22nd Conference of the European Colloid and Interface Society

Scope and Topics of ECIS 2008
The Conference traditionally covers a broad spectrum of colloid and interface science, ranging from fundamentals such as: interactions, stability, aggregation, phase transitions, electrokinetics, rheology, to applications, e.g., drug delivery systems, biosensors, biocompatible coatings, membranes, colloid and nanoparticle based catalysis, photocatalysis, optical filters, etc.

Emphasis is focused on various interactions in polar media, especially the particle-polar solvent interactions, which enables one to perform efficient modelling of polyelectrolyte and biopolymer structure in the bulk, transport to interfaces, conformations at surfaces, colloid particle mono- and multilayer structure.

Another essential issues of the Conference will be a proper description of the surface-mediated organisation of nanoparticle systems (polyelectrolytes, colloids, mineral particles, proteins) into hierarchical structures of targeted architecture and functionality, using, e.g. the layer by layer technique.

In respect to applications, attention will be concentrated on novel colloid systems for controlled drug delivery such as microcapsules, antifouling and biocompatible coatings. Accordingly, the main topics of the Conference are the following:

1. Dispersed and colloidal systems - bulk properties
Nanoparticles, microemulsions, interactions, stability, light scattering, aggregation, migration, electrokinetics.

2. Polyelectrolytes, surfactants and biocolloids
Macroions, complexes, polypeptides, DNA, proteins, enzymes.

3. Concentrated dispersed systems - rheology
Micelles, vesicles, liposomes, gels, glasses, liquid crystals, phase transitions, rheology.

4. Interactions of particles with surfaces
Theory of interactions, adsorption, deposition, adhesion of particles, measurements of interaction and adhesion forces, AFM techniques, imaging of surface features.

5. Modelling of colloid dynamics and structure
Polyelectrolyte and biopolymer conformations and structure in the bulk, molecular and Brownian dynamics simulations, convective-, diffusion- and external force transport, polyelectrolytes and proteins at surfaces, particle mono- and multilayer structure.

6. Active and Functional Interfaces
Precursor layers, surface self-assembling, layer by layer deposition, attachment of colloids, multilayers of colloid particles, colloidal and biocolloidal arrays, patterned surfaces, micro-contact printing polyelectrolyte/protein/particle multilayers, gradient surfaces, protein arrays.

7. Novel bulk and surface colloid systems
Encapsulation methods and microcapsules, controlled release of substances, vectors, drug delivery systems, biosensors, adhesion promoting surfaces, antifouling coatings, biocompatible coatings, artificial joints, microelectrophoretic and chromatographic supports, membranes, colloid based catalysis, photocatalysis, optical filters.

8. Applications
Microphoretic devices, microfluidic systems, electrophoretic deposition, affinity chromatography, ultra- and membrane filtration, dialysis, bioreactors, biofouling.