This Volume describes methods for cultivating hydrocarbon-producing and -consuming microbes, covering compounds in a range of states - gaseous (e.g. methane), liquid (e.g. alkanes of intermediate molecular weight) and solid (e.g. many PAHs and asphaltene). It also examines the cultivation of aerobic and anaerobic hydrocarbon degraders using a range of electron acceptors (e.g. oxygen, nitrate, sulphate, metals, (per)chlorate), and a separate chapter is devoted to explaining the cultivation of methanogens. Special attention is given to: high-throughput cultivation, growing microbes as biofilms, and cultivating fastidious microbes, as well as the preservation of microbial pure cultures and consortia. Accordingly, this Volume will be of value to anyone embarking on the selective enrichment and cultivation of novel microorganisms. 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.

The population of the world continues to increase at an alarming rate. The trouble linked with overpopulation ranges from food and water scarcity to inadequacy of space for organisms. Overpopulation is also linked with several other demographic hazards, for instance, population blooming will not only result in exhaustion of natural repositories, but it will also induce intense pressure on the world economy. Today nanotechnology is often discussed as a key discipline of research but it has positive and negative aspects. Also, due to industrialization and ever-increasing population, nano-pollution has been an emerging topic among scientists for investigation and debate. Nanotechnology measures any substance on a macromolecular scale, molecular scale, and even atomic scale. More importantly, nanotechnology deals with the manipulation and control of any matter at the dimension of a single nanometer. Nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs) play important roles in sustainable development and environmental challenges as well. NPs possess both harmful and beneficial effects on the environment and its harboring components, such as microbes, plants, and humans. There are many beneficial impacts exerted by nanoparticles, however, including their role in the management of waste water and soil treatment, cosmetics, food packaging, agriculture, biomedicines, pharmaceuticals, renewable energies, and environmental remedies. Conversely, NPs also show some toxic effects on microbes, plants, as well as human beings. It has been reported that use of nanotechnological products leads to the more accumulation of NPs in soil and aquatic ecosystems, which may be detrimental for living organisms. Further, toxic effects of NPs on microbes, invertebrates, and aquatic organisms including algae, has been measured. Scientists have also reported on the negative impact of NPs on plants by discussing the delivery of NPs in plants. Additionally, scientists have also showed that NPs interact with plant cells, which results in alterations in growth, biological function, gene expression, and development. Thus, there has been much investigated and reported on NPs and plant interactions in the last decade. This book discusses the most recent work on NPs and plant interaction, which should be useful for scientists working in nanotechnology across a wide variety of disciplines.

Documents the confused early history of DNA, RNA and proteins - a transformative history of molecular biology like no other. Integrates the influences of biochemistry and genetics on the landscape of molecular biology. Chronicles the important discoveries, preconceptions and misconceptions that retarded or misdirected progress. Highlights major pioneers and contributors to molecular biology, with a focus on RNA and noncoding DNA. Summarizes the mounting evidence for the central roles of non-protein-coding RNA in cell and developmental biology. Provides a thought-provoking retrospective and forward-looking perspective for advanced students and professional researchers.

Biocidal polymers are designed to inhibit or kill microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoans. This book summarizes recent findings in the synthesis, modification and characterization of various antimicrobial polymers ranging from plastics and elastomers to biomimetic and biodegradable polymers. Modifications with different antimicrobial agents as well as antimicrobial testing methods are described in a comprehensive manner.

Much research has focused on the basic cellular and molecular biological aspects of stem cells. Much of this research has been fueled by their potential for use in regenerative medicine applications, which has in turn spurred growing numbers of translational and clinical studies. However, more work is needed if the potential is to be realized for improvement of the lives and well-being of patients with numerous diseases and conditions. With a goal to accelerate advances by timely information exchange, this new book series 'Cell Biology and Translational Medicine (CBTMED)' as part of SpringerNature's longstanding and very successful Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology book series is launched. Emerging areas of regenerative medicine and translational aspects of stem cells will be covered in each volume. Outstanding researchers are recruited to highlight developments and remaining challenges in both the basic research and clinical arenas. This current book is the first volume of a continuing series.

This volume presents a comprehensive perspective of the biopesticides Bacillus thuringiensis and Lysinibacillus sphaericus, from their basic biology to agriculture, forestry and public-health applications. It covers their ecology, virulence factors, and genetic characterization. The topics related to agriculture and forestry include mode of action, receptors of insect pests, and heterologous expression of toxins in insect cells and plants. Public-health researchers will find information on vector control programs with an emphasis on the Neotropical region. The book also discusses new products and the global market.

