Serum Albumin : Structure, Functions & Health Impact

Serum albumin is the most abundant plasma protein in mammals. Albumin is essential for maintaining the osmotic pressure needed for proper distribution of body fluids between intravascular compartments and body tissues. It also acts as a plasma carrier by non-specifically binding several hydrophobic steroid hormones and as a transport protein for hemin and fatty acids. This book presents current research in the study of the structure, functions and health impacts of serum albumin. Topics include the catalytic activities of serum albumin; the interaction of serum albumin with anaesthetics; microparticulate drug delivery systems based on serum albumin; hydration of human serum albumin and extracting physical properties of serum albumin using osmotic pressure.