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 2012: 4.974.

Integrating basic to applied science and technology in medicine, pharmaceutics, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, biophysics and irreversible thermodynamics, this book covers cutting-edge research of the structure and function of biomaterials at a molecular level. In addition, it examines for the first time studies performed at the nano- and micro scale. With innovative technologies and methodologies aiming to clarify the molecular mechanism and macroscopic relationship, Nano/Micro Science and Technology in Biorheology thoroughly covers the basic principles of these studies, with helpful step-by-step explanations of methodologies and insight into medical applications. Written by pioneering researchers, the book is a valuable resource for academics and industry scientists, as well as graduate students, working or studying in bio-related fields.

Describes the properties of cellular membranes and their relationship with fundamental biological processes. This book provides insight on the chemistry, structures, model systems, and techniques employed for studying membrane properties and processes. A major focus is on the prominence of membranes in diverse physiological processes and disease, as well as applications of membranes and biomimetic membrane systems in varied disciplines. The book aims to illuminate the significance and beauty of membrane science, and serve both as an entry point for scholars wishing to embark on membrane research, as well as scientists already working in the field.

Bone substitute biomaterials are fundamental to the biomedical sector, and have recently benefitted from extensive research and technological advances aimed at minimizing failure rates and reducing the need for further surgery. This book reviews these developments, with a particular focus on the desirable properties for bone substitute materials and their potential to encourage bone repair and regeneration.

Part I covers the principles of bone substitute biomaterials for medical applications. One chapter reviews the quantification of bone mechanics at the whole-bone, micro-scale, and non-scale levels, while others discuss biomineralization, osteoductivization, materials to fill bone defects, and bioresorbable materials. Part II focuses on biomaterials as scaffolds and implants, including multi-functional scaffolds, bioceramics, and titanium-based foams. Finally, Part III reviews further materials with the potential to encourage bone repair and regeneration, including cartilage grafts, chitosan, inorganic polymer composites, and marine organisms.
Provides a detailed and accurate overview of the bone substitute biomaterials, a fundamental part of the biomaterials and biomedical sectorProvides readers with the principles of bone substitute biomaterialsReviews biomaterials for bone regeneration

The rapid growth of biotechnology and drug design, based on rational principles of biopolymer interactions, has generated many developments in the field of biophysical chemistry. This series presents overviews of these developments and of other topical areas that are attracting interest in the field, from methodological developments in high-resolution NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling to advances in structural chemistry and mechanistic studies of proteins and other biological compounds crucial for drug design.

Although it is a relatively new approach to biometric knowledge representation, multimodal biometric systems have emerged as an innovative alternative that aids in developing a more reliable and efficient security system. Multimodal Biometrics and Intelligent Image Processing for Security Systems provides an in-depth description of existing and fresh fusion approaches for multimodal biometric systems. Covering relevant topics affecting the security and intelligent industries, this reference will be useful for readers from both academia and industry in the areas of pattern recognition, security, and image processing domains.

This Volume presents methods for quantifying microbial populations and characterising microbial communities by extracting and analysing biomarkers such as RNA, DNA and lipids. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including: cell separation from oil-rich environments, enumeration of hydrocarbon degraders and sulphate reducers using most-probable-number techniques, and quantification by means of real-time PCR. A variety of molecular methods are described for microbial community profiling, such as phospholipid fatty acid analysis, DGGE, T-RFLP and SSCP. One chapter examines high-throughput sequencing, and provides important information on the associated procedures required for thorough data analysis. A further chapter is devoted to the characterisation of protistan communities, while the closing chapter describes multiplex fluorescent antibody microarrays for detecting microbial biomarkers. Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology Protocols There are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.

In Chloroplast Biotechnology: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail many of the methods which are now commonly used in chloroplast molecular biology. Chapters focus on essential background information, applications in tobacco and protocols for plastid transformation in crops and Chlamydomonas and Bryophytes. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and key tips on troubleshooting and avoidance of known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Chloroplast Biotechnology: Methods and Protocols seek to aid scientists who study chloroplast molecular biology as well as those interested in applications in agriculture, industrial biotechnology and healthcare.

Baculovirus Expression Systems and Biopesticides Edited by Michael L. Shuler, H. Alan Wood, Robert R. Granados, and Daniel A. Hammer Baculovirus Expression Systems and Biopesticides provides an integrated perspective on the use of the continually evolving baculovirus-insect cell system in the production of recombinant proteins and genetically engineered pesticides. Divided into three main sections--Developing Effective Virus-Insect Culture Systems, Bioreactor Design and Scale-Up Issues, and Commercial Application of Insect Cell Culture--the book, written by highly regarded editors in the field, describes:
* The molecular biology and genetics of baculoviruses
* The use of baculoviruses as expression systems
* Principles and methods for small- and large-scale insect cultures
* The use of wild type and genetically engineered baculoviruses as viral pesticides
The breadth of coverage in Baculovirus Expression Systems and Biopesticides will meet the needs of molecular biologists, chemical engineers, biotechnologists, virologists, and entomologists.

