Marine environments represent an underexplored source for numerous biotechnological applications. Of particular interest are organisms that can provide various valuable molecules and are potential candidates for bioremediation strategies. Fungi, algae, bacteria, yeasts, and sponges are some unique resources in marine ecosystems. But these must be preserved and protected from irreversible damage. Sustainable exploitation through farming systems is the alternative to prevent pressure on harvesting wild marine organisms. Written by an international team of experts, this book provides a broad overview of the possible approaches and technologies that can be applied in bioremediation processes and the possibilities to add value to the biomass produced. It provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art of current research and practice in bioremediation technology and bio-based materials. New processing technologies, and recent technical advances in molecular biology such as gene mining, omics techniques, and metabolic engineering are highlighted. The exciting possibilities that artificial intelligence can bring to the future of the biotechnology industry are also approached. The multidisciplinary nature of this book makes it of interest to a wide range of readers, including researchers, students, consulting professionals, engineers, governmental entities, and institutions working in environmental biotechnology, pollution control and prevention, and chemical processes.

Provides an international focus to assistive technology assessment and service delivery Utilizes an evidence-based assessment process Introduces the reader to the MPT and MATCH-ACES assessment model and process Discusses the use of the assessment in case scenarios represented by eight different countries Explores the use of outcome measures to establish a standard process to measure effectiveness in AT use

This up-to-date reference book discusses the synthesis, production, and application of various microbial enzymes and metabolites for health. Microorganisms like bacteria (lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus species), yeasts, and filamentous fungi have been globally exploited for their biotechnological applications. This book discusses ways to use them commercially. Chapters include the production of fibrinolytic enzymes, microbial lipases, bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria, and bioactives produced. It also covers microbial synthesis of alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids. The book is useful for researchers, academicians, and industry experts in microbiology and biotechnology.

Das Werk vermittelt einen UEberblick uber die Grundlagen der Medikamentenverabreichung und die wichtigsten Prozesse bei der Entwicklung von Systemen zur kontrollierten Medikamentenverabreichung. Im ersten Teil wird das Konzept der Medikamentenverabreichung erlautert, und es werden die Herausforderungen, Chancen und grundlegenden Prozesse bei der Entwicklung von Systemen zur kontrollierten Verabreichung vorgestellt. Im zweiten Teil geht es um eine umfassende Auseinandersetzung mit den ublichen Verabreichungswegen bei der kontrollierten Medikamentenverabreichung. Dabei wird in jedem Kapitel die fur den jeweiligen Verabreichungsweg relevante Physiologie erlautert, und es werden insbesondere die Grenzen der Verabreichung aufgezeigt. Im letzten Teil liegt der Schwerpunkt auf den besonderen Herausforderungen bei der kontrollierten Medikamentenverabreichung und fortschrittlichen Verabreichungstechnologien ? auch bei Verabreichungssystemen fur biologische Wirkstoffe mit ihren ganz eigenen gewaltigen Herausforderungen.

This book 'Extremophiles: Wastewater and Algal Biorefinery' explores the potential of extremophiles/extremotolerant organisms in wastewater treatment, biorefining of algal biomass and in the treatment of industrial waste effluent. The book provides a holistic overview about the current status of extremophiles in waste water treatment and various industrial processes. The chapters comprehensively cover the scientific and research findings on various industrial applications of extremophiles such as biofuels, extremozymes, electricity generation, biofilms, microbial corrosion and waste water treatment etc. This book is an integrated source of literature for the scientists, engineers, academicians, and students working in the area of extremophiles, microbial technology and biorefinery.

Wheat, which is the second most important cereal crop in the world, is being grown in a wide range of climates over an area of about 228 945 thou sand ha with a production of about 535 842 MT in the world. Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ) accounts for 80% of the wheat consumption, howe ver, it is attacked by a large number of pests and pathogens; rusts and smuts cause enormous damage to the crop and reduce the yield drastically in some areas. The major breeding objectives for wheat include grain yield, earliness, resistance to lodging and diseases, spikelet fertility, cold tolerance, leaf duration and net assimilation rate, fertilizer utilization, coleoptile length, nutritional value, organoleptic qualities, and the improvement of charac ters such as color and milling yield. The breeding of wheat by traditional methods has been practiced for centuries, however, it has only now come to a stage where these methods are insufficient to make any further breakthrough or to cope with the world's demand. Although numerous varieties are released every year around the world, they do not last long, and long-term objectives cannot be realized unless more genetic variability is generated. Moreover, the intro duction of exotic genetic stocks and their cultivation over large areas results in the depletion and loss of the native germplasm pool."

