Microfluidic biochips have gained prominence due to their versatile applications to biochemistry and health-care domains such as point-of-care clinical diagnosis of tropical and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, toxicity analysis, and for the mitigation of the global HIV crisis, among others. Microfluidic Lab-on-Chips (LoCs) offer a convenient platform for emulating various fluidic operations in an automated fashion. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of fluidic operations, the outcome of biochemical experiments performed on-chip can be erroneous even if the chip is tested a priori and deemed to be defect-free. This book focuses on the issues encountered in reliable sample preparation with digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs), particularly in an error-prone environment. It presents state-of-the-art error management techniques and underlying algorithmic challenges along with their comparative discussions. Describes a comprehensive framework for designing a robust and error-tolerant biomedical system which will help in migrating from cumbersome medical laboratory tasks to small-sized LOC-based systems Presents a comparative study on current error-tolerant strategies for robust sample preparation using DMFBs and reports on efficient algorithms for error-tolerant sample dilution using these devices Illustrates how algorithmic engineering, cyber-physical tools, and software techniques are helpful in implementing fault tolerance Covers the challenges associated with design automation for biochemical sample preparation Teaches how to implement biochemical protocols using software-controlled microfluidic biochips Interdisciplinary in its coverage, this reference is written for practitioners and researchers in biochemical, biomedical, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, especially those involved in LOC or bio-MEMS design.

This volume provides comprehensive dry and wet experiments, methods, and applications on nanopore sequencing. Chapters guide readers through bioinformatic procedures, genome sequencing, analysis of repetitive regions, structural variations, rapid and on-site microbial identification, epidemiology, and transcriptome analysis. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and methods, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Nanopore Sequencing: Methods and Protocols aims to be comprehensive guide for researchers.

Ectomycorrhizas in the Ecosystem: Structural, Functional, and Community Aspects (D.J. Read). Taxonomy of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi: A Starting Point for Their Biotechnology (J.M. Trappe, A. Jumpponen). Molecular Approach to the Identification of Mycorrhizal Fungi (L. Simon). Coincidence between Molecularly or Morphologically Classified Ectomycorrhizal Morphotypes and Fruitbodies in a Spruce Forest (B. Mehmann et al.). Ectomycorrhiza Morphogenesis: Insights from Studies of Developmentally Regulated Genes and Proteins (F. Martin et al.). Molecules and Genes Involved in Mycorrhiza Functioning (S. Gianinazzi et al.). Cloning Functional Endomycorrhiza Genes: Potential for Use in Plant Breeding (P.J. Murphy et al.). The Sexual Cycle in Neurospora, from Fertilization to Ascospore Discharge (R.L. Metzenberg). Genetics of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Their Transformation (R. Marmeisse et al.). Inactivation of Gene Expression Triggered by Sequence Duplication (C. Cogoni et al.). Gene Expression in Plant Roots during Ectomycorrhiza Development (U. Nehls, F. Martin). Truffles: Their Life Cycle and Molecular Characterization (L. Lanfranco et al.). Molecular Identification of Tuber Species and Isolates by PCRbased Techniques (D. Gandeboeuf et al.). 8 additional articles. Index.

An outstanding feature of this book is a collection of state-of-the-art reviews written by leading researchers in the nanomechanics of carbon nanotubes, nanocrystalline materials, biomechanics and polymer nanocomposites. The structure and properties of carbon nanotubes, polycrystalline metals, and coatings are discussed in great details. The book is an exceptional resource on multi-scale modelling of metals, nanocomposites, MEMS materials and biomedical applications. An extensive bibliography concerning all these topics is included. Highlights on bio-materials, MEMS, and the latest multi-scale methods (e.g., molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo) are presented. Numerous illustrations of inter-atomic potentials, nanotube deformation and fracture, grain rotation and growth in solids, ceramic coating structures, blood flows and cell adhesion are discussed.
This book provides a comprehensive review of latest developments in the analysis of mechanical phenomena in nanotechnology and bio-nanotechnology.

Algae Based Bioelectrochemical Systems for Carbon Sequestration, Carbon Storage, Bioremediation and Bioproduct Generation explores the integration of carbon capture, storage and sequestration technologies with bioelectrochemical fuels cells (BEFC), showing how conventional technologies can be renovated to aid in the reduction in GHG emissions and simultaneously optimize BEFC performance. The book focuses on the integration of algal biogas upgradation with electrochemical systems, providing a guide to the renovation of conventional technologies to combine energy production and carbon sequestration. Chapters discuss the latest advancements in carbon sequestration biocatalyst and microbial platforms and integrations for rapid carbon biotransformations. In addition, the book highlights the potential of algae and chemolithotrophs as candidates for carbon delivery, biocatalyst orientation and architecture for optimal BEFC performance.

