Biohydrogen Production: Fundamentals and Technology Advances covers the fundamentals of biohydrogen production technology, including microbiology, biochemistry, feedstock requirements, and molecular biology of the biological hydrogen production processes. It also gives insight into scale-up problems and limitations. In addition, the book discusses mathematical modeling of the various processes involved in biohydrogen production and the software required to model the processes. The book summarizes research advances that have been made in this field and discusses bottlenecks of the various processes, which presently limit the commercialization of this technology. The authors also focus on the process economy, policy, and environmental impact of this technology, since the future of biohydrogen production depends not only on research advances, but also on economic considerations (the cost of fossil fuels), social espousal, and the development of H2 energy systems. The book describes the fundamentals of this technology interwoven with more advanced research findings. Further reading is suggested at the end of each chapter. Since the beauty of any innovation is its applicability, socioeconomic impact, and cost energy analysis, the book examines each of these points to give you a holistic picture of this technology. Illustrative diagrams, flow charts, and comprehensive tables detailing the scientific advancements provide an opportunity to understand the process comprehensively and meticulously. Written in a lucid style, the book supplies a complete knowledge bank about biohydrogen production processes.

Increased world population, decreased water supply, and climate change all put stresses on the global food supply. An exploration of the challenges and possible solutions to improve yields of the main crops, such as cereals, roots, tubers, and grasses, Omics Technologies and Crop Improvement reviews data on food sciences and omics. The book covers modern omic technologies such as nutrigenomics and metagenomics. It provides a detailed examination of how omics can help crop science and horticulture and introduces the benefits of using these technologies to increase crop yields and other features such as resistance and nutritional values. The book highlights crop improvements such as increased yield, drought resistance, disease resistance, and value-added performance through a non-transgenic format. It explores how the different omics technologies, especially the most recent ones (proteomics, metabolomics, nutrigenomics, ionomics, and metagenomics) would be used to improve the quantitative and qualitative features of crop plants. Topics covered include: Advances in omics for improved fresh crops Transcriptome analyses on the drought response using drought tolerant near isogenic lines Metabolite profiling that reveals different effects of nitrogen amendments on vegetables Omics technology application to forage crops improvement Secondary metabolites and plant tissue culture RNAi technology and crop improvement Gene expression analysis methods with NGS data Web database resources and crops improvement Gene Expression Networks (GEN) in crops Specific crop improvement (papaya, wheat, coffee, potato, and more) With contributions from pioneering researchers from twelve countries, the book presents a broad view of how omics would help crop science and horticulture meet the challenges of a shrinking global food

Incorporates the Experiences of World-Class Researchers Microbial Biotechnology: Progress and Trends offers a theoretical take on topics that relate to microbial biotechnology. The text uses the "novel experimental experiences" of various contributors from around the world-designed as case studies-to highlight relevant topics, issues, and recent developments surrounding this highly interdisciplinary field. It factors in metagenomics and microbial biofuels production, and incorporates major contributions from a wide range of disciplines that include microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemical engineering, and bioprocess engineering. In addition, it also provides a variety of photos, diagrams, and tables to help illustrate the material.The book consists of 15 chapters and contains subject matter that addresses: Microbial biotechnology from its historical roots to its different processes Some of the new developments in upstream processes Solid-state fermentation as an interesting field in modern fermentation processes Recent developments in the production of valuable microbial products such as biofuels, organic acids, amino acids, probiotics, healthcare products, and edible biomass Important microbial activities such as biofertilizer, biocontrol, biodegradation, and bioremediation Students, scientists, and researchers can benefit from Microbial Biotechnology: Progress and Trends, a resource that addresses biotechnology, applied microbiology, bioprocess/fermentation technology, healthcare/pharmaceutical products, food innovations/food processing, plant agriculture/crop improvement, energy and environment management, and all disciplines related to microbial biotechnology.

Plant Polysaccharides as Pharmaceutical Excipients explores innovative techniques and applications of plant-derived polysaccharides as pharmaceutical excipients. Plant polysaccharides are sustainable, renewable and abundantly available, offering attractive properties in terms of water solubility, swelling ability, non-toxicity and biodegradability. These qualities have resulted in extensive exploration into their applications as excipients in a variety of pharmaceutical dosage forms. This book takes a comprehensive, application-oriented approach, drawing on the very latest research that includes sources, classification and extraction methods of plant polysaccharides. Subsequent chapters focus on plant polysaccharides for individual pharmaceutical applications, enabling the reader to understand their preparation for specific targeted uses. Throughout the book, information is supported by illustrations, chemical structures, flow charts and data tables, providing a clear understanding. Finally, future perspectives and challenges are reviewed and discussed.

