Comprehensive reference discussing synthesis, characterization, applications, and modeling strategies at the forefront of microgel/nanogels research

Micro and Nano Gels provides comprehensive interdisciplinary knowledge of micro/nano gels, discussing fundamental synthesis techniques, unique physicochemical properties and their assemblies (e.g. interfacial behaviors, behavior at oil/water or solid interfaces, colloidal packing, and internal morphologies), and innovative applications as adhesives, sensing agents, drug delivery vehicles, tissue scaffolds, optical devices, separation devices, catalytic reactors, and environmental remediation agents.

The book discusses recent advances on amphiphilic random copolymer micelles, focusing on the design, controlled self-assembly and dynamic self-sorting, and functional materials of random copolymer micelles in water. The book also reviews advances for both template-free and -based synthetic methods of nanogels and microgels, covering their mechanisms and enclosing building blocks, as well as advantages and disadvantages of different synthetic routes. Readers will find information on recent developments in microgel characterization using the most advanced tools available, notably scattering and microscopy techniques with nanoscale resolution.

Contributed to by top theoretical and experimental researchers in the field, Micro and Nano Gels includes information on:

• How to combine experimental scattering techniques, such as small-angle scattering and neutron reflectometry, with in silico computer simulations to characterize the structure and response of soft compressible microgels
• Nanostructure and dynamic behavior of microgels using high-speed atomic-force microscopy
• Dynamics of microgels and their pastes with varying concentrations of microgels evaluated using dynamic light scattering
• Simulations of soft colloids and the applicability of different network models for mesoscale studies

Micro and Nano Gels is an essentiala valuable reference on the subject for chemists and materials scientists to not only propel the advancement of pre-existing applications in such as coatings and cosmetics, but also facilitate the development of unprecedented applications.

Professor Daisuke Suzuki is an Associate Professor at Shinshu University. He is a research representative of the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST) project. He received the SPSJ Award for outstanding papers in Polymer Journal (sponsored by ZEON).

Professor Takuma Kureha is an Assistant Professor at Hirosaki University. His current research interests include characterization of hydrogels and nanogels by scattering methods to control their functions.