Genetic Engineering: Principles and Methods presents state-of-the-art discussions in modern genetics and genetic engineering. Recent volumes have covered gene therapy research, genetic mapping, plant science and technology, transport protein biochemistry, and viral vectors in gene therapy, among many other topics.

Key features of Volume 27 include:

- Identification and Analysis of Micrornas

- Dormancy and the Cell Cycle

- Long distance peptide and metal transport in plants

- Signaling in plant response to temperature and water stresses

- Nutrient transport and metabolism in plants

- Salt Stress Signaling and Mechanisms of Plant Salt Tolerance

- Gene cloning and expression

- Assisted folding and assembly of proteins

Computational intelligence techniques are gaining momentum in the medical prognosis and diagnosis. This volume presents advanced applications of machine intelligence in medicine and bio-medical engineering. Applied methods include knowledge bases, expert systems, neural networks, neuro-fuzzy systems, evolvable systems, wavelet transforms, and specific internet applications. The volume is written in view of explaining to the practitioner the fundamental issues related to computational intelligence paradigms and to offer a fast and friendly-managed introduction to the most recent methods based on computer intelligence in medicine.

New data on animal cell technology are brought together in this volume, with emphasis given to the basic characterization of cell lines. The merits of different cell culture systems are examined and investigations into the factors influencing cell growth and productivity are presented. A special section deals with the biological properties of proteins produced by engineered animal cells. All those involved in the culture of animal cells will find this volume invaluable.

A globalization of innovation has produced the most massive spurt in biotechnology in world history.  Businesses, universities, and non-governmental organizations are collaborating to produce a "science-industrial complex" in biotechnology.  Using case studies of stem cell research, cloning, genetically modified food, in-vitro fertilization, and chimeras in a number of Eastern and Western countries around the world, I argue that much of this biotech activity is global in nature and independent of state control.  This shift in the relative influence of state and non-state actors has led to the virtual deregulation of biotechnology and the liberation of innovation from geo-political constraints.  These trends post a number of interesting social, political, and ethical issues for the contemporary period and suggest the need to rethink how controversial moral issues are handled by the science-industrial complex.

This Volume presents relevant single-cell and single-molecule approaches in the study of microbes producing and utilizing hydrocarbons and lipids. While generically applicable for all microorganisms, the approaches described are, wherever possible, adapted to the field of study of hydrocarbon and lipid microbiology. The methods include basic procedures for isolating single cells by means of microfluidics and flow cytometry, and their cultivation in arrays as pure clones; for isolating, amplifying and sequencing single-cell genomes and transcriptomes; and for analysing single-cell metabolomes by means of Raman spectroscopy. Single-molecule approaches include the use of protein:fluorescent dye fusions for protein localization and methods for the production of cell division protostructures and lipid monolayers. Methods for the functional analysis of single cells include detection of metabolically active (protein-synthesizing) cells in environmental samples by bioorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging, Raman spectroscopy combined with stable isotope labelling and fluorescent in situ hybridisation, and visualization of single cells participating in gene transfer activity. Lastly, protocols are presented for single-cell biotechnological applications, including biofuel production. Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology ProtocolsThere are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.

Heavy metals always pose serious ecological risks when released into the environment due to their elemental non-degradable nature, regardless of their chemical form. This calls for the development of efficient and low-cost effluent treatment and metal recuperation technologies for contaminated waste water, not only because regulatory limits need to be met but also because the waste itself can be a resource for certain precious metals.

Biosorption is a general property of living and dead biomass to rapidly bind and abiotically concentrate inorganic or organic compounds from even very diluted aqueous solutions. As a specific term, biosorption is a method that utilizes materials of biological origin - biosorbents formulated from non-living biomass - for the removal of target substances from aqueous solutions. Recent research on biosorption provides a solid understanding of the mechanism underlying microbial biosorption of heavy metals and related elements.

This book gathers review articles analyzing current views on the mechanism and (bio)chemistry of biosorption, the performance of bacterial, fungal and algal biomass, and the practical aspects of biosorbent preparation and engineering. It also reviews the physico-chemical evaluations of biosorbents and modelling of the process as well as the importance of biosorption during heavy metal removal using living cells. It is a reference work for scientists, environmental safety engineers and R&D specialists who wish to further promote biosorption research and use the accumulated knowledge to develop and build industrial applications of biosorption in heavy metal separation technologies.

