The book reviews the history, present, and likely future of intellectual property for plant-related inventions. It describes "what works" and "what does not work" in the current situation and analyzes whether the current intellectual property framework will be able to cope with the rise of genome editing/new breeding technologies (especially CRISPR Cas). Based on trend data, the analysis shows that the current system, including stakeholder initiatives, will most likely not be able to adapt to the technology change. It then evaluates different options for legislators to respond and proposes in detail a new holistic IP system which merges elements of the patent and the plant variety protection system into one new system.

Despite advances in the long-range electrostatic double-layer force, which depends strongly on ionic strength in water by using theoretical models such as DLVO (Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek), the structure of confined water in air still remains widely unknown and has led to a variety of unexplained phenomena. This book bridges that gap by introducing a newly developed scanning probe miscroscopy (SPM) approach, which enables one to probe confined water at the molecular and atomic scale. Written by the developer of SPM, this book covers this new approach, as well as original approaches to addressing general interfacial water issues. It also introduces the cantilever-based optical interfacial force microscope (COIFM), which was invented by the author along with the methodology. The improved understanding will contribute to liquid-based nano- and bio-technologies such as lab-on-a-chip technologies, nanofluidic devices, dip-pen nanolithography, nano-oxidation, water-based granular interactions, liquid-based nanolubricants, hydration layers in biopolymers, manipulation of biomolecules, protein folding, stability of colloid suspensions, enzyme activity, swelling in clays, development of bioactive surfaces, water columns and ion channeling in membranes and scanning probe microscopy (SPM). It will also contribute to the improved performance of moving components in silicon-based micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices, where water plays a key role in interfacial interactions.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with new and updated chapters on the latest developments in the study of yeast within the biotechnology field. The chapters in this book cover topics such as transformation protocols for genetic engineering of Saccaromyces cerevisiae and Komagataella spp.; an overview of selection markers, promoters, and strains used for metabolic engineering of S. cerevisiae, P. pastoris, and Z. bailii; the use of yeast in CRISPR/Cas9 technology; tools to study metabolic pathway in Yarrowia lypolitica; and a discussion on the "universal expression system" that is applied in a broad spectrum of fungal species. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Cutting-edge and authoritative, Yeast Metabolic Engineering: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for researchers and scientists interested in learning more about this important and developing field.

East Asian medicine, biomedical research, and health care policy are framed by their own set of moral and cultural commitments. Chief among these is the influence of Confucian ideas. A rich portrayal is offered of the implications of Confucian moral and ontological understandings for medical decision-making, human embryonic stem cell research, and health care financing. What is offered is a multifaceted insight into what distinguishes East Asian bioethical reflections. This volume opens with an exploration of the Confucian recognition of the family as an entity existing in its own right and which is not reducible to its members or their interests. As the essays in this volume show, this recognition of the family supports a notion of family autonomy that contrasts with Western individualistic accounts of proper medical decision-making.

Nanorobotics and Nanodiagnostics in Integrative Biology and Biomedicine "Nanorobotics and nanodiagnostics" can be defined as a new generation of biohybrid and nanorobotics that translate fundamental biological principles into engineering design rules, or integrative living components into synthetic structures to create biorobots and nanodiagnotics that perform like natural systems. Nanorobots or nanobots are structured of a nanoscale made of individual assemblies. They can be termed as intelligent systems manufactured with self-assembly strategies by chemical, physical and biological approaches. The nanorobot can determine the structure and enhance the adaptability to the environment in interdisciplinary tasks. "Nanorobotics and nanodiagnostics" is a new generation of biohybrid that translates fundamental biological principles into engineering design rules to create biorobots that perform like natural systems. These biorobotics and diagnostics can now perform various missions to be accomplished certain tasks in the research areas such as integrative biology and biomedicine. "Nanorobotics and Nanodiagnostics in Integrative Biology and Biomedicine" sheds light on a comprehensive overview of the multidisciplinary areas that explore nanotherapeutics and nanorobotic manipulation in biology and medicine. It provides up-to-date knowledge of the promising fields of integrative biology and biomedicine for nano-assisted biorobotics and diagnostics to detect and treat diseases that will enable new scientific discoveries.

