Ionic Interactions in Natural and Synthetic Macromolecules

Comprehensive study sheds new light on ionic interactions in macromolecules and their applications With contributions from leading researchers around the world, Ionic Interactions in Natural and Synthetic Macromolecules offers a carefully structured and comprehensive explanation of how combinations of supramolecular interactions direct a variety of self–assembly modes for nano–architectures and functional biostructures. The text reviews and analyzes charged macromolecules, such as synthetic polyelectrolytes, DNA, and ampholytic proteins, and describes how an understanding of ionic and ionic–mixed interactions in macromolecules has a general impact and potential applications across a broad range of disciplines, spanning biochemistry, medicine, materials science, and organic chemistry. Ionic Interactions in Natural and Synthetic Macromolecules is divided into three parts: Section One, Fundamentals, examines basic aspects of purely ionic interactions within organic systems, and includes a description of the behavior of simple salts. Section Two, Mixed Interactions, explores how the superimposition of ionic and other charge–independent electrostatic interactions control Hofmeister effects, the supramolecular organization of hydrophobic polymers, polyelectrolyte–protein complexes, synthetic membranes, metalloproteins, and helical polypeptides. Section Three, Functions and Applications, deals with transport processes in both biological and synthetic systems, functioning and applications of intelligent gels, nano–structured films formed by layered polyelectrolytes, and ionic conductivity in highly efficient energy sources. Readers will discover how the text?s unified presentation of systems—characterized by different blends of ionic and ionic–mixed interactions—has led to the identification of general underlying mechanisms and a correlation among seemingly unrelated phenomena. This text is recommended for practitioners and students in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and engineering. All readers will discover what is known about the large class of natural and synthetic materials influenced by ionic–mixed interactions and their many potential applications.