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Showing papers in "Current Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science in 2011"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of the most recent advances in the preparation and self-assembly of colloids with well-defined anisotropic shapes is given in this paper, where a particular emphasis is given to solution-based syntheses that provide micron-sized colloids in high yields, and assembly schemes that exploit the shape anisotropy of the building blocks involved.
Abstract: Recent breakthroughs in colloidal synthesis allow the control of particle shapes and properties with high precision. This provides us with a constantly expanding library of new anisotropic building blocks, thus opening new avenues to explore colloidal self-assembly at a higher level of complexity. This article reviews the most recent advances in the preparation and self-assembly of colloids with well-defined anisotropic shapes. A particular emphasis is given to solution-based syntheses that provide micron-sized colloids in high yields, and to assembly schemes that exploit the shape anisotropy of the building blocks involved.

410 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The main synthetic processes for the fabrication of such branched nanoparticles, often termed as nanostars, as well as some of the principal applications that have been found are described in this article.
Abstract: Research on metal nanoparticles has been boosted by a wide variety of applications that often require a precise definition of the morphological features at the nanometer scale. Although the preparation (often based on colloid chemistry) of metal nanoparticles with many different shapes and sizes has been developed and optimized for spheres, rods, cubes, platelets and other shapes, the last few years have seen a rising interest in branched morphologies. This review article describes the main synthetic processes for the fabrication of such branched nanoparticles, often termed as nanostars, as well as some of the principal applications that have been found. A special emphasis is given to optical properties related to localized surface plasmon resonances and surface enhanced spectroscopies, for which nanostars have been predicted and demonstrated to shine brighter than any other shapes, thus opening new avenues for highly sensitive detection or biolabelling, among other applications.

349 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review will focus on two polymeric nanocarriers: nanoparticles and micelles that have been studied for oral drug delivery at preclinical level and their mechanisms of uptake and their fate after oral delivery will be discussed.
Abstract: This review will focus on two polymeric nanocarriers: nanoparticles and micelles that have been studied for oral drug delivery at preclinical level. Their potential for oral drug delivery will first be illustrated. Then their mechanisms of uptake and their fate after oral delivery will be discussed. Future directions for oral delivery with nanocarriers will be analyzed with a special emphasis on optimal properties. The recent advances highlight the need to tune and to control their design with a good balance in their physicochemical properties and suggest that more sophisticated nanosystems will be developed for the oral delivery of drugs, biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, thanks to (i) the development of biocompatible polymers with tailored properties for oral drug delivery and formulation of nanocarriers, (ii) the understanding of cellular uptake mechanisms of polymeric nanocarriers, (iii) the novel techniques to study the fate of nanocarriers, polymers and drugs in the body and (iv) the identification of new ligands for targeted oral delivery. Major recent advances Recent advances in the (i) development of biocompatible polymers with tailored properties for oral drug delivery and nanocarrier formulation, (ii) the understanding of cellular uptake mechanisms of polymeric nanocarriers (iii) the new techniques to study fate of nanocarriers, polymers and drugs in the body and (iv) the identification of new ligands for targeted oral delivery have promoted the development of novel polymeric carriers for the oral delivery of drugs, biopharmaceuticals and vaccines.

290 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the progress made in the wetting and spreading of nanofluids over solid surfaces with an emphasis on the complex interactions between the particles in the nanoparticles and with the solid substrate.
Abstract: The wetting and spreading behavior of pure liquids over solid surfaces changes if liquids contain nanosized spherical particles or surfactant micelles, globular proteins and macromolecules. Recent studies on the spreading of nanofluids have demonstrated the inadequacy of well-known concepts of the spreading and adhesion of pure liquids on solid surfaces in understanding nanofluid spreading behavior. This paper reviews the progress made in the wetting and spreading of nanofluids over solid surfaces with an emphasis on the complex interactions between the particles in the nanofluid and with the solid substrate, as well as the spreading of thin nanofluid films containing nanoparticles on hydrophilic surfaces driven by the structural disjoining pressure gradient. The spreading droplet advances as a series of distinct nanoparticle layers.

