Colloids are heterogeneous physical systems in which one phase (dispersed phase) is finely distributed within another continuous phase, with characteristic particle or domain sizes typically in the range of ~1–1000 nm. They exhibit properties dominated by interfacial phenomena, Brownian motion, and long-range interactions rather than gravitational settling. Colloidal stability is governed by a balance of van der Waals, electrostatic, steric, and depletion forces, often described by DLVO and extended theories. These systems encompass sols, gels, emulsions, foams, and aerosols, and serve as model platforms for studying phase behavior, self-assembly, rheology, and non-equilibrium dynamics in soft condensed matter physics.
Scientists have discovered that the internal shape of tiny drug-delivery particles—called lipid nanoparticles—has a big impact on how well our cells absorb them, paving the way to more efficient vaccine and drug delivery.
Bio & Medicine
Jun 16, 2025
0
30
Nanomedicines, especially those based on nanoparticles, are revolutionizing health care in terms of both diagnostics and therapeutics. These particles, often containing metals like iron or gold, can serve as contrast agents ...
Bio & Medicine
May 29, 2025
0
33
Extensive industrial catalytic applications have shown that the confined nano-channels of zeolites can precisely regulate molecular diffusion and metal cluster migration, effectively enhancing catalyst activity, selectivity, ...
Nanomaterials
May 28, 2025
0
23
A research team has developed a novel aerosol-based emulsion system that enables the self-assembly of asymmetric nanostructures—something long considered a major challenge in materials science. The team includes researchers ...
Nanophysics
Apr 30, 2025
0
34
Drying droplets have fascinated scientists for decades. From water to coffee to paint, these everyday fluids leave behind intricate patterns as they evaporate. But blood is far more complex—a colloidal suspension packed with ...
Lacquers, paint, concrete—and even ketchup or orange juice: Suspensions are widespread in industry and everyday life. By a suspension, materials scientists mean a liquid in which tiny, insoluble solid particles are evenly ...
Soft Matter
Apr 7, 2025
0
54
In a crowded room, we naturally move slower than in an empty space. Surprisingly, worms can show the exact opposite behavior: In an environment with randomly scattered obstacles, they tend to move faster when there are more ...
Soft Matter
Mar 27, 2025
0
31
Colloidal self-assembly is a process where colloidal particles spontaneously organize into ordered structures under specific conditions. Colloidal self-assembly serves as a foundation for designing materials like optoelectronic ...
Nanomaterials
Mar 14, 2025
0
45
The ability to better steer particles suspended in liquids could lead to better water purification processes, new drug delivery systems, and other applications. The key ingredient, say Yale researchers, is a pinch of salt.
Soft Matter
Mar 6, 2025
0
77
The so-called glass transition is the process by which some liquid-like materials become solid-like, without forming a crystalline structure. In contrast to conventional solid materials, which exhibit an orderly atom arrangement, ...
