader with an authoritative digest of the latest developments in this emerging field. Each chapter strives to highlight the most recent findings in specific sub-areas and reviews research reports that were published over the last two to three years. Leading researchers draw material from both dedicated journals and broader sources, revising traditional concepts in light of emerging discoveries while keeping up with recent progress, making this an essential reference to any library supporting this research.

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Providing the reader with an up to date digest of the most important research currently carried out in the field, Electrochemistry Volume 14 is compiled and written by leading experts from across the globe. Coverage includes chapters on the use of metal organic frameworks as a precursor for electrocatalytic centre supports to enhance the oxygen reduction process in low temperature fuel cell systems, electrocatalysis for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline media, and new polymer electrolyte and electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells. This volume is a key reference for researchers providing a timely overview of this exciting and developing area.

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In recent years, a significant amount of progress has been made using green chemistry in the synthesis of synthetically useful compounds and molecules by replacing hazardous chemicals with greener alternatives. However, there is still room for improvement, especially in the pharmaceutical sector where new drugs are being formulated. This book examines green approaches to overcoming hazardous organic transformations. Summarizing recent developments, the book features a detailed description of some of the high impact active pharmaceutical ingredients that have been developed considering green chemistry approaches. It explores the design, engineering and process development and the calculations to account for waste. The book includes strategies to further advance green approaches in the development of generic pharmaceutical industries and features novel, innovative approaches that promote waste-free organic synthesis. This book is of interest to industrialists working in pharmaceuticals and researchers working in green chemistry.

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Metal chelators are emerging as versatile tool with many medical applications. Their versatility allows them to be used in chelation therapy for treating diseases caused by toxic and heavy metal poisoning, chelating agents are capable of binding to toxic metal ions to form complex structures which are easily excreted from the body removing them from intracellular or extracellular spaces. In addition, metal chelators can also be applied as contrast agents in MRI scanning. Metal Chelation in Medicine provides a clear and timely perspective on the role of chelating agents in the management of metal intoxications and storage diseases. Written by leaders in the field of chelators, this publication is at the cutting-edge of the subject. It covers a broad range of topics such as the use of metal chelators in non-invasive assessment of brain iron overload, and the treatment of systemic iron overload and neurodegenerative diseases. As such it is particularly valuable to clinicians treating metal poisonings and metal storage diseases. However, it is also a useful text for researchers, industry professionals and university students with a specific interest in medicinal chemistry, chelation, metal ions, imaging and non-invasive techniques.

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Smart materials stimulated by chemical or biological signals are of interest for their many applications including drug delivery, as well as in new sensors and actuators for environmental monitoring, process and food control, and medicine. In contrast to other books on responsive materials, this volume concentrates on materials which are stimulated by chemical or biological signals. Chemoresponsive Materials introduces the area with chapters covering different responsive material systems including hydrogels, organogels, membranes, thin layers, polymer brushes, chemomechanical and imprinted polymers, nanomaterials, silica particles, as well as carbohydrate- and bio-based systems. Many promising applications are highlighted, with an emphasis on drug delivery, sensors and actuators. With contributions from internationally known experts, the book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in academia, healthcare and industry interested in functional materials and their applications.

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One of the crucial challenges in the energy sector is the efficient capture and utilisation of CO2 generated from fossil fuels. Carbon capture and storage technologies can provide viable alternatives for energy intensive processes, although implementation of large-scale demonstrators remains challenging. Therefore, innovative technologies are needed that are capable of processing CO2 emission from a wide range of sources, ideally without additional fossil energy demand (e.g. solar driven or overcoming the limits of photosynthesis). This book covers the most recent developments in the field of electrochemical reduction of CO2, from first-principle mechanistic studies to technological perspectives. An introduction to basic concepts in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis is included to provide a background for newcomers to this field. This book provides a comprehensive overview for researchers and industrial chemists working in environmental science, electrochemistry and chemical engineering.

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