Anaerobic digestion is a major field for the treatment of waste and wastewater. Lately the focus has been on the quality of the effluent setting new demands for pathogen removal and for successful removal of unwanted chemicals during the anaerobic process. The two volumes on Biomethanation are devoted to presenting the state of art within the science and application of anaerobic digestion. They describe the basic microbiolgical knowledge of importance for understanding the processes of anaerobic bioreactors along with the newest molecular techniques for examining these systems. In addition, the applications for treatment of waste and wastewaters are presented along with the latest knowledge on process control and regulation of anaerobic bioprocesses. Together these two volumes give an overview of a growing area, which previously has never been presented in such a comprehensive way.

Conversion of biomass into chemicals and biofuels is an active research and development area as trends move to replace traditional fossil fuels with renewable resources. By integrating processing methods with microwave and ultrasound irradiation into biorefineries, the time-scale of many operations can be greatly reduced while the efficiency of the reactions can be remarkably increased so that process intensification can be achieved. "Production of Biofuels and Chemicals with Microwave" and "Production of Biofuels and Chemicals with Ultrasound" are two independent volumes in the Biofuels and Biorefineries series that take different, but complementary approaches for the pretreatment and chemical transformation of biomass into chemicals and biofuels. The volume "Microwave" provides current research advances and prospects in theoretical and practical aspects of microwave irradiation including properties, effects and temperature monitoring, design of chemical reactors, synergistic effects on combining microwave, ultrasound, hydrodynamic cavitation and high-shear mixing into processes, chemical and catalytic conversion of lignin into chemicals, pyrolysis and gasification, syngas production from wastes, platform chemicals, algal biodiesel, cellulose-based nanocomposites, lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, green chemistry metrics and energy consumption and techno-economic analysis for a catalytic pyrolysis facility that processes pellets into aromatics. Each of the 12 chapters has been peer-reviewed and edited to improve both the quality of the text and the scope and coverage of the topics. Both volumes "Microwave" and "Ultrasound" are references designed for students, researchers, academicians and industrialists in the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering and include introductory chapters to highlight present concepts of the fundamental technologies and their application. Dr. Zhen Fang is Professor in Bioenergy, Leader and founder of biomass group, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and is also adjunct Professor of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China. Dr. Richard L Smith, Jr. is Professor of Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Research Center of Supercritical Fluid Technology, Tohoku University, Japan. Dr. Xinhua Qi is Professor of Environmental Science, Nankai University, China.

Bridging the gap between laboratory observations and industrial practices, this work presents detailed information on recombinant micro-organisms and their applications in industry and agriculture. All recombinant microbes, bacteria, yeasts and fungi are covered.

This Volume covers protocols for in-silico approaches to hydrocarbon microbiology, including the selection and use of appropriate statistical tools for experimental design replication, data analysis, and computer-assisted approaches to data storage, management and utilisation. The application of algorithms to analyse the composition and function of microbial communities is presented, as are prediction tools for biodegradation and protein interactions. The basics of a major open-source programming language, Python, are explained. Protocols for calculating reaction kinetics and thermodynamics are presented, and modelling the environmental fate of hydrocarbons during bioremediation is explained. With the exception of molecular biology studies of molecular interactions, the use of statistics is absolutely essential for both experimental design and data analysis in microbiological research, and indeed in the biomedical sciences in general. Moreover, studies of highly varying systems call for the modelling and/or application of theoretical frameworks. Thus, while two protocols in this Volume are specific to hydrocarbon microbiology, the others are generic, and as such will be of use to researchers investigating a broad range of topics in microbiology and the biomedical sciences in general. 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.

This volume addresses the particular problems associated with several classes of biotechnology products, and at the same time demonstrates that the principles are the same as in the development of small new chemical entities. The first chapter addresses FDA regulatory expectations for biotech products. The next several chapters discuss general issues common to each class of biotech drug such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. The balance of the chapters deal with specific biotech drugs that have successfully made it into clinical trials. The reviews are written by renowned experts in their fields.