283 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review is focused on the various strategies used to form and stabilize mixed micelles for drug delivery and the methodologies employed to ascertain the establishment of mixed micelle formation.
Abstract: Mixed micelles self-assembled from two or more dissimilar block copolymers provide a direct and convenient approach to improve physical stability and enhance drug loading capacities of conventional polymeric micelles for drug delivery. The versatility of this approach also allows for the concomitant integration of multiple functionalities into a single system — a feat that is synthetically challenging to accomplish with micelles formed from a single co-polymer. Through the careful selection and blending of structurally and/or functionally diverse block copolymers, a population of novel and multi-functional micelles bearing desirable attributes of each constituent copolymer can be easily fabricated without the need for elaborate synthetic schemes. As such, this review is focused on the various strategies used to form and stabilize mixed micelles for drug delivery and the methodologies employed to ascertain the establishment of mixed micelle formation. In vivo evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of mixed micelles will be presented. Lastly, future perspectives for the development of mixed micelle systems for drug delivery will also be discussed.

283 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive review of the rheology of simple and multiple emulsions is presented, with special attention given to the models describing the RHEology of these systems.
Abstract: A comprehensive review of the rheology of simple and multiple emulsions is presented. Special attention is given to the models describing the rheology of these systems. The key factors governing the rheology of simple and multiple emulsions are discussed. In general, the state of the art is good for simple emulsions. A priori predictions of the rheological properties of simple emulsions are possible using the existing models. Multiple emulsions have received less attention. Theoretical models describing the rheological behavior of multiple emulsions at arbitrary flow strengths (any shear rate) are lacking. Careful experimental work is needed on the rheology of multiple emulsions of controlled droplet size and morphology. New emerging techniques of producing emulsions, such as microfluidic emulsification, can be used to control and manipulate the number, size, and size distribution of internal droplets in multiple emulsion globules.

271 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors comprehensively review the present level of understanding for such impact situations, by considering effects introduced by morphological changes to the surface and by changes of the wettability.
Abstract: Drop impact onto surfaces has long been a popular and important subject of experimental, numerical and theoretical studies to explain phenomena observed both in nature and in many engineering applications. Progress in understanding and describing the hydrodynamics involved in drop impacts has been rapid in recent years, due partly to the availability of high-speed cameras, but also because of accompanying advances in theoretical and numerical approaches. Thus, for simple surfaces, i.e. smooth surfaces of uniform chemistry, the outcome of a drop impact can be well predicted over a large range of impact parameters, including quantitative values of spread dynamics and splash characteristics. This article comprehensively reviews the present level of understanding for such impact situations. However many practical applications involve impacts onto surfaces of higher complexity, either morphologically or chemically, involving textured or porous surfaces or surfaces with non-uniform wettability characteristics. This expands greatly the parameter space for which descriptions of the impact must be found and the present understanding is significantly more rudimentary compared to drop impacts onto simple surfaces. In this review such impacts are discussed by considering effects introduced by morphological changes to the surface and by changes of the wettability. Comparisons to corresponding impacts onto simple surfaces are drawn to underline the additional physical mechanisms that must be considered.

263 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Methods discussed range from variants of familiar chromatographic, centrifugation, or filtration techniques, to purification schemes deriving from nanoscale-specific phenomena, including shape-selective reactivity, or propensity to form organized superstructures.
Abstract: This paper reviews techniques currently available for size- and shape-selective purification of nanoscopic objects. The methods discussed range from variants of familiar chromatographic, centrifugation, or filtration techniques, to purification schemes deriving from nanoscale-specific phenomena, including shape-selective reactivity, or propensity to form organized superstructures.

250 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarize and discuss current trends related to particles that are complex in shapes, surfaces, and compartments, and present the benefits and limitations of current methods and identify future directions for research in the field.
Abstract: Colloidal micro- and nanoparticles with controlled internal architectures have attracted recent interest because of their promising properties for drug delivery, molecular imaging and self-assembly. A variety of interesting and efficient particle strategies have been investigated spanning from polymeric, organic, to inorganic and metallic materials. In spite of intense activities in this area, accurate engineering of anisotropy in sub-micron particles remains challenging. Here, we summarize and discuss current trends related to particles that are complex in shapes, surfaces, and compartments. Additionally, this review article aims at presenting the benefits and limitations of current methods and identifies future directions for research in the field.

