This book offers a comprehensive introduction to electron-based bioscience, biotechnology, and biocorrosion. It both explains the importance of electron flow during metabolic processes in microorganisms and provides valuable insights into emerging applications in various fields. In the opening section, readers will find up-to-date information on topics such as electron transfer reactions, extracellular electron transfer mechanisms, direct interspecies electron transfer, and electron uptake by sulfate-reducing bacteria. The focus then shifts to state-of-the-art advances and applications in the field of biotechnology. Here, the coverage encompasses e.g. progress in understanding electrochemical interactions between microorganisms and conductive particles, enzymatic reactions and their application in the bioproduction of useful chemicals, and the importance of redox balance for fatty acid production. In closing, the book addresses various aspects of the complex phenomenon of microbiologically induced corrosion, highlighting novel insights from the fields of electromicrobiology and electrochemistry and their implications.

This book covers the contemporary environmental issues faced by life on the planet and the role planetary microbiomes play in such issues. Providing insights on the net favorable and adverse effect of microbial processes, this volume covers both the spontaneous and anthropocentric events that impact climate change and life on the planet. The book describes the ecological significance of microbiomes associated with the kingdoms Plantae and Animalia with respect to climate change, natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change, microbial interactions in nature, planetary microbiomes and food security, climate change in relation to disease epidemiology and human health and engineering microorganisms to mitigate the consequences of climate change. The individual chapters in the intended book provide both theoretical and practical exposure to the current issues and future challenges of climate change in relation to the microbiomes. This collection should serve as ready reference to the researchers working in the area to reshape their future research in addressing the challenges of global climate change.

This is a review text on medical microbiology and immunology containing approximately 625 board-type review questions on left-hand pages with answers and explanations on facing right-hand pages. It is designed for medical students taking microbiology as well as for those studying for Step 1 of the National Board Exams and is also useful for Step 3 National Boards on infectious diseases or allergy and immunology. The book's main sections cover general and medical microbiology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, and parasitology. The answers summarize relevant information and point out the fault in incorrect answers. Line drawings and figures are used for questions concerning structure of both molecules and organisms and for interpreting graphical results. Authors Reese, Brownell, and Nair, all with the Medical College of Georgia, bring a combined total of some 85 years of medical school teaching experience to their development of the questions and annotated answers for this book.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on plant-microbiome interactions and associations. It covers all major mechanistic approaches used to investigate microbes' impacts on plant growth promotion, disease control and health. The industrial manufacture of nitrogen currently accounts for roughly 2% of the world's total energy consumption. Microbial products are expected to reduce the need for costly fertilizers, as well as chemical pesticides and fungicides. While beneficial microorganisms are increasingly being used in agriculture, abiotic and biotic stresses such as heat, drought, cold, and salt can quickly kill or render them useless in the field. However, discovering new and better treatments is a lengthy process due to the considerable microbial diversity found in soils. Researchers have now proposed using biotechnological approaches to accelerate the process of microbial technology development. The fact that plant-associated microbes stimulate plant growth and development is well known, as the examples of rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi show. The mechanisms by which these microorganisms maintain plant growth include the production of phytohormones, fixation of nitrogen, and the mobilization of phosphorus and minerals. The plant microbiome is also involved in pathogen suppression, and especially the root microbiome acts as a protective shield against soil-borne pathogens. A special feature of this book is its multidisciplinary approach, spanning from plant microbiology/biocontrol, fungal and bacterial endophytes, plant physiology, to biochemistry, proteomics and genomics. It is ideally suited for researchers and student of agri-biotechnology, soil biology and fungal biology.

This book presents biotechnological advances and approaches to improving the nutritional value of agri-foods. The respective chapters explore how biotechnology is being used to enhance food production, nutritional quality, food safety and food packaging, and to address postharvest issues. Written and prepared by eminent scientists working in the field of food biotechnology, the book offers authentic, reliable and detailed information on technological advances, fundamental principles, and the applications of recent innovations. Accordingly, it offers a valuable guide for researchers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of biotechnology, agriculture and food technology.

