This volume reviews the current metabolic engineering tools and technologies from a practical point of view, and guides researchers as they overcome challenges at various stages of organism and bioprocess development. Microbes have been engineered to produce a variety of industrial products such as fuels, basic chemicals, fine chemicals, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical intermediates, and new tools such as gene synthesis, advanced cloning techniques, 'omics' analysis, and mathematical modeling have greatly accelerated the pace of innovation in the field. Written by leading experts in the field from both academia and industry, key topics include synthetic biology, pathway engineering, metabolic flux manipulation, adaptive evolution, and fermentation process scale-up. It is suitable for non-specialists, and is a valuable resource for anyone embarking on the exciting path to harnessing the metabolic potential of microorganisms.

Flagella-dependent motility is widespread throughout prokaryotes and is advantageous when nutrients are limited as a mechanism to migrate to more favorable environments and to compete with other micro-organisms. Flagella systems can also play an important role in additional processes, such as adhesion to substrates, biofilm formation, and host invasion in pathogenic bacteria. A variety of different classes of pili are found in prokaryotes and these structures also possess a diverse array of functions. Pili are essential for host colonization, virulence, and pathogenesis for many bacteria and, in the case of type IV pili, can also be employed for motility across solid surfaces. This book brings together some of the top scientists in the field and describes the current knowledge and latest research on prokaryotic pili and flagella. The emphasis is on the molecular biology, genetics, structure, assembly, and function of these structures. Topics include: biogenesis, structure, and function of various pili in Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms * flagellar gene expression, structure, and assembly * the flagella motor * posttranslational modifications of flagella systems * lateral flagella systems * the origin and evolution of flagella * applications of flagella as a surface display and expression system * the flagella and pili of Archaea.

Topics in Ecological and Environmental Microbiology provides an overview of ecological aspects of the metabolism and behavior of microbes, microbial habitats, biogeochemical cycles, and biotechnology. This essential reference was designed by selecting relevant chapters from the authoritative and comprehensive Encyclopedia of Microbiology," " 3rd edn., and inviting the original authors to update their material to include key developments and advances in the field. This concise and affordable book is an essential reference for students and researchers in microbiology, mycology, immunology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology.
Written by recognized authorities in the fieldIncludes topics such as air quality, marine habitats, food webs, and microbial adhesionProvides a thematic mix of both classic and cutting -edge reviews, with suggested further reading in each chapter

"Taxonomy of Prokaryotes," edited by two leading experts in the field, presents the most appropriate up-to-date experimental approaches in the detail required for modern microbiological research. Focusing on the methods most useful for the microbiologist interested in this specialty, this volume will be essential reading for all researchers working in microbiology, immunology, virology, mycology and parasitology. Methods in Microbiology is the most prestigious series devoted to techniques and methodology in the field. Established for over 30 years, Methods in Microbiology will continue to provide you with tried and tested, cutting-edge protocols to directly benefit your research.

This volume focuses on the developmental areas of biopesticides: production, formulation, application and field efficacy. Chapters guide readers through methods and techniques on environmental, mammalian, safety, and registration. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Microbial-Based Biopesticides aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

The rapid advancement of sequencing techniques, coupled with the new methodologies of bioinformatics to handle large-scale data analysis, are providing exciting opportunities for us to understand microbial communities from a variety of environments beyond previous imagination. This book provides up-to-date and detailed information on various aspects of bioinformatics data analysis with applications to microbiology.

Written by specialists in the different fields, this book presents new perspectives and insights into strategies and weapons to fight microbial infections. It also reviews the "state of the art" of alternative treatment approaches and new therapeutic agents to deal with infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. In an era of accumulated resistance to current antibiotics, it is vital that this is undertaken without further delay. Aspects discussed include the control of RNA synthesis, the use of bacteriocins or enzybiotics (bacteriophages or purified lysins), the specific control of pathogenic clostridia, the design of new drugs affecting DNA synthesis in bacteria, the use of fecal-matter transplant strategies, the specific control of quorum sensing responses in bacteria, the use of new peptides as antibiotics and new ways to control bacteria that cause cancer, such as Helicobacter pylori cancers.