Biotic stresses cause yield loss of 31-42% in crops in addition to 6-20% during post-harvest stage. Understanding interaction of crop plants to the biotic stresses caused by insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and oomycetes, etc. is important to develop resistant crop varieties. Knowledge on the advanced genetic and genomic crop improvement strategies including molecular breeding, transgenics, genomic-assisted breeding and the recently emerging genome editing for developing resistant varieties in oilseed crops is imperative for addressing FPNEE (food, health, nutrition. energy and environment) security. Whole genome sequencing of these crops followed by genotyping-by-sequencing have facilitated precise information about the genes conferring resistance useful for gene discovery, allele mining and shuttle breeding which in turn opened up the scope for 'designing' crop genomes with resistance to biotic stresses. The eight chapters each dedicated to an oilseed crop in this volume elucidate on different types of biotic stress agents and their effects on and interaction with the crop plants; enumerate on the available genetic diversity with regard to biotic stress resistance among available cultivars; illuminate on the potential gene pools for utilization in interspecific gene transfer; present brief on the classical genetics of stress resistance and traditional breeding for transferring them to their cultivated counterparts; depict the success stories of genetic engineering for developing biotic stress resistant varieties; discuss on molecular mapping of genes and QTLs underlying biotic stress resistance and their marker-assisted introgression into elite varieties; enunciate on different emerging genomics-aided techniques including genomic selection, allele mining, gene discovery and gene pyramiding for developing resistant crop varieties with higher quantity and quality of yields; and also elaborate some case studies on genome editing focusing on specific genes for generating disease and insect resistant crops.

This book discusses the biorefinery of biomass feedstocks. In-depth chapters highlight the scientific and technical aspects and present a techno-economic analysis of such systems. By using a TEA approach, the authors present feasible pathways for the conversion of biomass (both residual biomass, energy crops, and algae biomass), showing the different possibilities for the production of biochemical materials, biofuels, and fertilizers. The concepts presented in this book will link companies, investors, and governments by providing a framework that will help reduce pollutants and create a biomass-related economy that incorporates the newest developments and technologies in the area.

Compiles current research on nanomaterials as well as their versatile applications in plant biotic stress management Describes role of nanomaterials as enzyme-mimicking nanoparticles, nano-pesticides, nano-fertilizers, and nanomaterials Reviews day-to-day problems related to crop plants, their diagnostics and stress management Explores trends in nanomaterials utility towards diagnostics, enzyme-mimicking, crop protection and their possible role in plant disease management Includes pertinent nanomaterials including synthetic strategies, properties, chemistry, and applications

This up-to-date reference book compiles the recent developments, innovations, and perspectives on second and third-generation bioplastics. It discusses the main commercialized bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Chapters include the use of alternative raw materials and innovations in bioplastic production processes to reduce costs and decrease environmental impacts. It covers bioplastic production from lignocellulosic biomass, sugars, or oils produced by microbes and municipal waste material. It also includes techno-economic aspects. The book is meant for researchers and industry experts in biotechnology, environmental sciences, and applied microbiology.

This book gathers the best papers presented at the Third Italian National Conference on Sensors, held in Rome, Italy, from 23 to 25 February 2016. The book represents an invaluable and up-to-the-minute tool, providing an essential overview of recent findings, strategies and new directions in the area of sensor research. Further, it addresses various aspects based on the development of new chemical, physical or biological sensors, assembling and characterization, signal treatment and data handling. Lastly, the book applies electrochemical, optical and other detection strategies to relevant issues in the food and clinical environmental areas, as well as industry-oriented applications.