This detailed book provides a set of protocols necessary for the development of a variety of microchip-based electrophoretic assays. It compiles a range of such electrophoretic methods by leading researchers in the field, covering subjects such as microfluidic device fabrication, on-chip sample preparation, theoretical/simulation protocols for assessing these separation methods, as well as common practices followed when applying them to important real world applications. The contents of the book range from protocols for classical assays to those involving pioneering separation techniques recently developed by the scientific community for advancing our analytical capabilities. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Microfluidic Electrophoresis: Methods and Protocols serves as an convenient text for academic researchers as well as practicing engineers, biochemists, and analytical laboratory professionals.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. The chapter "Polymeric Nanoparticle-Mediated Gene Delivery for Lung Cancer Treatment" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Michael Lebuhn, Stefan Weiss, Bernhard Munk, Georg M. Guebitz Microbiology and Molecular Biology Tools for Biogas Process Analysis, Diagnosis and Control Veronika Dollhofer, Sabine Marie Podmirseg, Tony Martin Callaghan, Gareth Wyn Griffith & Katerina Fliegerova Anaerobic Fungi and their Potential for Biogas Production Bianca Froeschle, Monika Heiermann, Michael Lebuhn, Ute Messelhausser, Matthias Ploechl Hygiene and Sanitation in Biogas Plants Charles-David Dube and Serge R. Guiot Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer in Anaerobic Digestion: A Review Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann A Critical Assessment of Microbiological Biogas to Biomethane Upgrading Systems Manfred Lubken, Pascal Kosse, Konrad Koch, Tito Gehring, Marc Wichern Influent Fractionation for Modeling Continuous Anaerobic Digestion Processes Fermoso, F. G, van Hullebusch, E. D, Guibaud, G, Collins, G, Svensson, B. H, Carliell-Marquet, C, Vink, J.P.M, Esposito, G, Frunzo, L Fate of Trace Metals in Anaerobic Digestion

Describes the properties of cellular membranes and their relationship with fundamental biological processes. This book provides insight on the chemistry, structures, model systems, and techniques employed for studying membrane properties and processes. A major focus is on the prominence of membranes in diverse physiological processes and disease, as well as applications of membranes and biomimetic membrane systems in varied disciplines. The book aims to illuminate the significance and beauty of membrane science, and serve both as an entry point for scholars wishing to embark on membrane research, as well as scientists already working in the field.

Updated and revised, this thorough volume covers a range of methods focusing on systems, including mammalian, yeast, bacterial and archaeal. This second edition of DNA Replication: Methods and Protocols describes approaches to analyze whole genomes to single molecules, as well as both in vivo and in vitro experiments. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, DNA Replication: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition provides a collections of methods intended for newcomers to this research field and for established laboratories.

This book presents a comprehensive study on microextrusion-based 3D bioprinting technologies for bioinks with various crosslinking mechanisms, chiefly focusing on the bioprinting process and bioink properties to provide readers with a better understanding of this state-of-the-art technology. Further, it summarizes a number of general criteria and research routes for microextrusion-based 3D bioprinting using three experimental studies based on shear-thinning, thermo-sensitive and non-viscous hydrogel bioinks. The book also presents sample applications in the areas of stem cells and cell matrix interaction. The book highlights pioneering results in the development of bioprinting technologies and bioinks, which were published in high-quality journals such as Advanced Materials, Biofabrication and ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. These include an in-situ crosslinking strategy that overcomes the viscosity limits for bioinks, which is virtually impossible using conventional strategies, and can be generalized for other bioink formulations.