"Biomarkers and Biosensors" offers thorough coverage of biomarker/biosensor interaction, current research trends, and future developments in applications of drug discovery. This book is useful to researchers in this field as well as clinicians interested in new developments in early detection and diagnosis of disease or the mode of operation of biomarkers. "Biomarkers and Biosensors" also emphasizes kinetics, and clearly delineates how this influences the biomarker market.
Offersthorough coverage of the kinetics of biomarker interaction with the biosensor surfaceProvides evidence-based approach to evaluate effectivenessProvides pharmaceutical chemists the possibilities and methodology in assessing the effectiveness of new drugsProvides the information needed for the selection of the best biomarker for a specific application"

This book presents a comprehensive study on microextrusion-based 3D bioprinting technologies for bioinks with various crosslinking mechanisms, chiefly focusing on the bioprinting process and bioink properties to provide readers with a better understanding of this state-of-the-art technology. Further, it summarizes a number of general criteria and research routes for microextrusion-based 3D bioprinting using three experimental studies based on shear-thinning, thermo-sensitive and non-viscous hydrogel bioinks. The book also presents sample applications in the areas of stem cells and cell matrix interaction. The book highlights pioneering results in the development of bioprinting technologies and bioinks, which were published in high-quality journals such as Advanced Materials, Biofabrication and ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. These include an in-situ crosslinking strategy that overcomes the viscosity limits for bioinks, which is virtually impossible using conventional strategies, and can be generalized for other bioink formulations.

This book examines how biotechnology can improve livestock breeding and farming, and thereby also animal products. In the first chapters the reader will discover which techniques and approaches are currently used to improve animal breeding, animal health and the value of animal products. Particular attention is given to reproduction techniques, animal nutrition and livestock vaccines that not only enhance animal health but also have a significant effect on human health by ensuring safe food procurement and preventing zoonotic diseases. In addition, modern biotechnology can increase not only productivity but also the consistency and quality of animal food, fiber and medical products. In the second part of the book, issues such as how animal biotechnology could affect the environment and the important topic of animal waste management are explored. In the concluding chapter, the authors discuss future challenges related to animal biotechnology. This work will appeal to a wide readership, from scientists and professionals working in animal production, to those in farm animal management and veterinary science.

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 2012: 4.974.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Pretreatment of Biomass provides general information, basic data, and knowledge on one of the most promising renewable energy sources- biomass for their pretreatment- which is one of the most essential and critical aspects of biomass-based processes development. The quest to get the environment greener, less polluted, and less hazardous has led to the concept of Biorefineries growing fast globally for developing bio-based processes and products using biomass as the feedstock. Each kind of biomass requires some kind of pretreatment to make it suitable for bioprocess. This book provides state-of-art information on the methods currently available for this.

This book provides data-based scientific information on the most advanced and innovative processing for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic and algal biomass for further processing. Pretreatment of biomass is considered one of the most expensive steps in the overall processing in a biomass-to-biofuel program. With the strong advancement in developing lignocellulose biomass- and algal biomass-based biorefineries, global focus has been on developing pretreatment methods and technologies which could offer technical and economic feasibility. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments on different methods used for the pretreatment of biomass. A separate section is devoted to the methods and technologies of algal biomass due to the increasing global attention of its use.
Provides information on the most advanced and innovative pretreatament processes and technologies for biomassCovers information on lignocellulosic and algal biomass to work on the principles of biorefineryUseful for researchers intending to study scale-upProvides information on integration of processes and technologies for the pretreatment of biomass

Synthetic biology is a new area of biological research that combines science and engineering in order to design and build novel biological functions and systems. The definition of synthetic biology has been generally accepted as the engineering of biology: the synthesis of complex, biologically based (or inspired) systems, which display functions that do not exist in nature. This engineering perspective may be applied at all levels of the hierarchy of biological structures from individual molecules to whole cells, tissues and organisms. As with any multi-disciplinary field, there is an immense and rapidly-growing body of literature concerning synthetic biology, with several dedicated journals now available. However, locating the best information, or identifying the hottest topics can be time-consuming. This Specialist Periodical Report presents critical and comprehensive reviews of the recent literature in themed chapters prepared by invited authors from across the globe. The series editors are active in the field, ensuring that the most valuable information is presented in an authoritative manner.

