Applications of Neutron Reflectometry to Soft Matter and Biological Systems

Following the general theoretical description of the technique presented in Chapter 10, this chapter provides an overview of the technical principles, methodologies, and applications of neutron reflectometry (NR) within the multi-faceted landscapes of soft matter and biological systems. The power of the technique in soft and biological matter arises primarily from its unique capability to determine, from a single measurement, both the structure and composition of samples in the form of films on surfaces and at interfaces. Neutron’s sensitivity to light elements, coupled with their abundance in soft and biological matter, along with the possibilities offered by isotopic substitution, contribute to the method’s strength. Emphasizing recent advancements in bio-molecular deuteration techniques, this chapter showcases investigations into the structural properties of various thin films, including polymers, proteins, surfactants, lipids, and nanoparticles in mono- or multi-layers, across gas–liquid, gas–solid, solid–liquid, and liquid–liquid interfaces. Furthermore, the chapter presents various methods for analyzing NR data, enabling readers to gain insights into the strengths and limitations of different approaches and equipping them with the necessary tools to extract valuable information from the experiments.