The growing scale of plant-based chemicals for industrial use has generated considerable interest in developing methods to meet their desired production levels. Among various available strategies for their production, the development of Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated hairy root cultures (HRCs) is generally considered the most feasible approach. Additionally, several proof-of-principle experiments have demonstrated the practical feasibility of HRCs in the plant-based remediation of environment pollutants, biotransformation of important compounds, and production of therapeutic proteins. Given that hairy root biotechnology has now been recognized as a promising and highly dynamic research area, this book offers a timely update on recent advances, and approaches hairy roots as a multifaceted biological tool for various applications. Further, it seeks to investigate the loopholes in existing methodologies, identify remaining challenges and find potential solutions by presenting well thought-out scientific discussions from various eminent research groups working on hairy root biotechnology. This book provides detailed conceptual and practical information on HRC-based research, along with relevant case studies. The content is divided into three broad sections, namely (i) Hairy Roots and Secondary Metabolism, (ii) Progressive Applications, and (iii) Novel Approaches and Future Prospects. By informing the research and teaching community about the major strides made in HRC-based interventions in plant biology and their applications, the book is sure to spark further research in this fascinating field.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

This book addresses the developing area of biomass for technological applications. Written by leading researchers in the field, the book differs from other literature available by providing a detailed, in-depth discussion of the characteristics of these materials. The use of biomass for technological applications is a rapidly growing area in materials engineering and green bioprocesses. In this approach, pre-treatments focus on the bioavailability of nutrients and facilitate the use of biomass for delivering byproducts (e.g. enzymes) and for bioenergy production, both of which are discussed at length in this book. In this regard, it explores various aspects of the structural complexity of residual biomass produced by agricultural, industrial and livestock activities for biotechnological purposes, and assesses both conventional and emerging pre-treatments (e.g. biological, enzymatic and physical-chemical). This book reveals the advantages of these techniques, both individually and in combination, making it an excellent resource for all readers interested in cutting-edge applications of biomass.

Solid biofuels, in different trading forms, constitute an integral component of the energy mix of almost all developed and developing countries. Either in the form of pellets, briquettes, chips, firewood, or even as raw feedstock, solid biofuels are used mainly in the heating and power sector. Numerous sustainability concerns, focusing on the environmental, economic and technical aspects of solid biofuels exploitation, led to considerable advances in the recent years in this field. These developments mainly focus on the pre-treatment processes of the solid biomass to biofuels chain, the minimum requirements of the produced solid biofuels, as well as the efficiency and the environmental performance of their thermochemical conversion routes. This work aspires to provide the state of the art in the field of the exploitation of solid biofuels to present the main advances as well as the major challenges of this scientific fields. The topics presented in this book were examined and dealt with by the authors in the past few years, in numerous research projects and scientific publications. This book compiles all the assembled experience of the past few years, and aims to provide an overview of the solid biofuels exploitation field. Presents the latest standards and considerations on solid biofuels technical requirements; Contains numerous examples on applications in the field of solid biofuels thermochemical conversion, as well as the state of the art in this field; Includes sustainability aspects, including life cycle assessment aspects and financial concerns for the exploitation of solid biofuels.

This book explores critical principles and new concepts in bioengineering, integrating the biological, physical and chemical laws and principles that provide a foundation for the field. Both biological and engineering perspectives are included, with key topics such as the physical-chemical properties of cells, tissues and organs; principles of molecules; composition and interplay in physiological scenarios; and the complex physiological functions of heart, neuronal cells, muscle cells and tissues. Chapters evaluate the emerging fields of nanotechnology, drug delivery concepts, biomaterials, and regenerative therapy. The leading individuals and events are introduced along with their critical research. Bioengineering: A Conceptual Approach is a valuable resource for professionals or researchers interested in understanding the central elements of bioengineering. Advanced-level students in biomedical engineering and computer science will also find this book valuable as a secondary textbook or reference.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards presents information taken from the NIOSH/OSHA Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards, from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) criteria documents and Current Intelligence Bulletins, and from recognized references in the fields of industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, and analytical chemistry. The information is presented in tabular form to provide a quick, convenient source of information on general industrial hygiene practices. The information in the Pocket Guide includes chemical structures or formulas, identification codes, synonyms, exposure limits, chemical and physical properties, incompatibilities and reactivities, measurement methods, respirator selections, signs and symptoms of exposure, and procedures for emergency treatment.

The development of biotechnological innovations is quickly becoming a globalized phenomenon as emerging nations are making major strides to compete with more developed economies. Though efforts to bridge the gap between emerging and developed nations have been successful, there are still many barriers that need to be overcome. Comparative Approaches to Biotechnology Development and Use in Developed and Emerging Nations evaluates the importance of manufacturing biotechnological products around the world. Highlighting a comparative analysis of public policies, technological policies, innovations, and marketing capabilities of developed and emerging nations, this publication is a pivotal reference source for government officers, policy makers, academics, and practitioners.