This book provides a detailed description and analysis of the reduction and metabolism of metals and metalloids by sulfate reducing bacteria. The molecular mechanisms of bacterial resistance to copper are examined as well as extracellular electron transfer and bacterial metal oxide respiration. Furthermore, in this book enrichment, isolation, and physiology of magnetotactic bacteria are discussed. The interactions of bacteria with metals in natural environments and their role in metal cycling have been studied for decades. Advances in studies of bacteria-metal interactions identified numerous important aspects of these interactions, such as bioremediation of metal-contaminated environments, the role of metals in redox reactions and other cellular functions, as well as the role of metals in toxicity and infection. Microbiologists, environmental scientists, and students interested in microbe interactions with metals and their effect on the environment and their application in biotechnology will be interested in the topics discussed in the book.

Due to various special physiological features and a genome that greatly differs in structure, gene content and organization from other yeasts, Y. lipolytica is widely used as a host system. With its characteristics, such as the ability to grow on lipids or grease, to accumulate oil and the high capacity for secretion of proteases and lipases, the yeast is of great interest for biotechnological applications. The main topics covered in this Microbiology Monograph are: expression and secretion of heterologous proteins; acid and alkaline extracellular proteases; genetics, production, biochemical characterization and biotechnological application of lipases; production and secretion of several organic acids and flagrances; as well as the functional expression of P450 systems and its use in steroid biotransformation.

This volume summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that produce successful symbiotic partnerships involving microorganisms. It begins with a basic introduction to the nature of and mechanistic benefits derived from symbiotic associations. Taking that background knowledge as the starting point, the next sections include chapters that examine representative examples of coevolutionary associations that have developed between species of microbes, as well as associations between microbes and plants. The authors conclude with a section covering a broad range of associations between microbes and invertebrate animals, in which they discuss the spectrum of hosts, with examples ranging from bryozoans and corals to nematodes, arthropods, and cephalopods. Join the authors on this journey of understanding!

This book provides information about microbial mats, from early fossils to modern mats located in marine and terrestrial environments. Microbial mats layered biofilms containing different types of cells are most complex systems in which representatives of various groups of organisms are found together. Among them are cyanobacteria and eukaryotic phototrophs, aerobic heterotrophic and chemoautotrophic bacteria, protozoa, anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria, and other types of microorganisms.

These mats are perfect models for biogeochemical processes, such as the cycles of chemical elements, in which a variety of microorganisms cooperate and interact in complex ways. They are often found under extreme conditions and their study contributes to our understanding of extremophilic life. Moreover, microbial mats are models for Precambrian stromatolites; the study of modern microbial mats may provide information on the processes that may have occurred on Earth when prokaryotic life began to spread."

Commercially, D-xylitol is produced by chemical reactions that are tailored to the requirements of various sectors. However, due to the rising interest in sustainable development and ecologically benign practices, microbial transformation processes are generally preferred over the conventional chemical conversion process. The former have multiple advantages, including less chemical load on the environment, higher efficiency, and the ability to dilute multiple downstream transformation attempts while maintaining product yield and recovery.

This book aims to disseminate the most current advances in the biotechnological production of D-xylitol and its applications in medical and health care. It is a unique collection of 15 book chapters split into 5 sections and written by experts in their respective fields, who present critical insights into several topics, review current research, and discuss future progress in this area. This book also provides essential information on hemicellulose hydrolysis to recover D-xylose, detoxification of hemicellulose hydrolysates, and improved fermentation methods for increased D-xylitol production. The highlights of strain improvement to increase the D-xylitol titers and downstream recovery of D-xylitol are also discussed in several sections. The current applications of D-xylitol in medical and health care have been used to justify the cost incurred for setting up the demonstration plant for D-xylitol production in the market. Apart from researchers and post-graduate students in the field of microbial biotechnology, this book will assist those in the business community who deal with the economic analysis of bio-based products and their marketing.