Medicinal Plant Responses to Stressful Conditions discusses the effects of multiple biotic and abiotic stressors on medicinal plants. It features information on biochemical, molecular, and physiological strategies used to mitigate or alleviate detrimental effects of biotic and abiotic stressors. The book contains chapters featuring medicinal plants of importance covering subjects including genomics, functional genomics, metabolomics, phenomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics under biotic and abiotic stress of medicinal plants and their molecular responses. It suggests exogenous application of different types of stimulants to enhance medicinal plant production in such conditions. Features: * Details all aspects of biotic and abiotic stressors in various important medicinal plant species. * Chapters cover evidence-based approaches in the diagnosis and management of medicinal plants under stressful conditions. * Includes information on ways to mitigate effects from high salinity, drought, temperature extremes, waterlogging, wind, high light intensity, UV radiation, heavy metals, or mineral deficiencies. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is an essential resource for plant scientists, botanists, environmental scientists, and anyone with an interest in herbal medicine

The Textbook of Ion Channels is a set of three volumes that provides a wide-ranging reference source on ion channels for students, instructors, and researchers. Ion channels are membrane proteins that control the electrical properties of neurons and cardiac cells, mediate the detection and response to sensory stimuli like light, sound, odor, and taste, and regulate the response to physical stimuli like temperature and pressure. In non-excitable tissues, ion channels are instrumental for the regulation of basic salt balance that is critical for homeostasis. Ion channels are located at the surface membrane of cells, giving them the unique ability to communicate with the environment, as well as the membrane of intracellular organelles, allowing them to regulate internal homeostasis. Ion channels are fundamentally important for human health and diseases, and are important targets for pharmaceuticals in mental illness, heart disease, anesthesia, pain and other clinical applications. The modern methods used in their study are powerful and diverse, ranging from single ion-channel measurement techniques to models of ion channel diseases in animals, and human clinical trials for ion channel drugs. Volume II starts with ion channel taxonomy and features coverage of major ion channel families and describes the physiological role, structural components, gating mechanisms and biophysics, permeation and selectivity, regulation, pharmacology and roles in disease mechanisms. Channels in this volume include voltage-activated sodium, calcium and potassium channels, inward-rectifier and two-pore domain potassium channels, calcium-activated potassium channels, cyclic-nucleotide gated channels, pacemaker ion channels, chloride channels, the ligand-gated receptors activated by acetylcholine, glutamate, 5-HT3, GABA and glycine, acid-sensing channels, P2X receptors, TRP channels, store-operated channels, pressure-activated piezo channels, ryanodine receptors and proton channels. All three volumes give the reader an introduction to fundamental concepts needed to understand the mechanism of ion channels, a guide to the technical aspects of ion channel research, offer a modern guide to the properties of major ion channel families, and include coverage of key examples of regulatory, physiological, and disease roles for ion channels.

The Textbook of Ion Channels is a set of three volumes that provides a wide-ranging reference source on ion channels for students, instructors, and researchers. Ion channels are membrane proteins that control the electrical properties of neurons and cardiac cells, mediate the detection and response to sensory stimuli like light, sound, odor, and taste, and regulate the response to physical stimuli like temperature and pressure. In non-excitable tissues, ion channels are instrumental for the regulation of basic salt balance that is critical for homeostasis. Ion channels are located at the surface membrane of cells, giving them the unique ability to communicate with the environment, as well as the membrane of intracellular organelles, allowing them to regulate internal homeostasis. Ion channels are fundamentally important for human health and diseases, and are important targets for pharmaceuticals in mental illness, heart disease, anesthesia, pain and other clinical applications. The modern methods used in their study are powerful and diverse, ranging from single ion-channel measurement techniques to models of ion channel diseases in animals, and human clinical trials for ion channel drugs. Volume III includes coverage of key ion channel regulators and their mechanisms, the role of ion channels working in concert in selected physiological systems, and examples of ion channel mutations and dysfunction in a selection of diseases. Chapters on ion channel regulation include splice variants, calcium-calmodulin regulation, regulation by G-proteins, and lipids. A selection of ion channels in physiological systems includes ion channels of the heart, ion channels in immune cells and their role in pancreatic beta cells and regulation of insulin secretion, and the role of channels in sperm and eggs. While disease mechanisms are integrated into the chapters of Volume II, Volume III offers special consideration of ion channels in epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, and pain syndromes. All three volumes give the reader an introduction to fundamental concepts needed to understand the mechanism of ion channels, a guide to the technical aspects of ion channel research, offer a modern guide to the properties of major ion channel families, and include coverage of key examples of regulatory, physiological, and disease roles for ion channels.

