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.

This expanded and updated edition of the 2007 version introduces readers from various backgrounds to the rapidly growing interface between biology and nanotechnology. It intellectually integrates concepts, applications, and outlooks from these major scientific fields and presents them to readers from diverse backgrounds in a comprehensive and didactic manner.Written by two leading nanobiologists actively involved at the forefront of the field both as researchers and educators, this book takes the reader from the fundamentals of nanobiology to the most advanced applications.The book fulfils a unique niche: to address not only students, but also scientists who are eager (and nowadays obliged) to learn about other state-of-the-art disciplines. The book is written in such a way as to be accessible to biologists, chemists, and physicists with no background in nanotechnology (for example biologists who are interested in inorganic nanostructures or physicists who would like to learn about biological assemblies and applications thereof). It is reader-friendly and will appeal to a wide audience not only in academia but also in the industry and anyone interested in learning more about nanobiotechnology.

Whether the pursuit is commercially motivated or purely academic, engineering a novel biological catalyst is an enticing challenge. High-resolution protein structure analysis allows for rational alteration of enzyme function, yet many useful enzyme variants are the product of well-designed selection schemes or screening strategies. Enzyme Engineering: Methods and Protocols provides guidance to investigators wishing to create enzyme variants with desired properties. This detailed volume covers such topics as a simple method for generating site-specific mutations within bacterial chromosomes. It also highlights the engineering of two difference types of rare-cutting endonucleases that show great potential in gene therapy applications: The newest development is the emergence of TAL effector nucleases or TALENs. Chapters describe newly developed technologies in sufficient detail so that each method can be practiced in a standard molecular biology laboratory. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible Enzyme Engineering: Methods and Protocols will be valuable for scientists with a budding interest in protein engineering as well as veterans looking for new approaches to apply in established discovery programs.

Plants are endowed with innate immune system, which acts as a surveillance system against possible attack by pathogens. Plant innate immune systems have high potential to fight against viral, bacterial, oomycete and fungal pathogens and protect the crop plants against wide range of diseases. However, the innate immune system is a sleeping system in unstressed healthy plants. Fast and strong activation of the plant immune responses aids the host plants to win the war against the pathogens. Plant hormone signaling systems including salicylate (SA), jasmonate (JA), ethylene (ET), abscisic acid (ABA), auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins and brassinosteroids signaling systems play a key role in activation of the sleeping immune systems. Suppression or induction of specific hormone signaling systems may result in disease development or disease resistance. Specific signaling pathway has to be activated to confer resistance against specific pathogen in a particular host. Two forms of induced resistance, systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced systemic resistance (ISR), have been recognized based on the induction of specific hormone signaling systems. Specific hormone signaling system determines the outcome of plant-pathogen interactions, culminating in disease development or disease resistance. Susceptibility or resistance against a particular pathogen is determined by the action of the signaling network. The disease outcome is often determined by complex network of interactions among multiple hormone signaling pathways. Manipulation of the complex hormone signaling systems and fine tuning the hormone signaling events would help in management of various crop diseases. The purpose of the book is to critically examine the potential methods to manipulate the multiple plant hormone signaling systems to aid the host plants to win the battle against pathogens.

"Genetically Modified Food Sources" reports detailed results of studies on the medical and biological safety of 14 species of genetically modified plant-derived organisms (GMOs). The authors focus on issues in GMO production and world output, specifically the basic legislative regulations of modern biotechnology in the Russian Federation. Also covered are international approaches to the medical and biological assessment of safety and control of the food produced from genetically modified organisms. A special chapter is devoted to the problem of informational coverage of novel biological technologies.

Previously available only in a 2007 Russian-language edition published by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, this English translation has been completely revised and updated to include the latest developments in regulations and human and animal safety assessment practices.

The book is addressed to a wide community of specialists working in the fields of food science, plant genetics, and food safety as well as medicine and biology. Students and postgraduates focusing on the problems of modern biotechnology and biological safety will find it a valuable guide to these topics.
Specific assessments of 14 species of genetically modified plant-derived organisms used for food supply

Addresses the safety assessment requirements to ensure consumer health

International coverage provides comparative insights into regulation development and application

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume covers methods in protein design and it has chapters on such topics as protein switch engineering by domain insertion, evolution based design of proteins, and computationally designed proteins.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the fieldCovers methods in protein designContains chapters with such topics as protein switch engineering by domain insertion, evolution-based design of proteins, and computationally designed proteins

This is the fourth updated and revised edition of a well-received book that emphasises on fungal diversity, plant productivity and sustainability. It contains new chapters written by leading experts in the field. This book is an up-to-date overview of current progress in mycorrhiza and association with plant productivity and environmental sustainability. The result is a must hands-on guide, ideally suited for agri-biotechnology, soil biology, fungal biology including mycorrrhiza and stress management, academia and researchers. The topic of this book is particularly relevant to researchers involved in mycorrhiza, especially to food security and environmental protection. Mycorrhizas are symbioses between fungi and the roots of higher plants. As more than 90% of all known species of plants have the potential to form mycorrhizal associations, the productivity and species composition and the diversity of natural ecosystems are frequently dependent upon the presence and activity of mycorrhizas. The biotechnological application of mycorrhizas is expected to promote the production of food while maintaining ecologically and economically sustainable production systems.

