This volume covers the most important parasitic protists that are known to infect humans. The pathogens discussed cause diseases like toxoplasmosis, malaria, cryptosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis. Readers from microbiology will appreciate the special focus on protist cell biology. As demonstrated in several of the chapters, these parasites are characterized by peculiar structures and organelles that cannot be found in mammalian cells - even though both are eukaryotic. The book employs light and electron microscopy to display the changing morphology in various stages of parasitic development. In turn, the results are supplemented by transcriptome and proteome profiles that help to describe how these changes take place on a molecular level. Both researchers and clinicians from tropical medicine will find essential and practically applicable background information on these increasingly important pathogens.

'Developmental biology' is widely understood as processes, which mainly concern embryonic animal development and differentiation of cells and tissue. It is also often defined as the timeline for the evolutionary developmental biology of eukaryotic multicellular higher organisms, i.e., plants and animals. The development of prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes in contrary has been neglected for a long time, which was the motivation for publishing this book. This book highlights one of Darwin's most important findings: Evolution is a creative, but not a conscious process. It also illustrates that this concept does not only apply to multicellular higher organisms, but affects every form of life. The reader shall find complex biochemical and genetic pathways of bacteria, yeasts or protozoa, comparable to those exhibited by plants or animals. The molecular mechanisms of dramatic genome rearrangements, recombination and horizontal gene transfer that are responsible for evolutionary adaptations are discussed. Additionally, the book covers bacteria of the genera Myxobacteriales and Caulobacterales, which are able to develop tissue-like cellular organization. The morphogenesis of entomopathogenic fungi and the endosymbiont theory are also addressed. The book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in bacteriology, protistology and fungal development. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists, giving them a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.

This book discusses the various aspects of sustainable packaging edibles in food industry. It is divided into five main parts. The first section of the book addresses details of edible films, various sources, origin, scope and functions. Second section covers different sustainable alternatives such as seed gums, fruits and vegetable peels, sea weeds, fruits wastes, dairy by products & anti-oxidant edible packaging. This book also discusses about methods of improvements of mechanical properties of packaging edibles & their food applications, testing methods, innovations, limitations, challenges and nano edibles. It provides insights about the large quantity of wastes and by-products generated by food processing industries. Disposal of these wastes is a big problem due to their high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) & chemical oxygen demand (COD) which causes severe problem of pollution to the environment. These wastes contain large amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, various bioactive compounds and have eco-friendly packaging potential. The book emphasizes on the fact that recycling these wastes as packaging edibles are sustainable and economical. As a world foreseeing food technology revolution, this book explores the unique topics in food packaging which possesses mammoth commercial applications and environmental potential. Due to its immense scope, this book is highly useful for researchers, food scientists, students and food packaging industry experts.

This completely revised edition explores novel discoveries in bacterial genomic research, with a focus on technical and computational improvements as well as methods used for bacterial pangenome analysis, which relies on microbiome studies and metagenomic data. Beginning with up-to-date sequencing methods, the book continues with sections covering methods for deep phylogenetic analysis, the role of metagenomic data in understanding the genomics of the many yet uncultured bacteria, progress in genome-to-phenome inference, as well as computational genomic tools. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the type of practical detail necessary for reproducible results in the lab. Authoritative and up-to-date, Bacterial Pangenomics: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for both highly qualified investigators in bacterial genomics and for less experienced researchers, including students and teachers, who could use a reference for approaching genomic analysis and genome data.

Nanotechnological Applications in Virology explores the use of nanoparticles-based technologies to fight against viruses, also discussing the use of nanoparticles in the preparation of nano masks and as sanitizing agents. The role of nanotechnology against HIV, Hepatitis, Influenza, Herpes, Ebola and Zika using rapid detection and diagnostic techniques is included, as is a brief description of SARS, MERS, the novel Coronavirus, and recent advancements in its treatment process. Other sections cover the formulation of novel nano-vaccines for the treatment and control of viral infections like HIV, Hepatitis and COVID-19. Included toxicological studies of nanoparticles provide readers with a brief overview on global scenarios regarding viral infections. Nanotechnology is the present age technology, with wide usage in different areas of medical science, including drug delivery, gene therapy, antimicrobials, biosensors and bio-labelling. Nanoparticles play a competent role as an anti-infection agent and thus act as efficient antiviral agents.

This book is about different Enzymes from various sources that play an important role in the degradation of an array of pollutants with simultaneous generation of value-added products. This is an "Edited Book" which deals a comprehensive knowledge on the role of different microorganisms/their enzymes in the degradation of pollutants, wastewater treatment with simultaneous production of value added products. It also deals the current state, perspectives and various challenges associated with the microbial/enzymatic degradation of environmental pollutants. This book will provide a profound knowledge on the importance of microorganisms/their enzymes in the degradation of pollutants like pesticides, antibiotics, toxic/hazardous chemicals, endocrine disrupting chemicals/compounds with production of value-added products like bioplastics for the sustainable development of society. It covers various existing wastewater treatment approaches using microorganisms alone and /or in combination of other methods with their merits, demerits and future prospects.

