Microrheology applications

Abstract The wide number of microrheology methods and techniques serve as new tools for measuring the rheology of soft materials. Several emerging applications of microrheology are presented, including the rheology of hydrogelators, gelation kinetics, and degradation (gel breaking). Viscosity measurements, in particular of protein solutions, is also discussed. These problems generally take advantage of the small volume requirements of microrheology as well as its sensitivity. The chapter begins with a discussion of mechanical and microrheology operating regimes to aid the reader in planning experiments. It concludes with a discussion of emerging trends and future areas of microrheology, including interfacial rheology.