title: Specific ion effects: why DLVO theory fails for biology and colloid systems.
abstract: The classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory that underpins colloid and surface science is shown to be flawed, especially at biological salt concentrations. This is in part because the dispersion forces acting on the ions are ignored. When these are included properly very different results are obtained. These results have substantial implications for biological and for ordinary colloid systems at moderate salt concentrations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Advanced Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia 0200.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boström
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Ninham
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D004573:Electrolytes; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D004573:Electrolytes