This Volume describes methods for simulating natural environments by using reproducible and controllable meso- and microcosm experiments to analyse hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and to test hypotheses. It presents important aspects of the preparation of experimental set-ups, hydrocarbon application and sampling, and features protocols for experiments with different types of samples, such as biofilms, aquatic systems (e.g. groundwater, streams), and sediments, including oscillating oxic-anoxic mesocosms, as well as for in-situ experimentation in subtidal and deep sediments. Two chapters are dedicated to cultivation under high-pressure conditions, and several chapters include protocols for processing samples for downstream chemical, microbial or activity analyses. Several of the approaches presented are generic and will benefit anyone embarking on designing meso- and microcosm experiments. < 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.

The beetle genus Agrilus has over 3000 species which makes it the most numerous in the Animal Kingdom. Many species are serious pests of plants with high invasive potential. Among them, the notoriously known Agrilus planipennis invaded from Asia to North America where it killed tens of millions of ash trees, caused regulatory agencies to enforce quarantines and cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries tens of millions of dollars. The monograph provides coherent, comprehensive and critical review on all known host plants for more than 680 Agrilus species. All host plants have assigned the confidence index from 0-3 based on the evaluated reliability which eliminates false records. All original and subsequent references for particular plants are cited at each Agrilus species. Data are organized from both, insect and plant viewpoints. Results are analyzed and illustrated by graphs and diagrams. The main impact of the monograph is seen in entomology, phytopathology, forestry, agriculture ecology and biocontrol.

In this Journey to Microbial Worlds we present the diversity of microorganisms, from the state of fossil microbes in Archaean age rocks to the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. This volume discusses the extremophiles living in harsh environments (from our anthropocentric point) and describes them in considerable detail. Some chapters also review topics such as symbiosis, bacterial luminescence, methanogens, and petroleum-grown cells. The final chapters of this book shed new light on astrobiology and speculate on extremophiles as candidates for extraterrestrial life. All chapters are updated to the latest research level.

This detailed volume explores the field of bacterial virulence and the effort to understand how microbial interaction with a host results in the pathology of a specific disease. This collection of selected protocols includes advanced molecular biology and bioinformatics methods, cell culture and organoid models of infection, as well as in vivo infection models that are useful to study the interaction of pathogens with plants, insects, avian, and mammalian hosts. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and beneficial, Bacterial Virulence: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to promote and further develop the exciting and continuously evolving field of bacterial virulence. Chapter 19 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This book covers recent advances and future trends in yeast synthetic biology, providing readers with an overview of computational and engineering tools, and giving insight on important applications. Yeasts are one of the most attractive microbial cell factories for the production of a wide range of valuable products, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, agrochemicals and biofuels. Synthetic biology tools have been developed to improve the metabolic engineering of yeasts in a faster and more reliable manner. Today, these tools are used to make synthetic pathways and rewiring metabolism even more efficient, producing products at high titer, rate, and yield. Split into two parts, the book opens with an introduction to rational metabolic pathway prediction and design using computational tools and their applications for yeast systems and synthetic biology. Then, it focuses on the construction and assembly of standardized biobricks for synthetic pathway engineering in yeasts, yeast cell engineering and whole cell yeast-based biosensors. The second part covers applications of synthetic biology to produce diverse and attractive products by some well-known yeasts. Given its interdisciplinary scope, the book offers a valuable asset for students, researchers and engineers working in biotechnology, applied microbiology, metabolic engineer ing and synthetic biology.

Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols consists of 30 ch- ters detailing the use of herpes viruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, simple and complex retroviruses, including lentiviruses, and other virus systems for vector development and gene transfer. Chapter cont- butions provide perspective in the use of viral vectors for applications in the brain and in the central nervous system. Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols contains step-by-step methods for successful rep- cation of experimental procedures, and should prove useful for both experienced investigators and newcomers in the field, including those beginning graduate study or undergoing postdoctoral training. The "Notes" section contained in each chapter provides valuable troublesho- ing guides to help develop working protocols for your laboratory. With Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols, it has been my intent to develop a comprehensive collection of modern molecular methods for the construction, development, and use of viral vectors for gene transfer and gene therapy. I would like to thank the many chapter authors for their contributions. They are all experts in various aspects of viral vectors, and I appreciate their efforts and hard work in developing comprehensive chapters. As editor, it has been a privilege to preview the development of Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols, and to acquire insight into the various methodological approaches from the many different contri- tors.