230 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A seed-mediated growth procedure in aqueous solution has been developed to produce these colloidal materials in reasonable quantities, with tunable shape as discussed by the authors, but details of the reaction chemistry, role of impurity ions, and their influence on the final product shape are still under debate.
Abstract: Gold nanorods have received tremendous attention in recent years due to their exciting potential applications in chemical sensing, biological imaging, drug delivery and phototherapeutics. A seed-mediated growth procedure in aqueous solution has been developed to produce these colloidal materials in reasonable quantities, with tunable shape. Details of the reaction chemistry, role of impurity ions, and their influence on the final product shape are still under debate. Subsequent chemistry on preformed nanorods can yield a variety of new shapes and functionalities for numerous applications.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarized 10-years of experience gained by various groups in the study of liquid marbles and reviewed properties and applications of liquid particles, demonstrating a potential as micro-reactors, micro-pumps, pH, gas and water pollution sensors.
Abstract: The paper summarizes 10-years of experience gained by various groups in the study of liquid marbles. Liquid marbles are non-stick droplets wrapped by micro- or nanometrically scaled particles. Marbles are separated from solid or liquid support by air pockets. This fact determines the unusual non-Amontonian friction inherent for liquid marbles. Scaling laws governing the marbles' shape and dynamics are presented. Liquids and powders used for fabrication of liquid marbles are surveyed. The effective surface tension of liquid marbles is discussed. The paper reviews properties and applications of liquid particles. Liquid marbles demonstrate a potential as micro-reactors, micro-pumps, pH, gas and water pollution sensors. Cosmetics applications and water storage with the use of liquid marbles are of considerable industrial interest. Challenges and trends of future investigations in the field are envisaged.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the rheological properties of associative polymer solutions are reviewed and the authors focus on synthetic polymers containing relatively small solvophobic blocks that associate into dense spherical domains.
Abstract: Investigations of the rheological properties of associative polymer solutions that appeared over the last 5 years are reviewed. Attention is focused on synthetic polymers containing relatively small solvophobic blocks that associate into dense spherical domains. We distinguish between polymers that contain a single associative group; so-called telechelic polymers that contain two associative groups; and polymers that contain many associative groups.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Oleogels may be defined as lipophilic liquid and solid mixtures, in which solid lipid materials (oleogelators) with lower concentrations are used as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Oleogels may be defined as lipophilic liquid and solid mixtures, in which solid lipid materials (oleogelators) with lower concentrations (

