Polymers at Interfaces: Biological and Non-biological Applications

Abstract

Polymer is a long chain macromolecule comprising of several monomers. The interface is the dividing region between two phases. In this article the authors describe about the polymers at interfaces. The interfacial behaviour of polymers is an area of active research and holds immense potential for technological advances. Polymers can adhere to an interface either by physisorption or by chemical grafting. This article discusses and summarizes important work in the literature regarding the various technological applications of polymers at interfaces. They are explored cutting across disciplines and emphasizing the versatility of the interfacial behavior phenomenon. The fields of colloidal stabilization and bridging flocculation, detergency and biomedical applications are explored and latest developments in these areas are focused.  The emphasis is on practical issues rather than on the theoretical ones, as there are quite a few review articles available on the latter. This article will be a valuable source of information for the researchers who are starting their career in polymers related to biotechnology and chemical engineering.