Includes bibliographic references and index.

Chapter 1: Synthesis and Applications of Templated Sol-Gel Microspheres -- Chapter 2: Fabrication and Functionalization of Polymer Microspheres for Application in Catalysis and in Separation Science -- Chapter 3: Microspheres for the Multiplex Assay of Biomolecules Using Miniaturized Devices and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering -- Chapter 4: The Narrow Transmission Resonances, Field Confinement and Green Function of a Multilayered Microsphere with Negative-Index Metamaterials Defects -- Chapter 5: Magnetic Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications

The book presents to the reader an interdisciplinary vision of microspheres including its concepts and applications. The book ranges from the preparation of microspheres using different methodologies (such as sol-gel processes) through different characterization techniques as well as the use of these systems for diagnostic diseases (cancer and hemodynamics fields). In addition, this book discusses aspects of the use of microspheres in: i) catalysis and separation sciences; ii) theoretical studies for applications in optical devices; iii) development of new systems aiming biomedical application.