An examination of the widespread application of nano materials in biology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals and the accompanying safety concerns, Bio-interactions of Nano Materials addresses the issues related to toxicity and safety of nano materials and nano systems. It covers the interactions in biological systems and presents various tools and methods used to evaluate the nano toxicity and nano safety issues. Written by leading scientists, the book focuses on the bio-interaction of nano materials, covering various techniques and tests which have been developed to evaluate the toxicity of materials at the nano level. The book highlights the challenges of bio-interactions of nano materials and possible solutions to those challenges. It addresses the assessment and characterization of nano systems in bio-environments, toxicity and bio-sensing devices for toxicity assessment, carbon nano tubes and pulmonary toxicity, and nano toxicity of solid lipid nanoparticles. It also discusses nano safety concerns and solutions, including the effects of nano particles on different organs and regulatory implications of nano materials. These particles may be used to encapsulate drugs, recognize biological markers, or visualize body tissues among many other possibilities, all enabling their widespread application in biology, medicine, and pharmaceutics. Indeed, these nano materials may have beneficial effects that have not even been imagined. This book gives you an understanding of the safety issues, how to assess for them, and how to mitigate them to move forward in research and development of new applications for nano materials.

Industrial activities like textile processing and mining are typical sources of heavy metal-rich wastewaters. The sulfate reducing process has become an attractive method for the production of sulfide to precipitate metals since most of these streams also contain sulfate, which is the electron acceptor and, in less common cases, chemical oxygen demand which is the electron donor of sulfate reducing bacteria. The inverse fluidized bed (IFB) reactor is a system for the production of biogenic sulfide and metal precipitation in the same unit due to its configuration: the biomass floats on top of the reactor, whereas metal sulfide precipitates settle and thus can be recovered at the bottom. The main objective of this thesis was to elucidate the factors affecting simultaneous sulfate reduction and precipitation of heavy metals in an IFB reactor in order to optimize the metal recovery from wastewaters such as acid mine drainage. Therefore, this thesis focused on varying different operational conditions to study their effect on the solid-liquid separation and purity of the metal sulfide precipitates as well as on their effect on the sulfate reducing process. Furthermore, one chapter was focused on the study of strategies for sulfide control in the IFB reactor. In addition, recommendations for further research to improve the recovery of the metal sulfides in bioreactors are given.

As the field of medical biotechnology grows with new products and discoveries, so does the need for a holistic view of biotechnology in medicine. Biotechnology in Medical Sciences fulfills that need by delivering a detailed overview of medical biotechnology as it relates to human diseases and epidemiology, bacteriology and antibiotics, virology and vaccines, immunology and monoclonal antibodies, recombinant DNA technology and therapeutic proteins, stem cell technology, tissue engineering, molecular diagnostics and forensic science, gene therapy, synthetic biology and nanomedicine, pharmacogenomics, bioethics, biobusiness and intellectual property rights, and career opportunities. Organized to follow the chronology of major medical biotechnology research, breakthroughs, and events, this first-of-its-kind text: Covers all aspects of medical biotechnology, from labs to clinics and basic to advanced applications Describes historical perspectives and modern discoveries in medical biotechnology Explains how various biotechnology products are used to treat and prevent disease Discusses the tools and techniques currently employed in medical biotechnology Includes a bibliography at the end of each chapter to encourage further study Complete with colorful illustrations and examples, Biotechnology in Medical Sciences provides a comprehensive yet accessible treatment of this growing field.

Volumes 3a, b and 4 focus on polyesters synthesized by bacteria and eukaryotic organisms as well as all aspects of the biosynthesis and metabolism of these biopolymers together with their production and isolation. In addition, these volumes treat various synthetic polyesters and related polymers synthesized by the chemical industry for the manufacture of biodegradable materials. Topics include: polyhydroxyalkanoates, pha granules, non-storage phas, poly(malic acid), cutin, suberin, polyphosphate, polylactides, polyglycolide, polyanhydrides, polyesteramides, aliphatic organic polyesters and related polymers, in vitro synthesis of polyesters, chemical synthesis, biotechnological production by fermentation, isolation from plants, production in transgenic plants, and biodegradation.