Fantasies and dreams have their rightful place in science, and sometimes they turn into reality. Regeneration of hybrid plants through protoplast fusion is one such dream come true. In the early 1970s I shared the pioneering excitement in the field of protoplast technology at the Second International Congress of Plant Tissue Culture held in Strasbourg, France. Subsequently, I participated in three international conferences devoted to plant protoplasts, in Salamanca, Spain (1972), Versailles, France (1972), and Nottingham, England (1975). At Versailles Dr. P.S. Carlson presented his work on the successful regeneration of somatic hybrids between Nicotiana glauca and Nicotiana langsdorfii. The enthusi- asm shown by the participants was sufficient indication of the bright future of somatic hybridization. On my return from Versailles, I gathered my thoughts and prepared a concept paper on Potentials of Protoplast Culture Work in Agriculture which was published in Euphytica (Bajaj 1974). The studies on protoplast fusion and somatic hybridization then gained momentum and active work started in many laboratories. Very significant work was done by Melchers et al. (1978) who obtained a somatic hybrid between potato and tomato, calling it "Pomato".

Printing Peptide Arrays with a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Chip, by Felix F. Loeffler, Yun-Chien Cheng, Bastian Muenster, Jakob Striffler, Fanny C. Liu, F. Ralf Bischoff, Edgar Doersam, Frank Breitling, Alexander Nesterov-Mueller. Protein Engineering as a Tool for the Development of Novel Bio production Systems, by Uwe T. Bornscheuer. Compartmentalization and Metabolic Channeling for Multienzymatic Biosynthesis: Practical Strategies and Modeling Approaches, by U. Jandt, C. You, Y. H.-P. Zhang, A.-P. Zeng. Cell-Free Systems: Functional Modules for Synthetic and Chemical Biology, by Marlitt Stech, Andreas K. Brodel, Robert B. Quast, Rita Sachse, Stefan Kubick. New Bio production Systems: From Molecular Circuits to Novel Reactor Concepts in Cell-Free Biotechnology, by Steffen Rupp. Cell-free Biosystems in the Production of Electricity and Bioenergy, by Zhiguang Zhu, Tsz Kin Tam, Y.-H. Percival Zhang. In Vitro Multi enzymatic Reaction Systems for Biosynthesis, by Ines Ardao, Ee Taek Hwang, An-Ping Zeng. Directed Multistep Biocatalysis Using Tailored Permeabilized Cells, by Steffen Krauser, Christian Weyler, Lisa Katharina Blass, Elmar Heinzle."

A unique, pathbreaking collection that provides the first, detailed and comprehensive analysis of the implications of new health technologies for society, the delivery of health care, and the very meaning of health itself. It is based on new, critical social science research integrated according to core themes, making it accessible and engaging. It will be of especial value to students and researchers in Social Science, Health Studies and medical schools.

This book focuses on recent developments of Pichia pastoris as a recombinant protein production system. Highlighted topics include a discussion on the use of fermentors to grow Pichia pastoris, information on the O- and N-linked glycosylation, methods for labeling Pichia pastoris expressed proteins for structural studies, and the introduction of mutations in Pichia pastoris genes by the methods of restriction enzyme-mediated integration (REMI). Each chapter presents cutting-edge and cornerstone protocols for utilizing P. pastoris as a model recomibinant protein production system. This volume fully updates and expands upon the first edition.

This book reviews the latest research on bioproducts from various economically important insects, such as silkworms, honey bees, lac and drosophila, and termites, and discusses their general, biomedical and industrial applications in detail. It includes chapters focusing on insects as a food source, probiotics, silk-based biomaterials, insect pheromones, insects as biomedicine source, pupa oil chemistry, non-protein compounds from Lepidopteran insects, insect chitin and chitosan, polyphenols and flavonoids. Model insects like Bombyx mori or bees were domesticated in Asian countries thousands of years ago. Over time, natural products from these animals became industrialized and today they attracting increasing attention thanks to their sustainability and their manifold applications in agriculture and biomedicine. The book is intended for entomologists, material scientists, natural product researchers and biotechnologists.

This book provides new information relating recent advances made in the field of plant secondary products. Besides the updation of chapters this edition also includes chapters on secondary metabolites of microorganisms (fungi and lichen).

Molecular farming has been hailed as the "third wave" of genetically-modified organisms produced through biotechnology for the bio-based economy of the future. Unlike products of the first wave, such as herbicide resistant crop plants, which were perceived to benefit only the farmers who used them and the agrochemical companies who developed them, products of molecular farming are designed specifically for the benefit of the consumer. Such products could be purified from food or non-food organisms for a range of applications in industry, as well as animal and human health. Alternatively, the products of this technology could be consumed more directly in some edible format, such as milk, eggs, fruits or vegetables. There is a rapidly-growing interest Qn the part of the public as well as in the medical community in the role food plays in health, especially in the immunophysiological impact of food over and above the role of basic nutrition.