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) as discussed by the authors is a complex architecture composed of a core rich in triacylglycerols (TAGs) enveloped by a biological membrane.
Abstract: Milk fat globules are the natural colloidal assemblies secreted by the mammary epithelial cells to provide lipids and other bioactive molecules in the gastrointestinal tract of newborns. They are also consumed by human adults in food products such as cream and cheeses. These biological entities (about 4 μm diameter) have a complex architecture composed of a core rich in triacylglycerols (TAGs) enveloped by a biological membrane, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). Although their utmost importance for infants and their functional and nutritional role in dairy products, milk fat globules remain the least understood aspect of milk. This paper provides an overview of recent knowledge with emphasis on milk fat globule origin, size heterogeneities, fatty acid and TAG composition. The crystallisation properties are reported. Recent studies focusing on the MFGM including characterisation of its composition, probing of its structure, and accumulation of scientific evidence of MFGM nutritional and health properties are also discussed. The unique composition and structure of milk fat globules leading to specific functionalities are highlighted.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a review of the current methods of nanobubble generation and understand of the inter-biometric structure of the nanobble interfacial structure.
Abstract: Nanobubbles are a mystery as to their stability and longevity. So far their uses are limited to high value applications, such as medical imaging and controlled drug delivery and release. The current methods of nanobubble generation and understanding of nanobubble interfacial structure are reviewed. The analysis of the potential benefits of nanobubbles leads to the conclusion that if energy efficient nanobubbles that were flexible in injection and production were available, there would be widespread usage. The hypothesis that a recent methodology for energy efficient microbubble generation could be extended to nanobubble generation is presented and reviewed. The current applications and promising potential applications for energy efficient microbubbles are discussed, ranging from bioreactors to dispersal of ozone, through flotation separations and enhanced chemical reactions by reactive separation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, food rheology focuses on the flow properties of individual food components, which might already exhibit a complex rheological response function, the flow of a composite food matrix, and the influence of processing on the food structure and its properties.
Abstract: Food rheology focuses on the flow properties of individual food components, which might already exhibit a complex rheological response function, the flow of a composite food matrix, and the influence of processing on the food structure and its properties. For processed food the composition and the addition of ingredients to obtain a certain food quality and product performance requires profound rheological understanding of individual ingredients their relation to food processing, and their final perception.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the key properties related to crystal-stabilized water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion formation and stability were explored, and it was shown that temperature and freeze-thaw emulsion destabilization are intimately linked with fat crystal spatial distribution.
Abstract: Products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and crude oil often exist as water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions during their processing or in final form. In many cases, their dispersed aqueous phase is encased in a crystal network and/or by interfacially-adsorbed (‘Pickering’) particles [paraffins, triacylglycerols, polymers, etc.] that promote emulsion kinetic stability by hindering droplet–droplet contact, coalescence and macroscopic phase separation. In processed foods, important questions remain regarding whether a continuous phase fat crystal network or Pickering crystal provides better stabilization. This review explores the following factors related to crystal-stabilized W/O emulsions: i) the key properties dictating fat crystal spatial distribution (at the interface or in the continuous phase); ii) how temperature and freeze–thaw emulsion destabilization are intimately linked with fat crystal spatial distribution, and; iii) why oil-soluble surfactant interactions with the continuous oil phase influence fat crystal wettability and emulsifier efficacy. It is shown that these parameters strongly govern W/O emulsion formation and stability.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The hydration force between large molecules or large surfaces is built on weak perturbation of many solvent molecules, and the structure of the surface sets boundary conditions on solvent while structural forces within the solvent set the range as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The hydration force between large molecules or large surfaces is built on weak perturbation of many solvent molecules. The structure of the surface sets boundary conditions on solvent while structural forces within the solvent set the range. For this collection of essays, we focused on forces between surfaces at nanometer separations. It is instructive to distinguish primary hydration, the binding of water and perturbation within a few layers, from secondary hydration related to redistribution of solutes. The subject is still basically empirical, lacking satisfactory theory and sufficient measurement.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The literature from 2002 to the present on the interfacial rheology of protein films has been reviewed, concentrating on the implications for biological systems and in particular for food emulsions and foams.
Abstract: The scientific literature from 2002 to the present on the interfacial rheology of protein films has been reviewed, concentrating on the implications for biological systems and in particular for food emulsions and foams. The areas covered include: new methods of measurement; proteins + polysaccharides and protein–polysaccharide complexes; the effects of cross-linking within protein films and the origins of film viscoelasticity; proteins + low molecular weight surfactants; experimental and theoretical studies of the interfacial rheology and its relationship to emulsion and foam stability. There has been a something of a resurgence of interest in these areas, resulting in a number of important advances that should aid further understanding and exploitation of proteins as surface active agents and colloid stabilizers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a mean-field-based approach was used to predict ion-specific effects on the forces acting within and between charged interfaces immersed in salt solutions, and the results showed that ion-hydration interactions can be accounted for theoretically on a mean field level by including phenomenological terms in the free energy that correspond to the most dominant ionspecific interactions.
Abstract: In aqueous solutions, dissolved ions interact strongly with the surrounding water and surfaces, thereby modifying solution properties in an ion-specific manner. These ion-hydration interactions can be accounted for theoretically on a mean-field level by including phenomenological terms in the free energy that correspond to the most dominant ion-specific interactions. Minimizing this free energy leads to modified Poisson-Boltzmann equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Here, we review how this strategy has been used to predict some of the ways ion-specific effects can modify the forces acting within and between charged interfaces immersed in salt solutions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the properties of fat in colloidal dispersion states such as aggregates (spherulite), oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion and water-inoil (W/O) were reviewed.
Abstract: This article reviews new information about polymorphic structures, kinetic and microscopic properties of fat crystals in colloidal dispersion states such as aggregates (spherulite), oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion. The kinetic processes of fat crystallization under external factors such as different cooling rates, shear and ultrasound irradiation are reviewed. Microstructures of fats revealed by synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray diffraction techniques in bulk and emulsion states are also reviewed for the first time.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A recent review summarizes recent advances in synthesizing hydrogel microparticles using lithographic processes and highlights a number of emerging applications as mentioned in this paper, discuss advantages and limitations of current strategies, and conclude with an outlook on future trends in the field.
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a surge in methods to synthesize geometrically and chemically complex microparticles. Analogous to atoms, the concept of a “periodic table” of particles has emerged and continues to be expanded upon. Complementing the natural intellectual curiosity that drives the creation of increasingly intricate particles is the pull from applications that take advantage of such high-value materials. Complex particles are now being used in fields ranging from diagnostics and catalysis, to self-assembly and rheology, where material composition and microstructure are closely linked with particle function. This is especially true of polymer hydrogels, which offer an attractive and broad class of base materials for synthesis. Lithography affords the ability to engineer particle properties a priori and leads to the production of homogenous ensembles of particles. This review summarizes recent advances in synthesizing hydrogel microparticles using lithographic processes and highlights a number of emerging applications. We discuss advantages and limitations of current strategies, and conclude with an outlook on future trends in the field.