This second edition provides new and updated chapters describing the utility and attributes of different tools that are used for studying microbial systems. Chapters detail a number of methods, including in silico system level analyses by MetaFlux, Kbase genome-scale model builder, COBRA toolbox, NanoSIP, and PAMMS. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Microbial Systems Biology: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to introduce and aid scientists in using the various tools that are currently available for analysis, modification, and utilization of microbial organisms.

This book is a collection of scholarly articles presenting the research results of work carried out under the supervision of Prof. Saroj Bhosle, a microbiologist at Goa University, India.The objective of this volume is to document the comprehensive ecological knowledge of eubacteria isolated from diverse coastal ecosystems of Goa, little explored for microbiological studies. These ecosystems need to be properly tapped in order to reveal potential bacteria yet to be exploited. The topics of this book are particularly relevant to researchers and students in the field of microbiology with an interest in the varied aspects of eubacteria. They provide academic insight for scientific communities in Goa and the rest of the world.

This book presents a comprehensive view on mycotoxins of agricultural as well as non-agricultural environments and their health effects in humans and animals. Mycotoxins have immunosuppressive effects; but some of them can cause cancers, mutagenicity, neurotoxicity, liver and kidney damage, birth defects, DNA damage and respiratory disorders. The problem of mycotoxins is long-lasting and their direct or indirect exposures to humans and animals must be further discussed. The first chapter will cover the historical perspective of mycotoxins along with timeline while the second one will provide overview including classification of mycotoxins and mycotoxicoses. The comprehensive information/ literature on traditional, emerging and mushroom mycotoxins will be given in chapters 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Chapter 6 will deal with mycotoxins co-occurrence poisoning whereas new and masked mycotoxins will be described in chapter 7. The important aspects of mycotoxin studies like extraction, characterization and analysis and management strategies will be summarized in 8 and 9 chapters. The last chapter of the book will cover the recent developments in toxicokinetic studies of mycotoxins. The book will have the most up-to-date information and recent discoveries to deliver accurate data and to illustrate essential points to a wide range of readers including mycologists, clinicians, agricultural scientists, chemists, veterinarians, environmentalists and food scientists.

This edited volume covers all aspects of the latest research in the field of soil formation and its functioning, soil diversity, soil proteomics, the impact of anthropogenic activities on the pedosphere, plant-microbe interactions in the pedosphere, and factors influencing the formation and functioning of the soils. In the pedosphere, all forms of soils possess a particular type of structure and different organic and mineral components. Thus, the pedosphere as a whole plays a significant role in providing unique habitats for a vast diversity of life forms, developing a link between geological and biological substances circulation in the terrestrial ecosystems. In the processes making available vital mineral elements to plants and supporting human health as various trace elements in the lithosphere are accessed by people through the formation of soils and such soils are utilized for food production. With the depth of information on different aspects of soil, this extensive volume is a valuable resource for the researchers in the area of soil science, agronomy, agriculture, scientists in academia, crop consultants, policymakers, government from diverse disciplines, and graduate and post-graduate students in the area of soil and environmental science.

This self contained book presents a comprehensive overview of the past, present and future of the galactose regulon of yeast, the classical model system of molecular biologists. The book starts with a brief historical overview on yeast research. This is followed by molecular genetics of the galactose regulon, isolation of genes and testing of the hypotheses. Contemporary topics including genomics, evolution, binary and graded responses, and stochasticity are all addressed.

The vast explosion of high-resolution molecular data in the past few years has provided an unprecedented glimpse into the microbial world. This book synthesises current viewpoints and knowledge on microbial ecological theory.

Agricultural Nanobiotechnology: Biogenic Nanoparticles, Nanofertilizers and Nanoscale Biocontrol Agents presents the most up-to-date advances in nanotechnology to improve the agriculture and food industry with novel nanotools for the controlling of rapid disease diagnostic and enhancement of the capacity of plants to absorb nutrients and resist environmental challenges. Highlighting the emerging nanofertilizers, nanopesticides and nanoherbicides that are being widely explored in order to overcome the limitations of conventional agricultural supplements, the book provides important insights to enable smart, knowledge-driven selection of nanoscale agricultural biomaterials, coupled with suitable delivery approaches and formulations will lead to promising agricultural innovation using nanotechnology. Agricultural Nanobiotechnology: Biogenic Nanoparticles, Nanofertilizers and Nanoscale Biocontrol Agents explores emerging innovations in nanobiotechnology for agriculture, food, and natural resources to address the challenges of food security, sustainability, susceptibility, human health, and healthy life. The book is ideal for the multidisciplinary scientists whose goal is to see the use of nanomaterials in agriculture to reduce the amount of spread chemicals, minimize nutrient losses in fertilization and to generate increased yield through pest and nutrient management.

