Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 108, continues the comprehensive reach of this widely read and authoritative review source in microbiology. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas, with this updated volume including chapters covering phenotypic instability in fungi, selection criteria for probiotics for use in swine production, microalgae for biofuel production, and bacterial nanoorganelles, amongst other discussions.

This edited book is a comprehensive collection of chapters on various clean energy technology such as solar energy, waste biomass as energy, hydro-electricity generation, biodiesel production from biomass and strategies to cater the demand of clean renewable energy. Clean energy technologies also enhance economic growth by increasing the supply of energy demand and tackling environmental challenges and their impacts due to the use of other conventional sources of energy. The conventional/non-conventional energy production methods are efficient but it has adverse effects on environment and human health. As environmental concerns are not avoidable therefore the necessity of clean energy production comes in to the picture. The clean energy can be produced by different wastes which are caused for the environmental pollution. This book covers various aspects of new and renewable clean energy production technology and its utilization in different fields. This is a useful reading material for students and researchers involved in clean energy study.

Soils have been called the most complex microbial ecosystems on Earth. A single gram of soil can harbor millions of microbial cells and thousands of species. However, certain soil environments, such as those experiencing dramatic change exposing new initial soils or that are limited in precipitation, limit the number of species able to survive in these systems. In this respect, these environments offer unparalleled opportunities to uncover the factors that control the development and maintenance of complex microbial ecosystems. This book collects chapters that discuss the abiotic factors that structure arid and initial soil communities as well as the diversity and structure of the biological communities in these soils from viruses to plants.

Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Fourth Edition, Five Volume Set gathers both basic and applied dimensions in this dynamic field that includes virtually all environments on Earth. This range attracts a growing number of cross-disciplinary studies, which the encyclopedia makes available to readers from diverse educational backgrounds. The new edition builds on the solid foundation established in earlier versions, adding new material that reflects recent advances in the field. New focus areas include `Animal and Plant Microbiomes' and 'Global Impact of Microbes`. The thematic organization of the work allows users to focus on specific areas, e.g., for didactical purposes, while also browsing for topics in different areas.

Virus Entry, Volume 104, the latest release in the Advances in Virus Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on plant virus cell-to-cell entry, plant virus entry via insect transmission, VSV/Rabies virus entry, Papovavirus entry, New approaches to study fusion proteins, Hantavirus receptors, Gamma Herpesvirus entry, and many other interesting topics.

Algae Materials: Applications Benefitting Health offers a comprehensive analysis of biosensors, algae materials for clinical applications, algae polymers, proteins and pigments, algae for food applications and packaging, blue economy, algae forming, cosmetics, and more. The book enlists the less explored areas of algal bioproducts, including how the application of genetic engineering is currently used to enhance bioproducts. Even though there are numerous reviews and scattered documents available, there are some recent fields yet to explore.

Plant Pathogenic Bacteria includes symposia and research papers presented at the 10th International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. The book provides the complete text of 22 symposia papers that summarize the state-of-the-art of the many facets of phytobacteriology including disease control, taxonomy, genetics of pathogenicity, virulence factors, as well as detection and diagnosis. These topics are also included among research papers, presented orally or as posters at the conference, and here presented in research paper format, conveniently separated in different sections by subject matter. This book will be an essential resource for scientists and students with an interest in plant pathogenic bacteria for it provides much new data and summarizes current thinking in almost all areas of the science. Nowhere else can one find so much information on plant pathogenic bacteria in a single resource.

This volume is the first-ever complete treatise on polymyxins and presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date reviews of all major research and clinical topics from chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, clinical use, to drug discovery. All chapters were written by internationally leading researchers and clinicians in the field. It is our wish that readers discover the importance of polymyxin structure in relation to the mechanisms of activity, resistance and toxicity. We emphasized that reliable analytic methods for polymyxins are critical when investigating their pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). The complicated dose definitions and different pharmacopoeial standards have already compromised the safe use of polymyxins in patients. Therefore, informed by the latest pharmacological information, scientifically-based dosing recommendations have been proposed for intravenous polymyxins. Considering the PK/PD limitations and potential development of resistance, polymyxin combinations are encouraged; however, the current literature has not shown definite microbiological benefits, possibly because most clinical studies to date overlooked key PK/PD principles. Nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting factor and it is imperative to elucidate the mechanisms and develop novel approaches to minimize polymyxin-associated toxicities. In addition, the anti-endotoxin effect of polymyxins supports their clinical use to treat Gram-negative sepsis. Fortunately, the discovery of new-generation polymyxins with wider therapeutic windows has benefited from the latest achievements in polymyxin research. This book provides extensive pharmacological information on polymyxins to infectious diseases clinicians, pharmacists, clinical microbiologists, antimicrobial pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical scientists, and is an essential read for those who aim to develop novel polymyxins and improve their clinical use as a last-line defense against Gram-negative 'superbugs'.