Journal ArticleDOI
Philip Taylor1
TL;DR: A review of recent advances in the area of the wetting of leaf areas with particular emphasis on their relation to agrochemical application is given in this article, where several areas of interest include leaf wax composition, leaf wetting and super-hydrophobicity, agro chemical deposit formation and spray retention.
Abstract: Recent advances in the area of the wetting of leaf areas are reviewed with particular emphasis on their relation to agrochemical application. Areas reviewed include leaf wax composition, leaf wetting and superhydrophobicity, agrochemical deposit formation and spray retention. It is thought that most progress has been made in the area of leaf wetting through the work on lotus leaves. In the area of spray retention, factors such as plant type, spray solution properties and weathering of the plants are found to be keys. Recent progress in the modelling of spray retention is also discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the structural properties of nanoparticulate drug carrier systems were investigated. But the authors pointed out that interactions between the individual particles may lead to alterations of the macroscopic behavior of the dispersions, especially of their rheological properties.
Abstract: For about 20 years nanoparticles based on solid lipids have been under investigation as drug carrier systems. They can be prepared from a broad variety of lipid matrix materials including glycerides, fatty acids and waxes and are stabilized by physiologically compatible surfactants. Although the matrix lipids principally retain their material properties when dispersed into the colloidal state there are various peculiarities that have to be observed when dealing with such systems. In particular, the crystallization behavior and the polymorphic transitions are altered in the nanoparticulate systems. These properties as well as the particle shape and structure may be affected by the type of surfactants used for stabilization. Also incorporated drugs can modify the structural characteristics of the nanoparticles. Interactions between the individual particles may lead to alterations of the macroscopic behavior of the dispersions, especially of their rheological properties. Such structural parameters can influence the drug carrier properties of the dispersions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review presents the different pathways that nanomedicines can follow after deposition in the lung, including their interactions with the air–liquid interface, their diffusion in and clearance with mucus, their uptake by lung-surface macrophages, their transport across respiratory epithelia and protein metabolism.
Abstract: This review presents the different pathways that nanomedicines can follow after deposition in the lung. These include their interactions with the air–liquid interface, their diffusion in and clearance with mucus, their uptake by lung-surface macrophages, their transport across respiratory epithelia and protein metabolism. These processes mostly occur simultaneously in the lung and their respective rates determine the dominant pathways followed by the particular nanomedicine. Accordingly, the fate of nanomedicines in the lung is highly dependent on the physico-chemical as well as biological properties of the compound considered. IgG are endocytosed by alveolar macrophages and transported across respiratory epithelia by receptor-mediated endocytosis while insulin is not taken up by alveolar macrophages and rapidly crosses the epithelium towards the systemic circulation via paracellular diffusion. Inhaled proteins are usually cleared from the lung within 24 h. Nanoparticles largely escape uptake by lung-surface macrophages and can remain in the lung for weeks, without significant translocation across respiratory epithelia. Major recent advances The fate of therapeutic proteins within the lungs has been partly revealed over the past 15 years. Yet, many recent studies have investigated the pulmonary fate of nanoparticles and have highlighted their persistence within the lung, their low uptake by lung-surface macrophages and their limited translocation across respiratory epithelia towards the systemic circulation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review focuses on self-assembled carriers such as liposomes, polymer micelles and polymersomes, and carriers prepared through templated-assembly, for example, layer-by-layer assembled capsules and PRINT (particle replication in non-wetting templates) particles.
