The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal
Topics in Current Chemistry o rganized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas
of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology medicine
and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader
whether in academia or industry a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is
emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience.Each review within the volume
critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a
whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected
examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an
exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data but should rather be
conceptual concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist
reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on
potential future developments in the field.