Plant genomics and biotechnology have recently made enormous strides, and hold the potential to benefit agriculture, the environment and various other dimensions of the human endeavor. It is no exaggeration to claim that the twenty-first century belongs to biotechnology. Knowledge generation in this field is growing at a frenetic pace, and keeping abreast of the latest advances and calls on us to double our efforts. Volume II of this two-part series addresses cutting-edge aspects of plant genomics and biotechnology. It includes 37 chapters contributed by over 70 researchers, each of which is an expert in his/her own field of research. Biotechnology has helped to solve many conundrums of plant life that had long remained a mystery to mankind. This volume opens with an exhaustive chapter on the role played by thale cress, Arabidopsis thaliana, which is believed to be the Drosophila of the plant kingdom and an invaluable model plant for understanding basic concepts in plant biology. This is followed by chapters on bioremediation, biofuels and biofertilizers through microalgal manipulation, making it a commercializable prospect; discerning finer details of biotic stress with plant-fungal interactions; and the dynamics of abiotic and biotic stresses, which also figure elsewhere in the book. Breeding crop plants for desirable traits has long been an endeavor of biotechnologists. The significance of molecular markers, marker assisted selection and techniques are covered in a dedicated chapter, as are comprehensive reviews on plant molecular biology, DNA fingerprinting techniques, genomic structure and functional genomics. A chapter dedicated to organellar genomes provides extensive information on this important aspect. Elsewhere in the book, the newly emerging area of epigenetics is presented as seen through the lens of biotechnology, showcasing the pivotal role of DNA methylation in effecting permanent and transient changes to the genome. Exclusive chapters deal with bioinformatics and systems biology. Handy tools for practical applications such as somatic embryogenesis and micropropagation are included to provide frontline information to entrepreneurs, as is a chapter on somaclonal variation.Overcoming barriers to sexual incompatibility has also long been a focus of biotechnology, and is addressed in chapters on wide hybridization and hybrid embryo rescue. Another area of accomplishing triploids through endosperm culture is included as a non-conventional breeding strategy. Secondary metabolite production through tissue cultures, which is of importance to industrial scientists, is also covered. Worldwide exchange of plant genetic material is currently an essential topic, as is conserving natural resources in situ. Chapters on in vitro conservation of extant, threatened and other valuable germplasms, gene banking and related issues are included, along with an extensive account of the biotechnology of spices - the low-volume, high-value crops. Metabolic engineering is another emerging field that provides commercial opportunities. As is well known, there is widespread concern over genetically modified crops among the public. GM crops are covered, as are genetic engineering strategies for combating biotic and abiotic stresses where no other solutions are in sight. RNAi- and micro RNA- based strategies for crop improvement have proved to offer novel alternatives to the existing non-conventional techniques, and detailed information on these aspects is also included. The book's last five chapters are devoted to presenting the various aspects of environmental, marine, desert and rural biotechnology. The state-of-the-art coverage on a wide range of plant genomics and biotechnology topics will be of great interest to post-graduate students and researchers, including the employees of seed and biotechnology companies, and to instructors in the fields of plant genetics, breeding and biotechnology.

This six volume book set examines a range of topics and applications related to biotechnology. Volumes include fermentation and algal biotechnologies; agricultural biotechnology; medical biotechnology, biopharmaceutics; biosafety, bioethics, biotechnology policy; microbiomes; bioenergy and environmental biotechnology for sustainable development. The topics address significant aspects of the dairy and fermented foods; crop genetics, breeding and genomics; microalgae and novel products; molecular diagnostics and DNA forensics; biosafety, bioethics and legal issues in biotechnology; biotechnology policy advocacy, enlightenment and engagement with stakeholders; medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology; omics and bioinformatics; waste recycling, biofuels and environmental remediation; animal genetics, breeding and genomics; genetic resources conservation and utilization; medicinal and underutilized plants; medical insect biotechnology, genomics and molecular genetics of pests; microbiomes and microbial biotechnology; biotechnology education and curriculum development; and water and waste water research. Volumes include: I: Fermentation and Algal Biotechnologies for the Food, Beverage and other Bioproduct Industries II: Agricultural Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Bio-resources Conservation and Utilization III: Medical Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutics, Forensic Science and Bioinformatics IV: Biosafety and Bioethics in Biotechnology: Policy, Advocacy, and Capacity Building V: Microbiomes and Emerging Applications VI: Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology for Sustainable Development The book is a timely knowledge product that documents key issues on advances in biotechnology for use by a variety of readers including postgraduate students, professionals in the field, policy makers, science advocacy groups.

This volume is comprised of 18 chapters, covering various aspects of DNA modification and RNA modified bases. It also discusses in detail circular RNA, therapeutic oligonucleotides and their different properties. The chemical nature of DNA, RNA, protein and lipids makes these macromolecules easily modifiable, but they are also susceptible to damage from both endogenous and exogenous agents. Alkylation and oxidation show a potential to disrupt the cellular redox equilibrium and cause cellular damage leading to inflammation and even chronic disease. Furthermore, DNA damage can drive mutagenesis and the resulting DNA sequence changes can induce carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Modified nucleosides can occur as a result of oxidative DNA damage and RNA turnover, and are used as markers for various diseases. To function properly some RNA needs to be chemically modified post-transcriptionally. Dysregulation of the RNA-modification pattern or of the levels of the enzymes that catalyze these modifications alters RNA functionality and can result in complex phenotypes, likely due to defects in protein translation. While modifications are best characterized in noncoding ribonucleic acids like tRNA and rRNA, coding mRNAs have also been found to contain modified nucleosides. This book is a valuable resource, not only for graduate students but also researchers in the fields of molecular medicine and molecular biology.

This book reviews efforts to produce chemicals and fuels from forest and plant products, agricultural residues and more. Algae can potentially capture solar energy and atmospheric CO2; the book details needed research and legislative initiatives.