Biodesign in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Deep Green investigates the potential of nature based technology for shaping the evolution of contemporary architecture and design. It takes on the now pervasive topic of design intelligence, extending its definition to encompass both biological and digital realms. As in their first title, Systemic Architecture: Operating Manual for the Self Organizing City, the authors engage the topic through the specific lens of their innovative design practice, ecoLogicStudio and their research at the University of Innsbruck and at the Bartlett, UCL. Part One of the book, entitled PhotoSynthetica (TM), illustrates design solutions that engage the urban microbiome and seek to achieve an immediate impact, while Part Two, entitled Deep Green, includes synthetic landscapes and operates within a much larger spatio-temporal frame, going beyond human perception and life span to envision design as a geographical and geological force. In the age of catastrophic climate change, such perceptual expansion helps to clarify that change cannot simply be stopped or rolled back. We must instead establish more positive dynamics of change within the living world. To this end, this book proposes to engage with design and architecture as an extended cognitive interface, a sentient being that is co-evolutionary and symbiotic with the living planet, contributing to its beauty and to our continued enjoyment of it.

Despite ongoing progress in nano- and biomaterial sciences, large scale bioprocessing of nanoparticles remains a great challenge, especially because of the difficulties in removing unwanted elements during processing in food, pharmaceutical and feed industry at production level. This book presents magnetic nanoparticles and a novel technology for the upscaling of protein separation. The results come from the EU Project "MagPro2Life", which was conducted in cooperation of several european institutions and companies.

This volume offers environmentally friendly technical solutions that can be implemented to solve problems throughout the value chain of the fossil fuel industry. This new book presents an up-to date view of hydrocarbon microbiology and biotechnology, presented by experts around the world with interest in how our expanding understanding of hydrocarbonoclast ecology and physiology can translate to better tools for bioremediation, oil recovery, bio-upgrading of unconventional crudes, the development of biorefining technologies, and the production of hydrogen and electricity from hydrocarbon wastes. The common theme across the chapters in this book is an interest in how developing hydrocarbon biotechnologies may reduce our impact on the global environment. Written by eminent scientists from both academia and industry, the book starts with a historical perspective on hydrocarbon chemistry and formation, petroleum microbiology, and biotechnology. This is followed by a review of recent research developments in bioremediation and other biotechnologies for hydrocarbons, the principal constituents of petroleum and natural gas.

The book is an introduction to nanomedicine informed by a philosophical reflection about the domain and recent developments. It is an overview of the field, sketching out the main areas of current investment and research. The authors present some case-studies illustrating the different areas of research (nanopharmacy, theranostics and patient monitoring) as well as reflecting on the risks that accompany it, such as unanticipated impacts on human health and environmental toxicity. This introduction to a fast-growing field in modern medical research is of great interest to researchers working in many disciplines as well as the general public. In addition to an overview of the work currently ongoing, the authors critically assess these projects from an ethical and philosophical perspective. Key Features Provides an overview of nanomedicine Employs a reflective and coherent critical evaluation of the benefits and risks of nanomedicine Written in an accessible manner intended for a wide audience Related Titles Hehenberger, M. Nanomedicine: Science, Business, and impact (ISBN 978-9-8146-1376-7). Beg, S., et al. Nanomedicine for the treatment of Disease: From Concept to Application (ISBN 978-1-7746-3443-1) Brenner, S. The Clinical Nanomedicine Handbook (ISBN 978-1-1380-7578-8)