"

The first Interfaces Conference was held at Swansea in April 1988 and represented the then state of the art of the science of implant surgery. The motivation for the initial venture was a supposed need for a closer interaction and dialogue between the clinician and scientist working in this area. As expressed in the Preface to the first Conference, we felt that the interface was represented graphically, scientifically and psychologically by the drawings of Edgar Rubins (1915), again widely used in the literature to the present Proceedings. The first Conference, we believe, achieved the aims of the organisers in bringing together scientists and clinicians towards an exchange of ideas by logically pursuing the sequence of events in clinical implant surgery. The present Conference, in collaboration with our Italian colleagues, has also attempted to achieve the same aims by examining the behaviour of implants constructed of a variety of materials in both hard and soft tissue. Many contributions in the conference employed the technique of finite element analysis, both for design and optimisation purposes, particularly in relation to bone remodelling. Indeed, this particular aspect of the Conference led to much debate and will require a major examination of the many levels of physical, chemical and biomechanical interactive behaviour of the implant and its environment. All this natural behaviour was presented and discussed, but difficulties and failures remain with such procedures and we feel it is only by continuing such meetings that we progress in this difficult area of clinical science.

In the last ten years there has been a considerable increase of interest on the notion of the minimal cell. With this term we usually mean a cell-like structure containing the minimal and sufficient number of components to be defined as alive, or at least capable of displaying some of the fundamental functions of a living cell. In fact, when we look at extant living cells we realize that thousands of molecules are organized spatially and functionally in order to realize what we call cellular life. This fact elicits the question whether such huge complexity is a necessary condition for life, or a simpler molecular system can also be defined as alive. Obviously, the concept of minimal cell encompasses entire families of cells, from totally synthetic cells, to semi-synthetic ones, to primitive cell models, to simple biomimetic cellular systems. Typically, in the experimental approach to the construction of minimal the main ingredient is the compartment, lipid vesicles (liposomes) are used to host simple and complex molecular transformations, from single or multiple enzymic reactions, to polymerase chain reactions, to gene expression. Today this research is seen as part of the broader scenario of synthetic biology but it is rooted in origins of life studies, because the construction of a minimal cell might provide biophysical insights into the origins of primitive cells, and the emergence of life on earth. The volume provides an overview of physical, biochemical and functional studies on minimal cells, with emphasis to experimental approaches. 15 International experts report on their innovative contributions to the construction of minimal cells.

The peptide hormones are small proteins that regulate cellular metabolism through their specific interactions with tissues of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, as well as in embry onic development. During the past ten years, refinements in the techniques of recombinant DNA technology have resulted in the cloning of genes encoding approximately 50 different hormonal and regulatory peptides, including those in which the peptides themselves and the mRNAs encoding the peptides are present in only trace amounts in the tissues of origin. In addition to provid ing the coding sequences of recognized hormonal and regulatory peptides, gene sequencing has uncovered new bioactive peptides encoded in the precursor pro hormones that are then liberated along with the hormonal peptides during cellular cleavages of the precursors. The encoding of multiple peptides in a single mono cistronic mRNA appears to be a genetic mechanism for the gener ation of biologic diversification without requiring amplification of gene sequences. Two of the objectives in the assembly of this book are to pre sent, in one volume, the known primary structures of the genes encoding several of the polypeptide hormones and related regulatory peptides, and to provide an account of the various ap proaches that have been used to identify and select the cloned genes encoding these polypeptides. The contents of the two in troductory chapters are intended to provide the reader with a brief background of the approaches to gene cloning and the struc ture and expression of hormone-encoding genes."

Nanobiotechnology is the convergence of existing and new biotechnology with the 1 ability to manipulate matter at or near the molecular level. This ability to manipulate matter on a scale of 100 nanometers (nm) or less is what constitutes the nanotechnology revolution occurring today, the potentially vast economic and social implications of which are yet to be fully understood (Royal Society, 2004). The most immediate way to understand the implications of nanobiotechnology for ethics is to consider the real life concerns of communities that are mobilizing within civil society. The conflicts and ethical debates surrounding nanotechnology will, almost by definition, emerge on the fault lines between different civil society actors, researchers and financial interests associated with nanobiotechnology, as well as (potentially) government regulators. These fault lines are all reflected within the concerns (as expressed d- cursively) of the communities mobilizing. This chapter will explore converging d- courses regarding converging technologies. Converging Technologies (CT) are already a familiar theme in the next gene- tion of biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmacogenomics and proteomics research 2 and development. Nanobiotechnology means that previously separate disciplines (IT, physics, chemistry, and biology) are merging and converging to create new applications and even new life forms through converged technological platforms. Schummer (2004), and Glimell and Fogelberg (2003, p. 43), note the predominance of interdisciplinarity as a core theme of nano-discourse.