Gleaning information from more than 100 experts in the field of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy worldwide, Cancer Biomarkers: Non-Invasive Early Diagnosis and Prognosis determines the significance of clinical validation approaches for several markers. This book examines the use of noninvasive or minimally invasive molecular cancer markers that are under development or currently in use. It deals with a majority of commonly prevalent cancers and can help anyone working in the health-care industry to recommend or develop early diagnostics, at-risk tests, and prognostic biomarkers for various cancers. It explores the practice of determining biomarkers by their characteristics and relative methodologies, and presents the most recent data as well as a number of current and upcoming early diagnostic noninvasive molecular markers for many common cancers. It also considers the sensitivity and specificity of markers, biomarker market, test providers, and patent information. Approximately 30-35 Cancer Specific Noninvasive Molecular Diagnostic Markers in a Single Volume The book details the general and technical aspects of noninvasive cancer markers. It covers imaging, cutting-edge molecular technologies for biomarker development, and noninvasive or minimally invasive sources of molecular markers, as well as quality control and ethical issues in cancer biomarker discovery. It also provides a detailed account of brain, head and neck, and oral cancer markers, and provides information on a number of gastrointestinal cancers, lung cancer, and mesothelioma markers. Emphasizes the Importance of Volatile Markers in Early Cancer Diagnosis Presents noninvasive early molecular markers in urological cancers Describes gynecological and endocrine cancer markers Details noninvasive markers of breast, ovarian, cervical, and thyroid cancers Addresses hematological malignancies Contains information on noninvasive molecular markers in myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma Provides comprehensive information on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cutaneous melanoma This text considers molecular technologies for biomarker development, noninvasive or minimally invasive sources of molecular markers, and quality control and ethical issues in cancer biomarker discovery.

A groundbreaking new exploration of the promises and perils of biotechnology -- and the future of American society.

Biotechnology offers exciting prospects for healing the sick and relieving suffering. But because our growing powers also enable alterations in the workings of the body and mind, they are becoming attractive to healthy people who would just like to look younger, perform better, feel happier, or become more "perfect."

This landmark book -- the product of more than sixteen months of research and reflection by the members of the President's Council on Bioethics -- explores the profound ethical and social consequences of today's biotechnical revolution. Almost every week brings news of novel methods for screening genes and testing embryos, choosing the sex and modifying the behavior of children, enhancing athletic performance, slowing aging, blunting painful memories, brightening mood, and altering basic temperaments. But we must not neglect the fundamental question: Should we be turning to biotechnology to fulfill our deepest human desires?

We want better children -- but not by turning procreation into manufacture or by altering their brains to gain them an edge over their peers. We want to perform better in the activities of life -- but not by becoming mere creatures of chemistry. We want longer lives -- but not at the cost of becoming so obsessed with our own longevity that we care little about future generations. We want to be happy -- but not by taking a drug that gives us happy feelings without the genuine loves, attachments, and achievements that are essential to true human flourishing. As we enjoy the benefits of biotechnology, members of the council contend, we need to hold fast to an account of the human being seen not in material or mechanistic or medical terms but in psychic, moral, and spiritual ones. By grasping the limits of our new powers, we can savor the fruits of the age of biotechnology without succumbing to its most dangerous temptations.

Beyond Therapy takes these issues out of the narrow circle of bioethics professionals and into the larger public arena, where matters of this importance rightly belong.

Applications of Next Generation Biosurfactants in the Food Sector provides detailed information on the sustainable approach to the utilization of biosurfactants as a next-generational green biotechnology to mitigate various problems encountered in the food industry. These biosurfactants help to reduce risks such as food spoilage, food poisoning, and post-harvest losses of fruits, vegetable, grains, tubers, cereals and pulses. This book will benefit academics, R&D professionals, and postgrad students in the food science and related fields as they explore recent trends in the application of these green biosurfactants and the many uses they can provide.

Principles of Biomaterials Encapsulation: Volume One, provides an expansive and in-depth resource covering the key principles, biomaterials, strategies and techniques for encapsulation. Volume One begins with an introduction to encapsulation, with subsequent chapters dedicated to a broad range of encapsulation principles and techniques, including spray chilling and cooling, microemulsion, polymerization, extrusion, cell microencapsulation and much more. This book methodically details each technique, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each, allowing the reader to make an informed decision when using encapsulation in their research. Principles of Biomaterials Encapsulation: Volume One enables readers to learn about the various strategies and techniques available for encapsulation of a wide selection of biomedical substrates, such as drugs, cells, hormones, growth factors and so on. Written and edited by well-versed materials scientists with extensive clinical, biomedical and regenerative medicine experience, this book offers a deeply interdisciplinary look at encapsulation in translational medicine. As such, this book will provide a useful resource to a broad readership, including those working in the fields of materials science, biomedical engineering, regenerative and translational medicine, pharmacology, chemical engineering and nutritional science.