This book describes various aspects of modern microbiology including microbial enzymes, secondary metabolites, next-generation sequencing, microbial-based biopesticides, microbial-based cancer therapies, biodiesel, and microbial products from fermentation, biodegradation, bioremediation and wastewater treatment. Further, it explains how and why microbes play an important role in preserving the welfare of living beings and the environment. Many bacteria play a significant part in cleaning our environment by detoxifying various xenobiotic compounds, while several microbes produce secondary metabolites that are useful to human beings. The book is divided into 15 chapters that cover various aspects of microorganism-based biotechnology, including recent methodologies such as advanced molecular techniques, as well developments in classical microbiological techniques. The authors also explain how the latest and classical techniques are being used in modern-day microbial biotechnology. All chapters were written by experts from prominent universities, research laboratories, and institutes around the globe. Above all, they focus on recent advances in microbial technology that promote the welfare of living beings and the environment.

This second edition volume expands on the previous editions with detailed protocols on (cyano) bacterial and mold fungus toxins, and a specific focus on Gram-negative endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides). The chapters in Microbial Toxins: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition present techniques that cover topics such as detection of cholera toxin by an immunochromatographic test strip; label-free immune-sensors for the fast detection of Listeria in food; endotoxin removal from Escherichia coli bacterial lysate using biphasic liquid system; and micromethods for isolation and structural characterization of lipid A, and polysaccharide regions of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. 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 practical, Microbial Toxins: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable and useful resource for scientists who are interested in this field, and is a great tool for researchers who are looking to learn about new, particular techniques to further enhance their work.

McCoy's guide to the maintenance and management of cooling water systems and the bacteria that live in them. Includes studies and testing of microbicides and other microorganisms that infest re-circulating cooling water systems and factors influencing their health and growth. Tests biological oxidation processes as a way of reusing treated effluents as an important method of water conservation in the petroleum refining and chemical processing industries. Explores practical methods for controlling microorganisms in cooling water; including working with chlorine dioxide as a microbicide. Methods are given for identifying and evaluating toxicants and bacteria that lead to fouling and staining of cooling water systems.

This volume illustrates the complex root system, including the various essential roles of roots as well as their interaction with diverse microorganisms localized in or near the root system.

Following initial chapters describing the anatomy and architecture as well as the growth and development of root systems, subsequent chapters focus on the various types of root symbiosis with bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere. A third section covers the physiological strategies of roots, such as nitrate assimilation, aquaporins, the role of roots in plant defense responses and in response to droughts and salinity changes. The book s final chapters discuss the prospects of applied engineering of roots, i.e., inventing new root structures or functions through genetic modification, but also with conventional breeding and manipulation of root symbionts. The budding field of root engineering is expected to promote a second green revolution."

Due to their novel concepts and extraordinary high-throughput sequencing capacity, the "next generation sequencing" methods allow scientists to grasp system-wide landscapes of the complex molecular events taking place in various biological systems, including microorganisms and microbial communities. These methods are now being recognized as essential tools for a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying many biological processes. In High-Throughput Next Generation Sequencing: Methods and Applications, experts in the field explore the most recent advances in the applications of next generation sequencing technologies with an emphasis on microorganisms and their communities; however, the methods described in this book will also offer general applications relevant to the study of any living organisms. Written in the highly 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 laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, High-Throughput Next Generation Sequencing: Methods and Applications is an excellent collection of chapters to aid all scientists who wish to apply these innovative research tools to enhance their own pursuits in microbiology and also biology in general.

r ed Algae in Genome Age book most people reading this book have childhood memories about being enthralled at the beach with those rare and mysterious living forms we knew as seaweeds. We were fascinated at that time by their range of red hues and textures, and most of all, their exotic beauty. t o a scientist, red algae represent much more than apparent features. t heir complex forms have attracted morphologists for centuries; their intricate life cycles have brought more than one surprise to plant biologists familiar only with ferns and fowering plants; their unusual tastes have been appreciated for mill- nia, and their valuable chemical constituents have been exploited for nearly as long, most recently by biotech companies; their diversity in marine, freshwater, and t- restrial environments has offered centuries of engaging entertainment for botanists eager to arrange them in orderly classifcation systems; still, the red algae continue to teach us how many more challenges need to be overcome in order to understand their biodiversity, biological functions, and evolutionary histories.

This volume includes chapters by experts around the world on many aspects of microtubule imaging in living and fixed cells; assays to study microtubule function in a wide array of model organisms and cultured cells; high resolution approaches to study of the cytoskeleton. The authors share their years of experience, outlining potential pitfalls and critical factors to consider in experimental design, experimental implementation and data interpretation.

