Micro and Nano-Rheological Methods for Interfacial and Bulk-Fluid Systems

Micron-scale methods for measuring the mechanical and rheological properties of bulk and interfacial fluids are especially attractive techniques when sample sizes are small and when relevant length-scales of the material under scrutiny are below those accessible to larger conventional equipment. Both passive and active techniques have been explored and developed recently, and there is great opportunity to utilize current techniques for investigating bulk and interfacial biological systems. There are also opportunities to develop novel experimental techniques to overcome limitations associated with sensitivity limits in passive methods, and opportunities to employ certain active techniques in the treatment of cancer. Trends in this area are towards nano-scale probing of material properties, and with the development of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) complexed with quantum dots, there is great opportunity to develop new nano-diagnostic, and nano-rheological methods with a broad range of biological applications.