Bioinformatics is an integrative field of computer science, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and statistics, which has undoubtedly revolutionized the study of biology and medicine in past decades. It mainly assists in modeling, predicting and interpreting large multidimensional biological data by utilizing advanced computational methods. Despite its enormous potential, bioinformatics is not widely integrated into the academic curriculum as most life science students and researchers are still not equipped with the necessary knowledge to take advantage of this powerful tool. Hence, the primary purpose of our book is to supplement this unmet need by providing an easily accessible platform for students and researchers starting their career in life sciences. This book aims to avoid sophisticated computational algorithms and programming. Instead, it will mostly focus on simple DIY analysis and interpretation of biological data with personal computers. Our belief is that once the beginners acquire these basic skillsets, they will be able to handle most of the bioinformatics tools for their research work and to better understand their experimental outcomes. The third volume is titled In Silico Life Sciences: Agriculture. It focuses on plant genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomics data. Using examples of new crop diseases-emergence, crop productivity and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance, this book illustrates how bioinformatics can be an integral components of modern day plant science research.

This book gives a state-of-the-art view by recognized researchers of the nanotechnologies required for future integrated systems leading to innovations in energy, the environment, and biotechnologies. Nanostructures that would be difficult to form using the current semiconductor technology will be realized using a combination of bottom-up and top-down processes, including hybrid nanostructures made of inorganic and organic/biological materials. Bio-sensing, imaging, and cell or molecular manipulation are discussed in Chapters 2-7. The acquisition of basic knowledge on the cellular level will lead to curing serious diseases. Also, nanofabrication technologies, discussed in Chapters 8-15, will lead to next-generation solar cells, secondary batteries, and advanced electronic circuits using nanostructured materials, thus providing solutions for serious energy and environment issues. Prospective readers of this book include graduate students as well as researchers and engineers working in this field.

Currently, nanotechnology is exposing the properties of DNA in unprecedented detail leading to new insights on the biological behavior and function of DNA. With the structural perfection of a self-assembling DNA nano-object, such as a DNA origami, it is clear how complex DNA is as a molecule, leading researchers to wonder how many different constructs could be designed and realized. "DNA Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols" shows the procedures to follow in order to repeat methods that lead to such constructs or to the mastering of the characterization techniques used to study them. The chapters of this book are roughly divided into two parts: some cover the methods for preparing the nanostructures, from the rationale of the operations to the techniques for their handling, while other chapters deal more directly with advanced instrumental techniques that can manipulate and characterize molecules and nanostructures. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and accessible, "DNA Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols "serves as an ideal guide to scientists of all backgrounds and aims to ignite interest and spur activity in this young and rapidly growing research field.

Includes cutting-edge methods and protocols

Provides step-by-step detail essential for reproducible results

Contains key notes and implementation advice from the experts"

Genetic engineering is a powerful tool for crop improvement. Crop biotechnology before 2001 was reviewed in Transgenic Crops I-III, but recent advances in plant cell and molecular biology have prompted the need for new volumes.

Transgenic Crops IV deals with cereals, vegetables, root crops, herbs and spices. Section I is an introductory chapter on the impact of plant biotechnology in agriculture. Section II focuses on cereals (rice, wheat, maize, rye, pearl millet, barley, oats), while Section III is directed to vegetable crops (tomato, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, chickpea, common beans and cowpeas, carrot, radish). Root crops (potato, cassava, sweet potato, sugar beet) are included in Section IV, with herbs and spices (sweet and hot peppers, onion, garlic and related species, mint) in Section V.

This volume is an invaluable reference for plant breeders, researchers and graduate students in the fields of plant biotechnology, agronomy, horticulture, genetics and both plant cell and molecular biology.

This book provides up-to-date information on the environmental impact of transgenic trees on genetically modified tree (GMT) communication strategy. It is useful to public/private organisations as well as to private and public research bodies and universities worldwide since it reports on the global status of GMT research and policy. A high number of genetically modified trees (GMTs) with altered or novel characteristics have been produced in the last 15 years. However, their very low public acceptance is a basic problem in their commercialization. Breeders anticipate economic and ecological benefits, like reduced product costs and less pressure on native forests, while opponents fear risks, such as unintended spread of GMTs. But what is true? To answer this question, the COST Action FP0905 focused on key aspects related to GMTs: (a) biological characterization; (b) assessment of possible environmental impacts; (c) socio-economic implications and public acceptance/concerns; (d) providing science-based information to communicate with the public.

The book deepens the understanding of the solid substrate culture technique in order to widen the engineering base needed to encourage its practical use. Theories of practical relevance are explained in detail.