Iincludes chapters by experts around the world on many aspects of microtubule imaging in living and fixed cells; assays to study microtubule function in a wide array of model organisms and cultured cells; high resolution approaches to study of the cytoskeleton. The authors share their years of experience, outlining potential pitfalls and critical factors to consider in experimental design, experimental implementation and data interpretation.

MILS-14 provides a most up-to-date view of the exciting biogeochemistry of gases in our environment as driven mostly by microorganisms. These employ a machinery of sophisticated metalloenzymes, where especially transition metals (such as Fe, Ni, Cu, Mo, W) play a fundamental role, that is, in the activation, transformation and syntheses of gases like dihydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, acetylene and those of the biological nitrogen and sulfur cycles. The Metal-Driven Biogeochemistry of Gaseous Compounds in the Environment is a vibrant research area based mainly on structural and microbial biology, inorganic biological chemistry and environmental biochemistry. All this is covered in an authoritative manner in 11 stimulating chapters, written by 26 internationally recognized experts and supported by nearly 1200 references, informative tables and about 100 illustrations (two thirds in color). MILS-14 also provides excellent information for teaching. Peter M. H. Kroneck is a bioinorganic chemist who is exploring the role of transition metals in biology, with a focus on functional and structural aspects of microbial iron, copper and molybdenum enzymes and their impact on the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and sulfur. Martha E. Sosa Torres is an inorganic chemist, with special interests in magnetic properties of newly synthesized transition metal complexes and their reactivity towards molecular oxygen, applying kinetic, electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques.

Plants form mutualistic association with various microorganisms, particularly in the rhizosphere region. The association benefits both the partners in a number of ways. A single plant can support the growth of diverse microbes and in reciprocation these microbes help the plant in several ways. A great deal of knowledge is now available on the mechanisms of action of plant growth promoting microbes in forming association with their partner plant and benefitting it. With ever increasing population and to achieve food security it has become utmost necessary to utilize these friendly microbes to enhance the crop yield and quality in an ecofriendly and sustainable manner. We already know about the huge negative impact of chemicals used in agriculture on the humans and the ecosystems as whole. 'Plant Microbes Symbiosis - Applied Facets' provides a comprehensive knowledge on practical, functional and purposeful utility of plant-microbe interactions. The book reviews the utilization of beneficial microbes for crop yield enhancement and protection against diseases caused by phytopathogens and nutrient deficiencies. The tome also reviews the utility of plant growth promoting microbes in helping the plants to deal with abiotic stresses imposed by climate change and anthropogenic activities. The book showcases how plant-microbe interactions are or can be utilized for reclamation of stressed soils and degradation of pollutants in a most effective and environment friendly manner. It also ascertains the reasons for the below par performance of the microbial based inoculants. The utilization of biotechnological tools for development of next generation bioformulations to combat the new challenges and overcome past hurdles has been discussed. This wonderful association between plants and microbes if used properly will not only enhance the crop yields and reclaim barren lands but also make our planet a better place to live on for all of its habitants.

Published since 1959, "Advances in Applied Microbiology" continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology.
The series contains comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. Recent areas covered include bacterial diversity in the human gut, protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes and the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays.
Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome. Impact factor for 2008: 1.658.
* Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field
* Reference and guide for scientists and specialists involved in advancements in applied microbiology

Microbial Phenazines: Biosynthesis, Agriculture and Health focuses on phenazines, a group of upwards of a hundred nitrogen-containing redox-active heterocyclic compounds of bacterial origin that have long attracted scientific interest because of their colorful pigmentation. Our understanding of these fascinating natural products and their role in human health and the environment has advanced rapidly in recent years, but we are only now beginning to be able to exploit the potential of these compounds in such fields as agriculture and medicine. This volume includes information on the biochemistry and genetics of phenazine synthesis, the physiological effects of phenazines, and methods for the isolation and identification of phenazines with the aid of spectroscopic and electrophoretic techniques. Also included are chapters focused on the roots of phenazine research in the biological control of plant pathogens and recent knowledge of the diversity of phenazine-producing microorganisms and the environments in which they occur. A final chapter addresses the potential of phenazines in the treatment of cancer.