This work presents an authoritative examination of the inter-relationships between the law, intellectual property rights, biodiversity protection, biotechnology and the protection of traditional knowledge. It includes twenty-eight chapters from dozens of international legal and scientific experts containing a comprehensive assessment of the issues complete with thorough references; and an essential references for all legal libraries, legal practitioners, science libraries, corporations involved in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology and conservationists and other NGOs. How do we promote global economic development, while simultaneously preserving local biological and cultural diversity? This authoritative volume, written by leading legal experts and biological and social scientists from around the world, aims to address this question in all of its complexity.

Introduction to Ion Bean Biotechnology presents an comprehensive primer on radiation-induced mutations and implantation of charged particles altering biological development. As such, its one of the most intriging and leading tools in bioengineering cells. IIBB cover the physics of ions particles, the biological effects of ion implantations in cells, and the subsequent use in bacteria, in viruses, and in plants. IIBB covers important areas:

Inducing genetic mutations on the molecular level

Inducing cells to catalyze targeted gene transfer

Ion beam technology is a new area, still very young

IIBB will be essentinal reading for any student, reseacher, or industry professional seeking to understand and master the mechanisms of such mutations.

Plant stresses are serious threats to the sustainability of crop yields accounting for more crop productivity losses than any other factor in rainfed agriculture. Post-harvest losses mean surplus crops do not reach market, affecting the livelihoods of farming families, and too often these families are left with no other option than to eat contaminated stored food. These constraints impact the food security of these farming families as well as the communities and countries in which they live. This book is the demonstration of a clear synergistic effect of stresses, an effect that was unexpectedly as important as either stress applied alone. This book will add to our current knowledge of abiotic stress response in plants and will provide the groundwork necessary to build future strategies for crop enhancement. The fundamental principles that underpin all biotechnology are explained and a full range of examples discussed to show how these principles are applied; from starting substrate to final product. It will be beneficial to both plant breeders and molecular biologists, because it combines the topics of physiology, tolerance genes, and breeding methods. When these topics are presented together, it is easy to compare all aspects of tolerance mechanisms and breeding methods for abiotic stresses. These comparisons are useful to understand which pathways or which genes are important for rendering more tolerance to a certain abiotic stress, and to bring forward new ideas for improving the tolerance. Features *Cover both plant biotic and abiotic stresses *Important factors in managing crops for water stress conditions *Substantially increase the sustainable productivity of smallholder farmers in developing countries *Genetic and biochemical approaches - if those approaches constitute a substantial improvement on current practices.

As the world accelerates towards a renewable energy transition, the demand for critical raw materials (CRMs) for energy generation, conversion, and storage technologies is seeing a drastic increase. Such materials are not only subject to limited supply and extreme price volatility but can also represent serious burdens to the environment, to human health, and also to socio-political systems. Taking an interdisciplinary perspective, this book provides a novel perspective on the discussion about material dependencies of energy technologies. It examines CRMs use in fuel cells, an emerging energy conversion technology, and discusses governance strategies for early-stage fuel cell development to predict and avoid potential issues. This will be an invaluable resource for researchers in energy studies, engineering, sociology and political science as well as those with a general interest in this field looking for an accessible overview.

World-wide there are more overweight and obese people (1 billion) than there are malnourished (0.8 billion). Today the challenge lies not just in meeting basic nutritional needs, but providing additional protective ingredients to help prevent the major chronic diseases associated with obesity. Biotechnology has become an important tool in recent years and scientists are now investigating advanced and novel strategies for the improvement of the functional aspects of food and food ingredients in an effort to manage the current and emerging health care challenges. Functional Foods and Biotechnology focuses the information from the recently published Food Biotechnology to illuminate the role of biochemical processing in the improvement of functional foods with targeted health benefits and increased nutrient value. Applying molecular, biochemical, cellular, and bioprocessing concepts, the text explores the design of functional food ingredients; the bio-mobilization of major nutrients such as starch, lipids, vitamins, and minerals; and the use of specific phenolic metabolites from common botanical species that have been found effective in disease prevention. Many chapters are concerned with the role of ingredients in oxidation-linked disease, which is the core basis for the major chronic diseases. Specialty topics include non-nutritive sweeteners, immune factors from eggs, phytochemicals as antimicrobials, and passive immune improvement with pro- and pre-biotics. The text provides conceptual insights to key emerging techniques for improving food production and processing, enhancing food safety and quality, and increasing nutritional values and functional aspects of food for better human health. Introducing key concepts in biotechnology and the improvement of functional foods and nutrient sources, Functional Foods and Biotechnology addresses specific strategies and potential solutions to poor nutrition, be it caloric excess or deficiency, and the related health challenges facing the world today.