Food biotechnology's typical developments and applications have occurred in the fields of genetics and in enzyme- and cell-based biological processes, with the goal of producing and improving food ingredients and foods themselves. While these developments and applications are usually well reported in terms of the underlying science, there is a clear lack of information on the engineering aspects of such biotechnology-based food processes. Filling this gap, Engineering Aspects of Food Biotechnology provides a comprehensive review of those aspects, from the development of food processes and products to the most important unit operations implied in food biotechnological processes, also including food quality control and waste management. The book focuses on the use of biotechnology for the production of ingredients to be used in the food industry. It addresses two relevant issues-consumer's awareness of the relation between nutrition and good health and the importance of environmental sustainability in the food chain (i.e. production of polymers and in vitro meat). A chapter on the application of process analytical technology highlights the importance of this tool for satisfying the increasingly sophisticated and strict polices for quality control and monitoring of specific process phases. The book includes a detailed presentation of relevant unit operations developed to extract/purify the ingredients of biotechnological origin intended for food applications. In addition to examining the contributions of biotechnology to producing and improving food ingredients, the book provides a concise description of the role biotechnology plays in adding value to food processing by-products, including post-harvest losses, in relevant industries of the food sector. It builds a foundation for further research and development in the food processing industry.

This book provides the latest comprehensive methods for isolation and other novel techniques for marine product development. Furthermore, this book offers knowledge on the biological, medical, and industrial applications of marine-derived medicinal food substances. There has been a tremendous increase in the products derived from marine organisms for commercial application in industries every year. Functional foods of medicinal value are particularly in demand as new technology allows the stabilization of natural ingredients and their availability in pure forms to solve various human diseases. Marine flora and fauna have essential elements and trace minerals that nurture various hormones produced in the endocrine system to regulate the respective metabolisms, thereby providing a safe and healthy life to humans. The overall presentation and clear demarcation of the contents by worldwide contributions is a novel entry point into the market of medicinal foods from the sea. The exploration of marine habitats for novel materials are discussed throughout the book. The exploration and exploitation of the biochemistry of sea flora and fauna are limited, and this book extends the research possibilities into numerous marine habitats. Various approaches for extracting and applying the flora and fauna are discussed. This book will be of value to researchers, marine biotechnologists, and medical practitioners, due to the vast information, as well as industrial and medical applications of marine substances all in one place.

This book provides the latest comprehensive methods for isolation and other novel techniques for marine product development. Furthermore, this book offers knowledge on the biological, medical, and industrial applications of marine-derived medicinal food substances. There has been a tremendous increase in the products derived from marine organisms for commercial application in industries every year. Functional foods of medicinal value are particularly in demand as new technology allows the stabilization of natural ingredients and their availability in pure forms to solve various human diseases. Marine flora and fauna have essential elements and trace minerals that nurture various hormones produced in the endocrine system to regulate the respective metabolisms, thereby providing a safe and healthy life to humans. The overall presentation and clear demarcation of the contents by worldwide contributions is a novel entry point into the market of medicinal foods from the sea. The exploration of marine habitats for novel materials are discussed throughout the book. The exploration and exploitation of the biochemistry of sea flora and fauna are limited, and this book extends the research possibilities into numerous marine habitats. Various approaches for extracting and applying the flora and fauna are discussed. This book will be of value to researchers, marine biotechnologists, and medical practitioners, due to the vast information, as well as industrial and medical applications of marine substances all in one place.

Addressing medium- and long-term expectations for human health, this book reviews current scientific and technical developments in nanotechnology for biomedical, agrofood, and environmental applications. This collection of perspectives on the ethical, legal, and societal implications of bionanotechnology provides unique insight into contemporary technological developments. Readers with a technical background will benefit from the overview of the state-of-the-art research in their field, while readers with a social science background will benefit from the discussion of realistic prospects of nanotechnology. The text also includes a glossary as well as extensive end-of-chapter references.