This book covers all the aspects of food-grade enzymes, including their classification, kinetics, microbial production, biosynthetic pathways, commodity-wise industrial applications, and downstream processing strategies. The broad focus of this book is on the application of various classes of enzymes in dairy, fruits and vegetables, cereals and oilseeds, meat and poultry, and brewing and food packaging industries. Certain recent areas such as nanotechnological perspective in enzyme immobilization, infusion strategies as well as its efficient usage in food packaging and preservation are some of the salient highlights of this book. This book also discusses the aspects related to application of enzymes in functional food development and shelf life extension of various commodities food products. This book is beneficial for researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and industry experts in broad disciplines such as food processing, food biotechnology, food microbiology, biochemistry, agriculture, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and bioprocess technology.

With Biomechanics: Motion, Flow, Stress, and Growth, the premier bioengineering scientist Y.C. Fung concludes a discussion first introduced in his seminal work, Biomechanics: Mechanical Properties of Living Tissues, and further articulated in Biomechanics: Circulation. This third volume not only stands alone as a comprehensive survey of the broad field of biomechanics, but also complements the explorations of the first two volumes, maintaining its emphasis on methods of classical engineering as applied to biological and physiological phenomena. While consistently recognizing the importance of historical precedence and perspective, Fung presents the most contemporary literature and the latest thinking in biomechanics in thei increasingly complex interdisciplinary subject. Considered here are 1.) the mechanics of body movement; 2.) the flow external to an animal in motion, and the internal flow of blood, gas, water, and other body fluids; 3.) the stress and strain, and the strength, trauma, and tolerance limits of tissues and organs; and 4.) the growth and change in living organisms in response to biomechanical principles. A generous number of problems to be solved and a carefully selected list of references are especially useful and should help to stimulate thought and discussion among advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and others with an interest in bioengineering and medicine.

This technology, though used for many years, has shown great vitality recently and is still in a state of flux. Provides an account of developments up to the present and also an orderly evaluation of literature already published on the subject. Considerable space is devoted to bubble column reactor performance predictions based on mathematical models and the importance of each is explained with practical examples.

This book discusses advancements in the applications of nanoparticles in tissue engineering. It examines the applications of nanobiomaterials in hard tissue regeneration, fabrication, and characterization. The book also analyzes the implication of three-dimensional and four-dimensional fabrication techniques for the production of the scaffold in tissue engineering and their advantages over conventional scaffold production techniques. Further, it presents smart materials used in making 4-D scaffolds that imitate the dynamic response of tissue against natural stimuli and adapt to the microenvironment by changing their conformation or other properties. It also summarizes the growing field of biomolecular detection and biosensors in tissue engineering and the increasing prominence of nanoparticles in the biosensors. Further, it provides the future outlook and associated challenges of the application of nanomaterials in tissue engineering.

Global industrial growth has resulted in numerous pollutants being introduced into the environment. It has additionally caused decreased water availability for agricultural activity in developing countries, which, in turn, has compelled farmers to use wastewater irrigation. In advanced agricultural systems, farmers are adapting various strategies to achieve a higher yield and thus sustain crop productivity. Consequent to the introduction of contaminants in the environment, soil pollutants have become a critical issue. Selection of disease-resistant, high-yielding crop varieties, and extensive fertilizer applications are quite common among farming communities. This book provides insight into environmental pollutants with special reference to their interference with plant nutrition. It additionally discusses the physiological aspects of plant nutrition. This book enhances current knowledge of the effects of pollutants on plant growth and physiology.

Lignin-based Materials for Biomedical Applications: Preparation, Characterization, and Implementation explores the emerging area of lignin-based materials as a platform for advanced biomedical applications, guiding the reader from source through to implementation. The first part of the book introduces the basics of lignin, including extraction methods, chemical modifications, structure and composition, and properties that make lignin suitable for biomedical applications. In addition, structural characterization techniques are described in detail. The next chapters focus on the preparation of lignin-based materials for biomedical applications, presenting methodologies for lignin-based nanoparticles, hydrogels, aerogels, and nanofibers, and providing in-depth coverage of lignin-based materials with specific properties-including antioxidant properties, UV absorbing capability, antimicrobial properties, and colloidal particles with tailored properties-and applications, such as drug and gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Finally, future perspectives and possible new applications are considered. This is an essential reference for all those with an interest in lignin-based materials and their biomedical applications, including researchers and advanced students across bio-based polymers, polymer science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, nanotechnology, materials science and engineering, drug delivery, and biomedical engineering, as well as industrial R&D and scientists involved with bio-based polymers, specifically for biomedical applications.

Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics of Crop Plants presents current operational methods applied to model crop plants. Including subcellular organelles, DNA fingerprinting and barcoding, sRNA, gene expression, rhizosphere engineering, marker assisted and 5G breeding, plant-microorganism interactions, stress signaling and responses, the book highlights important factors that are often overlooked and explores the latest research. The book also explores cutting-edge approaches for immediate application in new research such as OMICS, genome-wide transcriptome profiling, bioinformatics and database, DNA fingerprinting and barcoding, sRNA, gene expression, genome editing, diagnostics, rhizosphere engineering, marker assisted and 5G breeding, crop plant-microorganism interactions, stress signaling and responses. Additionally, the book describes opportunities to manipulate crop plants genetic and metabolic systems, while also exploring the related bioethical and biosafety issues. These topics are chosen and covered in detail to fill the gap in this understanding of crop molecular biology.

This book will expound the latest information on the current state of persimmon genomics and transcriptomics, with a particular focus on the latest findings and analysis in relation to the most important agronomic traits. The genus Diospyros contains about 400 species distributed all continents of the globe. Most of Diospyros species are distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions, while cultivated persimmon or simply kaki (Diospyros kaki) originates in East Asia and has been grown in China, Japan and Korea for many years. World production of persimmon has been increasing continuously since 1990s, with China being the most producer. Outside Asia, kaki production has been rapidly increasing in Spain in recent years. Because kaki is mostly hexaploid (2n = 6x =90) and its genome size is quite large with the flow cytometric analysis estimation of about 900 Mb, genetic and molecular studies in persimmon are quite complicated. Diploid close relatives of kaki, D. lotus and D. oleifera have been recently used as model species of kaki. Utilizing these species, molecular basis of several economically molecular basis of important traits such as sexuality and astringency has been studied, giving important information for kaki breeding.

Based on a graduate course in biochemical engineering, this title provides the basic knowledge needed for the efficient design of bioreactors and offers the relevant principles and data required for practical process engineering, with an emphasis on enzyme reactors and aerated reactors for microorganisms.

This introductory guide provides novice researchers and lab students with a thorough step-by-step approach to standard animal cell culture techniques. Coverage includes lab safety and best practices, sterility management, preparation, ethical considerations, and troubleshooting for common pain points. This is an up-to-date, indispensable handbook for early-career researchers and students, as well as established scientists in biotechnology, cell and developmental biology, pharmaceutical toxicology, cytogenetics, and more.

Presents an interdisciplinary approach, integrating biochemistry, biology, genetics, and engineering for the effective production of protein pharmaceuticals. This title offers a biological perspective of large-scale animal cell culture. It examines diverse processing strategies and process management.

Immunoassay procedures (isotopic and non-isotopic) have become one of the single most important techniques in present-day diagnostic medicine. This book is designed as an introductory test for the staff of clinical research laboratories who conduct or intend to conduct such techniques, and will be of great value to the clinicians who make use of such services. The volume takes a three-pronged approach in it's in-depth presentation: explanation of the basic principles and applications of radioimmunoassays and non-isotopic immunoassays; practical illustrations of the various steps involved in immunoassays; discussion of the problems and pitfalls in immunoassays and how to avoid them. This fifth revised edition is a worthy successor to it's predecessors in this famous "Laboratory Techniques" series.

Condensing 40 years of teaching experience, this unique textbook will provide students with an unrivalled understanding of the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, and enable them to place that understanding firmly within a biological context. Each chapter introduces, explains, and expands a core concept in biofluid mechanics, establishing a firm theoretical framework for students to build upon in further study. Practical biofluid applications, clinical correlations, and worked examples throughout the book provide real-world scenarios to help students quickly master key theoretical topics. Examples are drawn from biology, medicine, and biotechnology with applications to normal function, disease, and devices, accompanied by over 500 figures to reinforce student understanding. Featuring over 120 multicomponent end-of-chapter problems, flexible teaching pathways to enable tailor-made course structures, and extensive Matlab and Maple code examples, this is the definitive textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying a biologically-grounded course in fluid mechanics.