Nanomaterials and Bio-Interfaces: Interactions and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Surfaces are the place where most interaction between systems occurs. Despite this everyday evidence, the comprehension of the fundamental mechanisms underlying interactions is still an unsettled issue. Many aspects concur with increasing the complexity of experimental and theoretical investigations. First, interaction arises from the non-trivial interplay between physical and chemical processes. Second, contact interactions, e.g., adhesion and electromagnetic and chemical forces, are a multiscale phenomenon, depending on interface features on the macro- to nanoscale. Third, the interface between systems is seldom ideally defined, since boundary confinement, interface reorganization and multiphase adhesion often occur at the contact points. On top of this, experimental investigation must attempt to gain access to buried interfaces via as many techniques as possible. These general considerations also apply when one or more of the interacting systems are biological materials, further complicated by other aspects such as the role of boundary capillarity and surface plasticity.

Despite these hurdles, recent fast technological advancements have allowed exploring new technological applications in the fields of materials sciences and biological at the micro-/nanoscale, resulting in an unprecedented level of knowledge on advanced functional materials, lower dimensional crystals and nanostructures, cells, and macromolecules. The combination between biotechnologies, nanotechnologies, chemistry, and physics led to the creation of new strategies and methodologies, combining, supporting and advancing the frontiers of traditional approaches. This Special Issue also includes a metrological perspective to unlock quantitative and robust data comparison and interpretation.

We promote the submission of contributions highlighting applications, methodologies, and technical advances developed in recent years, but we also ask authors to contribute research related to their experience, open/unsolved problems, and future challenges to promote progression in the above-mentioned fields. 

This Special Issue will include original research, communications, and review articles covering the latest advances in the development and application of strategies devoted to cell growth, signaling, and differentiation, as well as the nano-scale study of biomolecules down to the single analyte.

Dr. Bruno Torre
Dr. Monica Marini
Guest Editors

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