This book focuses on the different kinds of biofuels and biofuel resources. Biofuels represent a major type of renewable energy. As part of a larger bio-economy, they are closely linked to agriculture, forestry and manufacturing. Biofuels have the potential to improve regional energy access, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to climate protection. Further, this alternative form of energy could revitalize the forestry and agricultural sector and promote the increased use of renewable resources as raw materials in a range of industrial processes. Efforts are continuously being made to develop economically competitive biofuels, and microbes play important roles in the production of biofuels from various bioresources. This book elaborates on recent advances in existing microbial technologies and on sustainable approaches to improving biofuel production processes. Additionally, it examines trends in, and the limitations of, existing processes and technologies. The book offers a comprehensive overview of microbial bioresources, microbial technologies, advances in bioconversion and biorefineries, as well as microbial and metabolic engineering for efficient biofuel production. Readers will also learn about the environmental impacts and the influence of climate change on the sustainability of biofuel production. This book is intended for researchers and students whose work involves biorefinery technologies, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture, environmental biology and related fields.

This book compiles the latest research on the multifarious roles of microbial enzymes, and provides an overview of microbial enzymes and biotechnologies. It discusses the use of microbial enzymes in innovative areas like nanomedicine and synthetic biotechnology, as well as the use of starch digesting enzymes and bioactive proteins as biotherapeutics, all of which have applications in modern drug discovery processes. The book also examines the concept of microbial biotransformation and protein engineering, and covers topics such as the immobilization of therapeutic enzymes, bioengineering of enzymes for bioactive compounds, the production of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes from plant raw materials, and prebiotics and probiotics. Given its multidisciplinary scope, this book will appeal to researchers and industry experts in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology and molecular medicine.

This book examines the commercial role of various microbial polysaccharides and recent advances in their production. Offering an overview of the physiological role, biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, it also explores the current challenges regarding bioprocessing for the production of polysaccharides.

This fully updated edition explores the latest techniques to study the challenging, and at times dangerous, genus of bacteria known as mycobacteria with basic methods that are still required for mycobacteriology along with the newer or improved methods that have been developed. The volume features chapters on the basics of DNA isolation, protein isolation, and lipid isolation, as well as more sophisticated techniques for isolation of ribosomes, and continues with sections involving analyzing subcellular fractions, culture methods, sequencing technology, in vitro models, molecular methods, as well as drug discovery applications. 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 up-to-date, Mycobacteria Protocols, Fourth Edition serves as an ideal guide for those starting out with their mycobacteria research and also for those who have worked with it for decades.

This book provides a multidisciplinary review of antibiotic resistance and unravels the complex and interrelated roles of environmental sources, including pharmaceutical industry effluents, hospital and domestic effluents, wildlife and drinking water. Antibiotic resistance is a global public health issue in which the interface between humans, animals and the environment is particularly relevant. The contrasts seen across different environmental compartments and world regions, which are due to climate, social and policy differences, mean that this problem needs to be analyzed from a multi-geographic and multi-cultural angle. Bringing together contributions from researchers on different continents with expertise in antibiotic resistance in a range of different environmental compartments, the book offers a detailed reflection on the paths that make antibiotic resistance a global threat, and the state-of- the-art in antibiotic resistance surveillance and risk assessment in complex environmental matrices.

Nanotechnology progresses its concerts and suitability by improving its effectiveness, security and also reducing the impact and risk. Various chapters in this book are written by eminent scientists and prominent researchers in the field of nanotechnology across the world. This book is focused to put emerging techniques forward using nanoparticles for safe and nutritional food production, protecting crops from pests, increasing nutritional value and providing solutions for various environmental issues. The outcome of this book creates a path for wide usage of nanoparticles in food, agriculture and the environment fields. This book has clear and simple illustrations, tables and case studies to understand the content even by non-experts. This book especially deals with the nanotechnology for controlling plant pathogens, food packaging and preservation, agricultural productivity, waste water treatment and bioenergy production. Hence, this book can be adopted and used by many researchers and academicians in the fields of food, agriculture, environment and nanotechnology for catering the needs of sustainable future. The salient features of this book are * Describes nanotechnology as an interdisciplinary and emerging field in life sciences* Useful for researchers in the cutting edge life science related fields of nanoscience, nanobiology and nanotechnology* Deal with various problems in food, agriculture and environmental sector for sustainable solutions through the application of nanotechnology* Supported with illustrations in color, tables and case studies (wherever applicable), and * Contributed and well written by nanotechnology experts from across various disciplines