This book gives a comprehensive overview of electrochemical-based biosensors and their crucial components. Practical examples are given throughout the text to illustrate how the performance of electrochemical-based biosensors can be improved by nanoscale surface modification and how an optimal design can be achieved. All essential aspects of biosensors are considered, including electrode functionalization, efficiency of the mass transport of reactive species, and long term durability and functionality of the sensor. This book also: * Explains how the performance of an electrochemical-based biosensor can be improved by nanoscale surface modification * Gives readers the tools to evaluate and improve the performance of a biosensor with a multidisciplinary approach that considers electrical, electrostatic, electrochemical, chemical, and biochemical events * Links the performance of a sensor to the various governing physical and chemical principles so readers can fully understand how a biosensor with nanoscale modified electrode surface functions.

Ion-exchange Technology I: Theory and Materials describes the theoretical principles of ion-exchange processes. More specifically, this volume focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and modelling of ion-exchange materials and their associated kinetics and equilibria. This title is a highly valuable source not only to postgraduate students and researchers but also to industrial R&D specialists in chemistry, chemical, and biochemical technology as well as to engineers and industrialists.

This fully updated edition provides practical advice on how to carry out tissue-based laser microdissection successfully by using the different laser microdissection systems that are available and by applying a wide range of molecular technologies. The contents of the volume explore these techniques that have revolutionized carrying out molecular analysis on specific types of normal and diseased cells and fully utilizing the power of current molecular technologies including PCR, microarrays, next generation sequencing, and proteomics. 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 comprehensive, Laser Capture Microdissection: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition seeks to aid researchers generally and pathologists in particular in moving their studies forward with these vital techniques.

The purpose of this book is to assess the potential effects of biotechnological approaches particularly genetic modification on biodiversity and the environment. All aspects of biodiversity such as ecological diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity are considered. Higher organisms contain a specific set of linear DNA molecules called chromosomes and a complete set of chromosomes in an organism comprises its genome. The collection of traits displayed by any organism (phenotype) depends on the genes present in its genome (genotype). The appearance of any specific trait also will depend on many other factors, including whether the gene(s) responsible for the trait is/are turned on (expressed) or off, the specific cells within which the genes are expressed and how the genes, their expression and the gene products interact with environmental factors. The primary biotechnology which concerns us is that of genetic manipulation, which has a direct impact on biodiversity at the genetic level. By these manipulations, novel genes or gene fragments can be introduced into organisms (creating transgenics) or existing genes within an organism can be altered. Transgenics are a major area of concern, combining genes from different species to effectively create novel organisms. Current rates of disappearance of biological and cultural diversity in the world are unprecedented. Intensive resource exploitation due to social and economic factors has led to the destruction, conversion or degradation of ecosystems. Reversing these trends requires time to time assessment to integrate conservation and development.

This book describes a new family of bio-polymer gels made from cytoskeletal proteins - actin, microtubule, and tropomyosin. The importance of the gel state with multi-scale hierarchical structure is emphasized to utilize emergent functions in living organisms. Detailed protocol of gel preparation, specified method of structure investigation, and dynamic studies of self-organization, self-healing, synchronized oscillating, and autonomous motility functions are introduced together with biomimetic functions of synthetic hydrogels.

The rapidly expanding molecular biological techniques and approaches have significant impact on microbial biotechnology, hence the need for the addition of four new chapters in the third edition of this textbook - "Chapter 3: Application of 'Omics' Technologies in Microbial Fermentation", "Chapter 5: Microbial Genome Mining for Identifying Antimicrobial Targets", "Chapter 21: Bacterial Biofilm: Molecular Characterization and Impacts on Water Management" and "Chapter 23: Microbial Biomining". "Chapter 15: Transgenic Plants" has been completely revised while most of the other chapters have been thoroughly updated in this new edition.There already exist a number of excellent general textbooks on microbiology and biotechnology that deal with the basic principles of microbial biotechnology. To complement them, this book focuses on the various applications of microbial-biotechnological principles. A teaching-based format is adopted, whereby working problems, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, supplement the main text. The book also includes real life examples of how the application of microbial-biotechnological principles has achieved breakthroughs in both research and industrial production.Although written for polytechnic students and undergraduates, the book contains sufficient information to be used as a reference for postgraduate students and lecturers. It may also serve as a resource book for corporate planners, managers and applied research personnel.