Abstract: Improving therapeutic delivery to the body will have significant benefits for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Incorporating drugs inside engineered colloidal carriers is a promising approach that can lead to improved drug delivery. Such carriers offer a number of advantages, as they can protect therapeutic cargo from degradation by the body, limit potentially harmful side effects of the drug, and also allow targeted drug delivery to the desired site of action. Colloidal carriers have the potential to enable clinical use of a number of therapeutics, such as siRNA and peptides, which if administered in their naked form can degrade before demonstrating a viable therapeutic effect. A number of challenges, such as efficient therapeutic loading into the carrier, targeted and specific delivery in the body whilst evading biological defence mechanisms, and controlled release of therapeutically active cargo, must be met for these systems to be clinically relevant. In this review, we focus on recent advances and some of the pertinent challenges faced in developing clinically relevant colloidal drug carriers. We primarily focus on self-assembled carriers such as liposomes, polymer micelles and polymersomes, and carriers prepared through templated-assembly, for example, layer-by-layer assembled capsules and PRINT (particle replication in non-wetting templates) particles.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a brief review of different factors that determine spreading character of aqueous surfactant solutions on hydrophobic substrates such as polymers films and chemically modified solids is presented.
Abstract: Surfactant-enhanced spreading of water-based formulations over low-energy surfaces has attracted considerable interest in scientific and industrial communities because of its importance in agrichemical, pharmaceutical, coating and textile applications. Spreading of aqueous surfactant solutions is rather complex process than spreading of pure liquids due to a time-dependent adsorption/desorption of surfactant molecules at all three interfaces involved that results in changing the interfacial energy balance, producing interfacial tension gradients and, hence, Marangoni flows. The phase behavior and structures of surfactant aggregates in bulk solutions, structure and surface activity of surfactant molecule itself, physicochemical properties of substrates and a number of other parameters could strongly influence spreading dynamic of surfactant solutions on hydrophobic surfaces. Implication of all those factors on spreading behavior of solutions makes it hardly predictable from both theoretical and practical points of view. In this brief review we summarize different factors that determine spreading character of aqueous surfactant solutions on hydrophobic substrates such as polymers films and chemically modified solids. Focus is made on spreading and wetting behavior of nonionic hydrocarbon and organosilicone surfactants, which are widely used in commercial and analytical applications.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of recent results from statistical thermodynamics that may be used to advance experimental efforts to self-assemble particular target structures from anisotropic colloidal particles is presented.
Abstract: This article reviews recent results from statistical thermodynamics that may be used to advance experimental efforts to self-assemble particular target structures from anisotropic colloidal particles. So that experiments may take advantage of the rapid progress made in the theory and simulation of anisotropic particle self-assembly, I emphasize three areas: (i) the specification, characterization, and measurement of the pair potential interactions of anisotropic colloids, which is necessary to quantitatively connect experiments with the simulation and theory; (ii) phase diagrams of anisotropic particles from the theory and simulation, which indicate the conditions of thermodynamic stability of the target crystal structures; and (iii) field-assisted assembly methods, which allow experimentalists to efficiently study the conditions identified in the simulated phase diagrams. Together, these three directions specify a rational way to self-assemble particular target structures from anisotropic colloids whose quantities are typically limited.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Superspreading is a fascinating phenomenon observed with dilute solutions of trisiloxane surfactants on hydrophobic substrates and has attracted much attention both from a theoretical point of view and because of the practical application of the effect e.g. for agrochemical formulations.
Abstract: Superspreading is a fascinating phenomenon observed with dilute solutions of trisiloxane surfactants on hydrophobic substrates. It has attracted much attention both from a theoretical point of view and because of the practical application of the effect e.g. for agrochemical formulations. The first physicochemical paper on the mechanism of superspreading was published exactly 20 years ago. Since then many groups all over the world contributed significantly to the understanding of this phenomenon. However, it will continue to be an active field of research in interface science because there are still open questions concerning the mode of action of the surfactants in the superspreading process.