This book is intended for researchers in biophysics and biophysical chemistry who are studying the electrical properties of biopolymers and membranes but have little prior knowledge of dipole moments. It will also be a useful reference for undergraduate and graduate students in these fields. The book presents a systematic discussion of the historical development of theories, experimental observations and measuring techniques used to study dielectric properties in biological systems. With emphasis throughout placed on experiment, the author covers some advanced topics and discusses recent developments in dielectric research in biophysics, including a look at some new measuring techniques.

DeFelice presents this intricate subject in an easy-to-follow, stepwise fashion: he reviews the fundamentals of electricity; transfers those principles to a biological context; and expands the discussion to encompass the subject's practical dimensions. Clear definitions and intuitive descriptions characterize the presentation, which is complemented by over 150 drawings and graphs. Mathematics is kept to the minimum necessary. The text covers both excitable and non-excitable membranes and includes the plasma membrane as well as intracellular membranes. A unique, `electronics-made-simple' appendix, designed specifically for biologists, treats the operational amplifiers used in patch clamp, and other appendices offer solutions to equations and examples that illustrate principles.

Biopolymer Membranes and Films: Health, Food, Environment, and Energy Applications presents the latest techniques for the design and preparation of biopolymer-based membranes and films, leading to a range of cutting-edge applications. The first part of the book introduces the fundamentals of biopolymers, two-dimensional systems, and the characterization of biopolymer membranes and films, considering physicochemical, mechanical and barrier properties. Subsequent sections are organized by application area, with each chapter explaining how biopolymer-based membranes or films can be developed for specific innovative uses across the health, food, environmental and energy sectors. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students involved in biopolymer science, polymer membranes and films, polymer chemistry and materials science, as well as for those in industry and academia who are looking to develop materials for advanced applications in the health, food science, environment or energy industries. - Presents detailed coverage of a range of novel applications in key strategic areas across health, food, environment and energy - Considers the difficulties associated with two-dimensional materials - Assists the reader in selecting the best materials and properties for specific applications - Helps researchers, scientists and engineers combine the enhanced properties of membranes and films with the sustainable characteristics of biopolymer-based materials

This book covers the theoretical basis and practical aspects of the study of dielectric properties of biological systems, such as water, electrolyte and polyelectrolytes, solutions of biological macromolecules, cells suspensions and cellular systems.

Comprehensive coverage of the basic theoretical concepts and applications of dielectrophoresis from a world-renowned expert. Features hot application topics including: Diagnostics, Cell-based Drug Discovery, Sensors for Biomedical Applications, Characterisation and Sorting of Stem Cells, Separation of Cancer Cells from Blood and Environmental Monitoring Focuses on those aspects of the theory and practice of dielectrophoresis concerned with characterizing and manipulating cells and other bioparticles such as bacteria, viruses, proteins and nucleic acids. Features the relevant chemical and biological concepts for those working in physics and engineering

Biopolymer Composites in Electronics examines the current state-of-the-art in the electronic application based on biopolymer composites. Covering the synthesis, dispersion of fillers, characterization and fabrication of the composite materials, the book will help materials scientists and engineers address the challenges posed by the increased use of biopolymeric materials in electronic applications. The influence of preparation techniques on the generation of micro, meso, and nanoscale fillers, and the effect of filler size and dispersion on various biopolymers are discussed in detail. Applications covered include sensors, actuators, optics, fuel cells, photovoltaics, dielectrics, electromagnetic shielding, piezoelectrics, flexible displays, and microwave absorbers. In addition, characterization techniques are discussed and compared, enabling scientists and engineers to make the correct choice of technique. This book is a 'one-stop' reference for researchers, covering the entire state-of-the-art in biopolymer electronics. Written by a collection of expert worldwide contributors from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions, it is an outstanding reference for researchers in the field of biopolymer composites for advanced technologies. - Enables researchers to keep up with the rapid development of biopolymer electronics, which offer light, flexible, and more cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials of solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and transistors - Includes thorough coverage of the physics and chemistry behind biopolymer composites, helping readers to become rapidly acquainted with the fiel - Provides in-depth information on the range of biopolymer applications in electronics, from printed flexible conductors and novel semiconductor components, to intelligent labels, large area displays, and solar panels

A number of apparently unrelated phenomena in biological systems (e.g., biopolymer aggregation, cell-cell interactions, ion transport across membranes) arise from the special properties of charged surfaces. A sym posium entitled "Electrical Double Layers in Biology", which took place at the Toronto meeting of the Electrochemical Society, 12-17 May 1985, focused on the common features of these phenomena. The papers presented at that symposium are collected here and they illustrate ways in which an under standing of electrical double layers can elucidate a problem in Biology. An example of this approach can be seen from the paper I presented on ion transport and excitation, where the "unusual" ion flows during nerve excitation are actually expected if one includes the effects of electrical double layers at membrane surfaces. Furthermore, the selectivity of the ion channels in these membranes can be better understood on this basis. Other presentations account for such observations as the changes in spacing between muscle proteins during contraction, the interactions of red cells to form rouleaux, the electrical properties of algal cell membranes, electrokinetic potentials during blood flow in arteries, etc. I trust that these papers will indicate the value of electrochemistry in the study of biological systems, an area of research usually called Bioelectrochemistry, and will encourage biologists to use these ideas when approaching related problems.

Preface. Introduction. Electrolytics. Dielectrics. Electrical properties of tissue. Geometrical analysis. Instrumentation and measurement. Data and models. Selected applications. History of bioimpedance and bioelectricity. Appendix. References and further reading. Index.