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the major applications and potential of fungal biotechnology. The respective chapters report on the latest advances and opportunities in each topic area, proposing new and sustainable solutions to some of the major challenges faced by modern society. Aimed at researchers and biotechnologists in academia and industry, it represents essential reading for anyone interested in fungal biotechnology, as well as those working within the broader area of microbial biotechnology. Written in an accessible language, the book also offers a valuable reference resource for decision-makers in government and at non-governmental organizations who are involved in the development of cleaner technologies and the global bioeconomy. The 21st century is characterized by a number of critical challenges in terms of human health, developing a sustainable bioeconomy, facilitating agricultural production, and establishing practices that support a cleaner environment. While there are chemical solutions to some of these challenges, developing bio-based approaches is becoming increasingly important. Filamentous fungi, 'the forgotten kingdom,' are a group of unique organisms whose full potential has yet to be revealed. Some key properties, such as their exceptional capacity to secrete proteins into the external environment, have already been successfully harnessed for the production of industrial enzymes and cellulosic biofuels. Many further aspects discussed here -such as feeding the hungry with fungal protein, and the potential applications of the various small molecules produced by fungi -warrant further exploration. In turn, the book covers the use of fungal cell factories to produce foreign molecules, e.g. for therapeutics. Strategies including molecular approaches to strain improvement, and recent advances in high-throughput technologies, which are key to finding better products and producers, are also addressed. Lastly, the book discusses the advent of synthetic biology, which is destined to greatly expand the scope of fungal biotechnology. The chapter "Fungal Biotechnology in Space: Why and How?" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License at link.springer.com.

This book gathers selected studies on the industrial applications of glycoside hydrolases (GHs), presenting an updated classification of these enzymes, and discussing their structure, mechanisms, and various approaches to improve their catalytic efficiency. Further, it explains the various industrial applications of glycoside hydrolases in food, effluent treatment, biofuel production, and the paper and pulp industries. Lastly, the book provides a comparative analysis of glycoside hydrolases and discusses the role of metagenomics in the discovery of industrially important enzymes. As such it is a thought-provoking, instructive and informative resource for biochemists, enzymologists, molecular biologists and bioprocess technologists.

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the role of gut microbiome/microflora in nutrition, metabolism, disease prevention and health issues, including farm animal health and food value, and human gastrointestinal health and immunity. Indigenous microbiotas, particularly the gut microflora/microbiome, are an essential component in the modern concept of human and animal health. The diet and lifestyle of the host and environment have direct impact on gut microflora and the patterns of gut microbial colonization associated with health and diseases have been documented. Contributing authors cover the impact of gut microbiome in farm animal health, and explore the possibility of modulating the human gut microbiome with better animal products to prevent human diseases, including endemic and emerging diseases such as obesity, cancer and cardiac diseases. Dieting plan and control methods are examined, with attention paid to balance dieting with natural food and drink components. In addition, the role of gut microbiota in enteric microbial colonization and infections in farm animals is also discussed. The volume also explores the possibility of improving human health by modulating the microbiome with better food, including bio-active foods and appropriate forms of intake. Throughout the chapters, authors examine cutting edge research and technology, as well as future directions for better practices regarding emerging issues, such as the safety and production of organic food.