"Transforming Your STEM Career Through Leadership and Innovation" offers valuable information on what it means to be a leader and innovator and encourages you to discover and develop these skills for yourself. This book integrates leadership and innovation principles with personal examples and profiles of inspirational women. By providing a clear process on how to build upon your personal strengths to realize leadership and innovation goals, this book will inspire you to pick up the mantle and meet the critical need for leadership and innovation in the STEM fields. This is a must-have guide that is relevant and valuable for women in all stages of their careers.
Examines research-based leadership and innovation principles to make these critically important characteristics both real and attainableEmpowers you to build upon your own strengths and successes to discover and develop leadership and innovation skillsFeatures a companion website that highlights women s leadership success stories, innovation resources and best practicesProvides a practical guide that educates, encourages and equips you to pursue leadership and innovation opportunities
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"Synthetic Biology" provides a framework to examine key enabling components in the emerging area of synthetic biology. Chapters contributed by leaders in the field address tools and methodologies developed for engineering biological systems at many levels, including molecular, pathway, network, whole cell, and multi-cell levels. The book highlights exciting practical applications of synthetic biology such as microbial production of biofuels and drugs, artificial cells, synthetic viruses, and artificial photosynthesis. The roles of computers and computational design are discussed, as well as future prospects in the field, including cell-free synthetic biology and engineering synthetic ecosystems.

Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological entities, such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells, or the redesign of existing biological systems. It builds on the advances in molecular, cell, and systems biology and seeks to transform biology in the same way that synthesis transformed chemistry and integrated circuit design transformed computing. The element that distinguishes synthetic biology from traditional molecular and cellular biology is the focus on the design and construction of core components that can be modeled, understood, and tuned to meet specific performance criteria and the assembly of these smaller parts and devices into larger integrated systems that solve specific biotechnology problems.
Includes contributions from leaders in the field presents examples of ambitious synthetic biology efforts including creation of artificial cells from scratch, cell-free synthesis of chemicals, fuels, and proteins, engineering of artificial photosynthesis for biofuels production, and creation of unnatural living organismsDescribes the latest state-of-the-art tools developed for low-cost synthesis of ever-increasing sizes of DNA and efficient modification of proteins, pathways, and genomesHighlights key technologies for analyzing biological systems at the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels which are especially valuable in pathway, whole cell, and multi-cell applicationsDetails mathematical modeling tools and computational tools which can dramatically increase the speed of the design process as well as reduce the cost of development. "

Among the most promising techniques to handle small objects at the micrometer scale are those that employ electrical forces, which have the advantages of voltage-based control and dominance over other forces. The book provides a state-of-the-art knowledge on both theoretical and applied aspects of the electrical manipulation of colloidal particles and fluids in microsystems and covers the following topics: dielectrophoresis, electrowetting, electrohydrodynamics in microsystems, and electrokinetics of fluids and particles. The book is addressed to doctoral students, young or senior researchers, chemical engineers and/or biotechnologists with an interest in microfluidics, lab-on-chip or MEMS.

The purpose of "Ligand Efficiency Indices for Drug Discovery: Towards an Atlas-Guided Paradigm" is to introduce in a concise and self-contained form the concepts, ideas, applications and examples of efficiency-driven drug discovery to the biomedical community at large. The book emphasizes the use of 'new variables' and more objective numerical methods to drive drug discovery in an encompassing way. These 'new variables' are based on Ligand Efficiency Indices (LEIs) formulated in a way that permits mapping Chemico-Biological Space (CBS) in an Atlas-like representation. It provides a practical and timely discussion of the concepts, ideas, applications and examples of efficiency-driven drug discovery. This book emphasizes the use of a graphical representation and objective numerical methods to drive drug discovery more effectively. It presents the definition of LEIs and the corresponding efficiency planes within an atlas-like environment to provide a robust graphical and numerical framework for medicinal chemists and drug-discoverers.
Provides a practical and timely discussion of the concepts, ideas, applications and examples of efficiency-driven drug discoveryEmphasizes the use of new variables and more objective numerical methods to drive quicker and more effective drug discoveryPresents the definition of Ligand Efficiency Indices (LEIs) and the corresponding efficiency planes as key concepts to provide a graphical and numerical framework"

In" Quantum Dots: Applications in Biology, Second Edition, "expert researchers in the field detail consolidated approaches as well as new trends in the field. Organized into five parts, the first part comprises an introduction on Quantum Dots (QDs) as fluorescent probes in Life Sciences. While the second section covers important features about QDs preparative processes and characterizations for their successful application as fluorophores. The third part presents main aspects related to QDs methods applied to live cells and tissues. The fourth section focuses on QDs experiments in small animals and the fifth part demonstrates the versatility of QDs in a set of FRET applications. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Thorough and intuitive, In" Quantum Dots: Applications in Biology, Second Edition" aids scientists in continuing to study QDs by providing information about methods and protocols helping to expand their research."