Design, analysis and simulation of tissue constructs is an integral part of the ever-evolving field of biomedical engineering. The study of reaction kinetics, particularly when coupled with complex physical phenomena such as the transport of heat, mass and momentum, is required to determine or predict performance of biologically-based systems whether for research or clinical implementation. Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering: Principles and Practices explores the concepts of transport phenomena alongside chemical reaction kinetics and thermodynamics to introduce the field of reaction engineering as it applies to physiologic systems in health and disease. It emphasizes the role played by these fundamental physical processes.

The book first examines elementary concepts such as control volume selection and flow systems. It provides a comprehensive treatment with an overview of major research topics related to transport phenomena pertaining to biomedical engineering. Although each chapter is self-contained, they all bring forth and reinforce similar concepts through applications and discussions. With contributions from world-class experts, the book unmasks the fundamental phenomenological events in engineering devices and explores how to use them to meet the objectives of specific applications. It includes coverage of applications to drug delivery and cell- and tissue-based therapies.

Novel Materials for Environmental Remediation Applications: Adsorption and Beyond presents detailed, comprehensive coverage of novel and advanced materials that can be applied to address the growing global concern of the pollution of natural resources in water, the air, and in soil. The book provides up-to-date knowledge of state-of-the-art materials and treatment processes, as well as details of applications, including adsorptive remediation and catalytic remediation. Chapters include the characteristics of materials, basic and important physicochemical features for environmental remediation applications, routes of synthesis, recent advances as remediation medias and future perspectives. This book offers an interdisciplinary and practical examination of novel materials and processes for environmental remediation that will be valuable to environmental scientists, materials scientists, environmental chemists, and environmental engineers alike.

Aeroponics: Growing Vertical covers aspects of the emerging technology, aeroponics, which is a sister to hydroponics, involving state-of-the-art controlled environment agriculture. The book begins with an introduction of aeroponics followed by a summary of peer-reviewed technical literature conducted over 50 years involving various aspects of aeroponics. It covers the science and all the patent literature since 2001 to give the reader a comprehensive view of the innovations related to aeroponics. This book is a useful reference for people interested in learning about how aeroponics works. This book is for novices as well as scientists interested in research activities conducted in countries around the world as well as work in using aeroponics in outer space. Designed for the user interested in research conducted in the past, this a helpful resource for those in the next generation of profitable agricultural endeavors. Features: * Comprehensive resource presenting key aspects of aeroponics * Focus on areas of aeroponics including its history, science, innovations, business, and practice * Provides a complete overview of the intellectual property associated with aeroponics * Presents a broad overview of research using aeroponic systems across the globe * Features information on key start-up businesses and activities that drive this technology Thomas Gurley earned a BA in chemistry from Houghton College and a PhD in analytical chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and has 40 years industrial chemistry experience with companies including Goodyear, Abbott Labs, and his consulting company, Manning Wood LLC. He holds two Fulbright scholarships to Ukraine and Uganda. He is currently R&D Director for Aero Development Corporation, a manufacturer of aeroponic commercial growing systems. He conducts research in aeroponics as an adjunct professor at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.

Aptamers Engineered Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy details the selection technologies, biological characteristics, and clinical uses of aptamer-based nano agents for cancer therapeutics. The book helps facilitate speedy solutions for some of the problems pertaining to the manufacture of nano-aptamers - such as toxicity, thermal stability, cost efficiency, tumor penetration and blood stability. Key chapters cover cell-SELEX technology for aptamer selection, mechanisms of multi-drug resistance of cancer, the relevance of aptamers as anticancer therapies, as well as the broad range of aptamer-functionalized nanostructures available. This book provides exciting insights into this relatively new approach to cancer therapeutics, and will be of interest to materials scientists, biomedical engineers, molecular biologists, biochemists and clinical scientists, with a focus on cancer therapy.