Soil is an important but often neglected element of the climate system. It is the second largest carbon store, or 'sink', after the oceans. Despite being a fundamental resource that supports all kinds of life on Earth, concerns related to soil are often not included as an important environmental issue. Climate changes put soil under pressure. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere may cause the microbes in the soil to work faster to break down organic matter, potentially releasing even more carbon dioxide. The soil moisture content is being constantly affected by rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns and future projections show that this may continue. This book presents current environmental issues and their remedies for soil which are mainly based on soil degradation, soil pollution and the effect of climate change on the soil. Adding xenobiotic chemicals or other alterations in the natural soil environment for agricultural, industrial or urban purposes result in a decline in the soil quality due to improper use or poor management, which is a serious environmental problem. The book is divided into five parts - soil science, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology and soil environment. The first part "Soil Science" serves as the introduction to the book and discusses some common topics such as soil formation, mineralogy, taxonomy, quality and analytical techniques. The second part "Soil Physics" is mainly concerned with the physical properties and processes of soil and their association with effects on air, water and temperature. Soil Chemistry, the third part, discusses the chemical reactions and processes between inorganic and organic components. The fourth part "Soil Biology" explains the biological properties and processes of the soil, with special concern to microbial diversity and its effect on the ecology. Lastly, the fifth part "Soil Environment" discusses the current environmental problems such as climate change and soil pollution, including processes to mitigate these issues through carbon sequestration, nutrient management and land management.

This contributed volume compiles the latest developments in the field of microbial enzymology. It focuses on topics such as distribution of microbial enzymes in natural habitats, microbial enzymes in environmental sustainability, and environmental disturbances on microbial enzymes, which are organized into three parts, respectively. Ranging from micro-scale studies to macro, it covers a huge domain of microbial enzymes and their interplay between the components of the environment. Overall, the book portrays the importance of microbial enzyme technology and its role in solving the problems in modern-day life. The book is a ready reference for practicing students and researchers in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, agricultural engineering, and other allied fields.

Principles of Virology, the leading virology textbook in use, is an extremely valuable and highly informative presentation of virology at the interface of modern cell biology and immunology. This text utilizes a uniquely rational approach by highlighting common principles and processes across all viruses. Using a set of representative viruses to illustrate the breadth of viral complexity, students are able to under-stand viral reproduction and pathogenesis and are equipped with the necessary tools for future encounters with new or understudied viruses. This fifth edition was updated to keep pace with the ever-changing field of virology. In addition to the beloved full-color illustrations, video interviews with leading scientists, movies, and links to exciting blogposts on relevant topics, this edition includes study questions and active learning puzzles in each chapter, as well as short descriptions regarding the key messages of references of special interest. Volume I: Molecular Biology focuses on the molecular processes of viral reproduction, from entry through release. Volume II: Pathogenesis and Control addresses the interplay between viruses and their host organisms, on both the micro- and macroscale, including chapters on public health, the immune response, vaccines and other antiviral strategies, viral evolution, and a brand new chapter on the therapeutic uses of viruses. These two volumes can be used for separate courses or together in a single course. Each includes a unique appendix, glossary, and links to internet resources. Principles of Virology, Fifth Edition, is ideal for teaching the strategies by which all viruses reproduce, spread within a host, and are maintained within populations. This edition carefully reflects the results of extensive vetting and feedback received from course instructors and students, making this renowned textbook even more appropriate for undergraduate and graduate courses in virology, microbiology, and infectious diseases.

This volume explores the latest techniques used to study Mycobacterium ulcerans, and more specifically M. ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer). The chapters in this book are organized into three parts and cover methods for the detection of M. ulcerans and the analysis of host-pathogen interaction; the quantification and characterization of mycolactone, the macrolide toxin of M. ulcerans; and drug development against M. ulcerans. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Mycobacterium ulcerans: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that helps scientists advance their research on Buruli ulcer, which is still an under-researched field in infection biology.

Following an introduction to biogenic metal nanoparticles, this book presents how they can be biosynthesized using bacteria, fungi and yeast, as well as their potential applications in biomedicine. It is shown that the synthesis of nanoparticles using microbes is eco-friendly and results in reproducible metal nanoparticles of well-defined sizes, shapes and structures. This biotechnological approach based on the process of biomineralization exploits the effectiveness and flexibility of biological systems. Chapters include practical protocols for microbial synthesis of nanoparticles and microbial screening methods for isolating a specific nanoparticle producer as well as reviews on process optimization, industrial scale production, biomolecule-nanoparticle interactions, magnetosomes, silver nanoparticles and their numerous applications in medicine, and the application of gold nanoparticles in developing sensitive biosensors.