Cyclodextrins (CD) are cyclic oligosaccharides containing 6, 7 or 8 glucose units ( , or -CD, respectively) in a truncated molecular shape. Their cyclic molecular structure contains a hydrophilic surface and a hydrophobic cavity at the center that can interact (host) with external hydrophobic compounds (guest molecules). Cyclodextrins have been categorized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) in the USA, "natural products" in Japan, and as "novel food" in Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. They are therefore widely used in food production to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds, including solid, liquid and gas molecules, in order to solubilize, stabilize or control the release rate of these components. To date, there has been no comprehensive review of the very large number of studies performed on encapsulation using cyclodextrin powders for food applications in recent years. This text fills that gap for academics in the encapsulation field and for industry professionals who want to gain a solid understanding of encapsulation functionality of cyclodextrin powders. The book consists of 16 chapters in which chapter 1 introduces cyclodextrin properties and its applications in food processing, and chapters 2-16 explore applications of cyclodextrin in encapsulation for many guest compounds. These compounds include gases, flavors, colors, pigments, polyphenols (plant bioactive compounds), essential oils, lipids (cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids), vitamins, fruit ripening controlling compounds, and antifungal and antimicrobial compounds. These chapters also discuss functionalities of cyclodextrin in packaging, masking off-flavor and off-taste, and as dietary fiber. Covering a broad range of cyclodextrin applications and suitable for both newcomers to encapsulation technology and those with experience, Functionality of Cyclodextrins in Encapsulation for Food Applications is a unique and essential reference on this increasingly important topic.

The goal of this book is to make some underutilized but potentially very useful methods in experimental design and analysis available to ecologists, and to encourage better use of standard statistical techniques. Ecology has become more and more an experimental science in both basic and applied work, but experiments in the field and in the laboratory often present formidable statistical difficulties. Organized around providing solutions to ecological problems, this book offers ways to improve the statistical aspects of conducting manipulative ecological experiments, from setting them up to interpreting and reporting the results. An abundance of tools, including advanced approaches, are made available to ecologists in step-by-step examples, with computer code provided for common statistical packages. This is an essential how-to guide for the working ecologist and for graduate students preparing for research and teaching careers in the field of ecology.

Biofuels are one of the most sustainable options when it comes to renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Biotechnological processes, such as microbial fermentation, are used to produce energy from waste biomass by converting organic substrates into biofuels. This book discusses practices to improve and enrich various microbial communities in order to enhance sustainable and economical biofuel production. It also evaluates various strategies to develop potential microorganisms and microbial consortia to produce highly efficient biofuels at a relatively low cost.

The aim of this book is to present, in depth, updated information on soil and microbial processes involved in mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and N2-fixing species, especially Acacia mangium, focusing on Forestry, Soils, Biology, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability. The potential of substituting chemical N fertilizer by a consortium of leguminous species that fix atmospheric nitrogen is an interesting solution for a more sustainable, economically and environmentally sound forest system. Among the main topics, we present reference topics on soil microbiology, as biological nitrogen fixation, the role of mycorrhiza in mixed plantations, bio-indicators of soil quality, and plantgrowth promoting bacteria with biotechnological potential. Here we discuss Ecosystem services and ecological benefits of these systems, the invasive potential of A.mangium, as well as the regulations and perspectives of land use policies for mixed forests and their role in the sustainability of the system.

To satisfy the food demands of the global population, advanced technology based research is needed, that can extract the information from the plant metabolism and microbial gene pool and use it for improving plant health and productivity. Modern biotechnological tools have the ability to unlock the limitations of agricultural practices. However, the application of these tools is not well equipped. Moreover, eco-friendly agriculture by microbial inoculants is known to have positive influences on soil/plant health. Therefore it is relevant to explore the plant associated microbial niches, especially endophytes, epiphytes, and soil microbes and understand how they are benefitting each other. It can open new insights to develop sustainable agriculture practices by using consortia of microbes as plant helpers that recover the imbalanced agriculture systems and manage pathogenic diseases. This book presents the updates about the plant associated microbiomes and their contemporary uses. It covers the knowledge gap between soil and plant helper microbiomes and their application in the agriculture and allied sectors. Modern insights of phytobiomes are explored in various chapters on a variety of interrelated aspects of the fascinating areas like plant microbial interaction, integrated pest management, soil fertility intensification, sustainable crop production, and disease management. Sections in the book describe how to plant beneficial microbiomes have been utilized for sustainable green farming, with the aim to resolve the global food problem without harming the soil and environment health. This book is intended for everyone who is involved in agriculture, microbial biotechnology, bioinformatics, and all disciplines related to microbial biotechnology. These include academic students, scientists, and researchers at universities, institutes, industries, and government organizations who want to understand microbial linkages in a shorter time. It contains basic information that will be help to the non-specialist readers to understand progressive research.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of DNA barcoding and molecular phylogeny, along with a number of case studies. It discusses a number of areas where DNA barcoding can be applied, such as clinical microbiology, especially in relation to infection management; DNA database management; and plant -animal interactions, and also presents valuable information on the DNA barcoding and molecular phylogeny of microbes, algae, elasmobranchs, fishes, birds and ruminant mammals. Furthermore it features unique case studies describing DNA barcoding of reptiles dwelling in Saudi Arabian deserts, genetic variation studies in both wild and hatchery populations of Anabas testudineus, DNA barcoding and molecular phylogeny of Ichthyoplankton and juvenile fishes of Kuantan River in Malaysia, and barcoding and molecular phylogenetic analysis of indigenous bacteria from fishes dwelling in a tropical tidal river. Moreover, since prompt identification and management of invasive species is vital to prevent economic and ecological loss, the book includes a chapter on DNA barcoding of invasive species. Given its scope, this book will appeal not only to researchers, teachers and students around the globe, but also to general readers.