Protein-Based Biopolymers: From Source to Biomedical Applications provides an overview on the development and application of protein biopolymers in biomedicine. Protein polymers have garnered increasing focus in the development of biomedical materials, devices and therapeutics due to their intrinsic bioactivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. This book comprehensively reviews the latest advances on the synthesis, characterization, properties and applications of protein-based biopolymers. Each chapter is dedicated to a single protein class, covering a broad range of proteins including silk, collagen, keratin, fibrin, and more. In addition, the book explores the biomedical potential of these polymers, from tissue engineering, to drug delivery and wound healing. This book offers a valuable resource for academics and researchers in the fields of materials science, biomedical engineering and R&D groups working in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

A thorough overview of nanobiotechnology and its place in advances in applied science and engineering, The Nanobiotechnology Handbook combines contributions from physics, bioorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, materials science, and medicine as well as from mechanical, electrical, chemical, and biomedical engineering to address the full scope of current and future developments. World-class experts discuss the role of nanobiotechnology in bioanalysis, biomolecular and biomedical nanotechnology, biosensors, biocatalysis and biofuel, and education and workforce development. It includes downloadable resources that contain all figures in the book. The book begins with discussions of biomimetic nanotechnology, including a comprehensive overview of DNA nanostructure and DNA-inspired nanotechnology, aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials as artificial antibodies, artificial enzymes, molecular motors, and RNA structures and RNA-inspired nanotechnology. It shows how nanotechnology can be inspired by nature as well as adverse biological events in diagnostic and therapeutic development. From there, the chapters cover major important and widely used nanofabrication techniques, applications of nanotechnology for bioprocessing followed by coverage of the applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical tweezers and nanofluidics as well as other nanotechnology-enabled biomolecular and cellular manipulation and detection. Focusing on major research trends, the book highlights the importance of nanobiotechnology to a range of medical applications such as stem cell technology and tissue engineering, drug development and delivery, imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics. And with coverage of topics such as nanotoxicity, responsible nanotechnology, and educational and workforce development, it provides a unique overview and perspective of nanobiotechnology impacts from a researcher's, entrepreneur's, economist's and educator's point of view. It provides a resource for current applications and future development of nanobiotechnology.

Design and Applications of Theranostic Nanomedicines reviews the composition and design of various nanomedicines for theranostic applications, helping readers to make informed decisions when exploring novel treatments for disease. This book introduces readers to theranostic nanostructures as nanomedicines, beginning with a balanced look at the associated challenges, costs and benefits. The next section goes on to detail a range of different theranostic nanomedicines and their design, from nanodispersions and nanogels to exosomes and polymeric micelles. A variety of applications is covered, including in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, neurological disorders, cancers and more. The book also takes a look at the toxicological implications of nanotheranostics, an important aspect of any therapy or treatment. Design and Applications of Theranostic Nanomedicines provides a snapshot of the state-of-the-art, and will be of use to materials scientists, biomedical engineers and pharmaceutical scientists with an interest in nanotechnology and theranostics.

Engineered Nanostructures for Therapeutics and Biomedical Applications offers a single reference for a diverse biomedical readership to learn about the application of nanotechnology in biomedicine and biomedical engineering, from past developments to current research and future prospects. This book sets out a broad selection of biomedical and therapeutic applications for nanostructures, including bioimaging, nanorobotics, orthopedics, and tissue engineering, offering a useful, multidisciplinary approach. Each chapter discusses challenges faced in each discipline, including limiting factors, biocompatibility, and toxicity, thus enabling the reader to make informed decisions in their research. This book is a comprehensive, broad overview of the role and significance of nanomaterials and their composites that also includes discussions of key aspects in the field of biomedicine. It will be of significant interest to academics and researchers in materials science and engineering, biomedicine and biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, pharmaceutics, bioimaging, and nanorobotics.

For nearly forty years, using recombinant DNA tools, researchers, and then businesses, have genetically engineered organisms by transferring naturally occurring genes from one organism into another. Doing so modifies the genetic code of living cells, imparting new traits and achieving desired results; this is done in the production of proteins, pharmaceuticals, and seeds. Synthetic biology, argues Solomon, could free scientists from the need to find natural genes to make such desired modifications.

Synthetic biology permits more complex and sophisticated bioengineering than what can be achieved through previous genetic modification techniques. Drawing on non-biological scientific and engineering disciplines, including information technology and nanotechnology, synthetic biology strives to rearrange an organism's genes on a far wider scale by rewriting its genetic code, the chemical instructions need to design, assemble, and operate a species. By allowing the writing of artificial genetic codes, synthetic biology can transform existing industries and spawn new ones, creating new products as well as radically reshaping existing items.

Arguing for self-regulation by the scientific and business communities, Lewis D. Solomon recommends a policy framework that would guard against governmental overregulation, which could create a barrier to innovation. Although synthetic biotechnology holds considerable social and economic potential, absent a nurturing regulatory climate, it may prove difficult to translate research discoveries into commercially viable applications.