Algae are important organisms that include seaweeds and a number of single-celled and multicellular microscopic forms. Algae are ubiquitous; they inhabit almost everywhere including oceans, freshwater bodies, rocks, soils, and trees. Man's uses of algae may date back to ancient times. In recent decades, there has been renewed interest in the utilization of algae as sources of health food and high-value chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and for aquaculture, agriculture, and wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, the biotechnological potential of algae is still far from fully exploited, due to a lack of understanding of algal characteristics and culture systems, as well as of advanced research techniques. This book contains selected papers presented at the Fourth Asia-Pacific Conference on Algal Biotechnology held in Hong Kong, on 3-6 July, 2000. Written by experts in the field, this book provides a state-of-the-art account of algal biotechnology research. Topics range from use of algae in agriculture to environmental monitoring and protection, from algal culture systems to production of high-value chemicals and pharmaceuticals by algae, and from algal product purification to gene transformation and regulations. This book is intended for use by researchers and industrialists in the field of algal biotechnology. It will also be an important reference for undergraduate and postgraduate students in biotechnology and food science, as well as in biology in general.

This book provides in-depth insights into the regulatory frameworks of five countries and the EU concerning the regulation of genome edited plants. The country reports form the basis for a comparative analysis of the various national regulations governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in general and genome edited plants in particular, as well as the underlying regulatory approaches.The reports, which focus on the regulatory status quo of genome edited plants in Argentina, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan and the USA, were written by distinguished experts following a uniform structure. On this basis, the legal frameworks are compared in order to foster a rational assessment of which approaches could be drawn upon to adjust, or to completely realign, the current EU regime for GMOs. In addition, a separate chapter identifies potential best practices for the regulation of plants derived from genome editing.

Considerable effort and time is allocated to introducing cell culture and fermentation technology to undergraduate students in academia, generally through a range of courses in industrial biotechnology and related disciplines. Similarly, a large number of textbooks are available to describe the appli- tions of these technologies in industry. However, there has been a general lack of appreciation of the significant developments in downstream processing and isolation technology, the need for which is largely driven by the stringent re- latory requirements for purity and quality of injectable biopharmaceuticals. This is particularly reflected by the general absence of coverage of this s- ject in many biotechnology and related courses in educational institutions. For a considerable while I have felt that there is increasing need for an introductory text to various aspects of downstream processing, particularly with respect to the needs of the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology ind- try. Although there are numerous texts that cover various aspects of protein purification techniques in isolation, there is a need for a work that covers the broad range of isolation technology in an industrial setting. It is anticipated that Downstream Processing of Proteins: Methods and Protocols will play a small part in filling this gap and thus prove a useful contribution to the field. It is also designed to encourage educational strategists to broaden the coverage of these topics in industrial biotechnology courses by including accounts of this important and rapidly developing element of the industrial process.

The immobilized biocatalyst (IMB) is a key component of biotransformation systems that are used to transform substrates to desired products. The impro- ment of biocatalyst properties has a direct influence on the overall effectiveness of the process based on the biotransformation. The basic catalytic characte- stics of biocatalyst that are followed include kinetic properties, pH optima, stability,and inhibition. The investigation of catalytic properties of immobilized enzymes is still a time consuming procedure and is not always simple. In the 1980s,a major effort was made to standardize the rules by which IMB is char- terized. The Working Party of EFB on immobilized biocatalysts has formul- ed principles of individual methods, among them the requirement of kinetic characterization [1]. It was recommended to use a packed-bed reactor,equipped with temperature control and with infinite flow circulation. The system should be equipped with a post-column unit to measure the time-dependence of the product or substrate concentration [2, 3], the most commonly used analytical methods being spectrophotometry, chemiluminiscence, automatic titration, bioluminiscence, chromatography, polarimetry, and biosensors based on the oxygen electrode. There are two main drawbacks to the application of these methods: 1. The need to vary the analytical principles, depending on the chemical and physical-chemical properties of analytes; 2. In some cases, mainly in the study of hydrolytic enzymes, the natural s- strate must be replaced by an artificial one,that is chromolytic,chromogenic, chemiluminiscent,bioluminiscent,or fluorescent.

This book provides an overview of the immobilization of viable and non-viable cells, proteins, enzymes and active molecules, and their interaction with natural or synthetic carriers for performing biochemical and chemical reactions in vivo and in vitro.

Volume 18 explores the latest advances in recombinant DNA molecule techniques and how they are revolutionizing basic research in biology. Chapters discuss obtaining good expression of genetically engineered pest-resistant genes introduced in crop plants, cloning DNAs containing palindromes, and identifying genes by 3' terminal exon trapping and much more.