The book is an introduction to nanomedicine informed by a philosophical reflection about the domain and recent developments. It is an overview of the field, sketching out the main areas of current investment and research. The authors present some case-studies illustrating the different areas of research (nanopharmacy, theranostics and patient monitoring) as well as reflecting on the risks that accompany it, such as unanticipated impacts on human health and environmental toxicity. This introduction to a fast-growing field in modern medical research is of great interest to researchers working in many disciplines as well as the general public. In addition to an overview of the work currently ongoing, the authors critically assess these projects from an ethical and philosophical perspective. Key Features Provides an overview of nanomedicine Employs a reflective and coherent critical evaluation of the benefits and risks of nanomedicine Written in an accessible manner intended for a wide audience Related Titles Hehenberger, M. Nanomedicine: Science, Business, and impact (ISBN 978-9-8146-1376-7). Beg, S., et al. Nanomedicine for the treatment of Disease: From Concept to Application (ISBN 978-1-7746-3443-1) Brenner, S. The Clinical Nanomedicine Handbook (ISBN 978-1-1380-7578-8)

Natural Gums: Extraction, Properties, and Applications provides thorough, methodical coverage of a range of natural gums. These naturally forming polysaccharides or complex carbohydrates offer advantageous properties and a range of possible applications. The book begins by introducing fundamental knowledge regarding natural gums, including structures and properties, functionalization, gelatin behavior, and characterization techniques. Subsequent sections of the book provide in-depth chapters, each guiding the reader through the extraction, properties and applications of a specific gum type, covering plant-based, animal-based, microbial-based, and marine-based natural gums. Finally, the future potential of natural gums, and their implications in a circular economy approach, are considered. This is an informative resource for researchers and advanced students in bio-based materials, polymer science, chemistry, bioengineering, materials science, and food science, as well as industrial scientists and R&D professionals with an interest in natural gums and bio-based materials for advanced applications.

Nanotechnology in Herbal Medicine: Applications and Innovations details how nanomaterials can be utilized to improve the therapeutic mechanisms and key properties of herbal drugs. This book guides the reader through the preparation, properties, applications, benefits and challenges of herbal nanoformulations, helping them solve fundamental and applied problems in the area of novel herbal medicines and drug delivery systems. Herbal drugs play a large role in traditional medicines, which are actively used by many cultures across the globe for the treatment of various illnesses and injuries. Despite their widespread use, herbal medicines may lead to possible health risks due to the lack of information on the chemical composition and permitted dosage.

This book describes the way that pharmaceutical projects and programs are currently managed, and offers views from many highly experienced practitioners from within the industry on future directions for drug program management. The book integrates portfolio, program, and project management processes as fundamental for effective and efficient drug product development. Contributing expert authors provide their view of how the projectization approach can be taken forward by the drug industry over the coming years.

27 chapter cover the distribution, economic importance, conventional propagation, micropropagation, tissue culture, and in vitro production of important medicinal and pharmaceutical compounds in various species of Ajuga, Allium, Ambrosia, Artemisia, Aspilia, Atractylodes, Callitris, Choisya, Cinnamomum, Coluria, Cucumis, Drosera, Daucus, Eustoma, Fagopyrum, Hibiscus, Levisticum, Onobrychis, Orthosiphon, Quercus, Sanguinaria, Solanum, Sophora, Stauntonia, Tanecetum, Vetiveria, and Vitis. Like the previous volumes 4, 7, 15, and 21 in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants series, the volume is tailored to the need of advanced students, teachers, and research scientists in the area of plant biotechnology andbioengineering, pharmacy, botany and biochemistry.

Fish Vaccines: Health Management for Sustainable Aquaculture is a timely reference book that highlights the role of vaccination in the fast-growing aquaculture industry. It discusses topics such as vaccine formulation, vaccine delivery and enhancing the immune response of fish using nanoparticles. Information related to vaccine safety, ethical approval and regulations is also discussed, together with dissemination of vaccines to fish farms across the globe. This cutting-edge book presents novel strategies to meet the growing demand for vaccines in finfish aquaculture. The book is useful to students, academics, clinicians, and professionals in the field of fisheries sciences, aquaculture, and veterinary sciences.