The book emphasizes the development of useful implementations and applications of nanotechnology. One key issue addressed is how to access, from the macroscopic world, the extremely high information density of nanostructured systems. One way to do this is by using bio-inspiration - techniques where we apply lessons learned from living systems to design new materials with localized feedback mechanisms. Specifically, the book evaluates the most advanced and innovative syntheses of nanostructures, the most novel properties and functionalities and the most potential applications as components of advanced technological systems and as materials tailored for a great variety of special needs.