The generation of well-defined nanoparticles of excellent size and shape involves physical and chemical methodologies that are complicated, expensive, and produce hazardous toxic waste that is harmful to the environment and to human health. In order to combat the disadvantages of these methods, scientists have created "the biological method," a new synthetic methodology that serves as a proper alternative to physical and chemical methodologies because of its easy utility, low cost, rapid synthesis, controlled size characteristics, controlled toxicity, and eco-friendliness. Nanobiotechnology is the science in which living matter can be manipulated and exploited to produce materials within the nano-scale. It is a multidisciplinary field of science framed by biology, chemistry, engineering, materials, and life sciences. Different biological entities can be exploited to yield biologically synthesized nanomaterials including bacteria, actinomycetes, yeast, fungi, viruses, algae, plant extracts, and agro-industrial waste extracts. This book represents a comprehensive review concerning the state of the art in nanobiotechnology, emphasizing the use of diverse biological entities in the science, and its versatile applications. It describes currently existing methodology with the latest published references, and provides safety information. It serves as the ideal guide for scientists interested in exploring nanobiotechnology.

Ecotoxicology offers a comprehensive overview of the science underpinning the recognition and management of environmental contamination. It describes the toxicology of environmental contaminants, the methods used for assessing their toxicity and ecological impacts, and approaches employed to mitigate pollution and ecological health risks globally. Chapters cover the latest advances in research, including genomics, natural toxins, endocrine disruption and the toxicology of radioactive substances. The second half of the book focuses on applications, such as cradle-to-grave effects of selected industries, legal and economic approaches to environmental regulation, ecological risk assessment, and contaminated site remediation. With short capsules written by invited experts, numerous case studies from around the world and further reading lists, this textbook is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate one-semester courses. It is also a valuable reference for graduate students and professionals. Online resources for instructors and students are also available.

This book describes many novel approaches of microbial bioremediation including conventional and modern approaches, metagenomics, biosurfactants and nano-based bioremediation. Also presents up-to-date knowledge about biodegradation of solid and liquid contaminants in the rhizospheric zone by plant (rhizo)-microbiome interface. It also illustrates communication pathways based on evolving methodologies, bioinformatic tools which provides insights into the functional dynamics of bioremediation process by the host-microbiome interface. The different chapters explain the mechanism and outcomes during the process of bioremediation. The book broadly depicts the following: Advances in bioremediation through nanoremediation, rhizo-remediation, bioremediation of different ecosystems like polluted waters, industrial effluents, bioremediation of metal and organic pollutants, toxic dyes etc. The book is very useful for researchers and students in the fields of applied and environmental microbiology. It is also meant for industry experts and professionals working in the field of bioremediation and waste management.

This book focuses on probiotics and gut microbiota, as well as their roles in alleviating the toxicity of various environmental pollutants, presenting the latest research findings and explaining advanced research methods and tools. At the same time, it offers suggestions for future research directions. Further, the book introduces readers to the concept of gut remediation, a potential approach to reducing environmental-pollutant toxicity in vivo, based on modulation of gut microbiota using probiotic supplements. Lastly it provides suggestions for further reading.