Emerging Technologies in Applied and Environmental Microbiology describes various problems and solutions that arise in applied and environmental microbiology using scientific technologies. The book summarizes the main omic-based methods currently used to characterize environmental microorganisms, as well as approaches to analyzing and interpreting the bio information generated by experimentally based studies. Sections explore the current understanding of bacterial signaling through examples of communication systems that include signaling in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, along with discussions on how microorganisms interact with each other, with other organisms, and with the environment. In addition, this comprehensive resource highlights the importance of various emerging technologies for cleaning up pollution in the environment caused by human activities. Final sections assess the potential application of several existing, applied and environmental microbiological techniques and introduces new and emerging technologies through applied aspects.

This book reviews applications of nanomaterial and nanodevices in the food industry. It also discusses the advanced bioanalytical techniques, including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), immunoanalytical techniques, and monoclonal antibody-based immunological techniques for detecting food adulterations and allergens. It comprehensively covers electrode modification and nano-engineered fabrication of biosensors to enhance their functionalities for utilization in food industries. The book highlights the utilization of nanobiosensors for food safety and quality analysis, such as detection of toxin, food-borne pathogen, allergen, evaluation of toxicity etc. Further, it also summarizes the recent advances in nanodevices such as nano-systems, nano-emulsions, nanopesticides, and nanocapsules and their applications in the food industry. Lastly, it covers nanomaterial-based sensors for drug analysis in diverse matrices. It serves as an invaluable source of information for professionals, researchers, academicians, and students related to food science and technology.

Applications of nanotechnology are the remarkable sizes dependent on physiochemical properties of nanomaterials that have led to the developed protocols for synthesizing nanomaterials over a range of size, shapes and chemical compositions. Nanomaterials are normally powders composed of nanoparticles which exhibit properties that are different from powders. Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale with their wide applications in energy sector, including -but not limited to- energy resources, energy conversion, energy storage, and energy usage; drug delivery systems including- safety concerns, perspective, challenges, target therapeutics for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other human diseases, nanomaterials based tissue engineering; and food sectors including to- food safety and quality, opportunities, challenges, nanomaterials based enhancing food packing, and determination of foodborne pathogens, agro and marine food, analysis of market, regulations and future prospects. The utilization of nanotechnology in the energy field will be emphasized and highlighted, in accordance to their prominent and high impact in this particular field. Recent trends and significant benefits of nanotechnology in the energy field will be revealed to the readers, and their promising advanced applications will be discussed. The current drug discovery paradigm constantly needs to improve, enhance efficiency and reduce time to the market on the basis of designing new drug discovery, drug delivery and pharmaceutical manufacturing. In this book will be highlighted nanotechnology based drug delivery is an important aspect of medicine, as more potent and specific drugs that are particularly discussed the understanding of disease pathways. Several biomaterials can be applied to small-molecule drugs as controlled release reservoirs for drug delivery and provide new insights into disease processes, thus understanding the mechanisms of action of drugs. Applications of food nanotechnology are an area of emerging interest for the food industry, for the reason, in this book will be given more priority to discuss the uses of nanomaterials for food packing, food safety and quality, and to remove the contaminated or spoiled by foodborne pathogens. And also nanotechnology based food products will be discussed how making them tastier, healthier, and more nutritious such as vitamins, to reduce fat content, and to ensure they do not degrade during a product's shelf life. Nanotechnology is basically the uses of nanomaterials, devices and systems through the control of matter on the nanometer scale. Multidisciplinary studies are required the technology for discovery and moving so fast from concept to the reality. Nanotechnology always not only provided more benefits in energy, drugs and food products but also provided significantly benefits around multidisciplinary field applications.

Nanotechnology, Volume 46, the latest release in the Methods in Microbiology series, contains review articles on the application of nanotechnology in various fields of microbiology, including environmental microbiology, food microbiology and medical microbiology. Chapters in this new release include discussions on the Biosynthesis of Nanomaterials Utilizing Biomacromolecules, Nanotechnology in Medical Biology - Application of Nanodiagnostics in Infectious Diseases, Applications of Nanotechnology in Food Microbiology, Biosynthesis of Nanomaterials Utilizing Microorganisms, Nanotechnology in Medical Biology - Interaction of Pathogens and Nanostructured Surfaces, Biocompatible Polymers: Synthesis Methods, Surface Functionalization and its Biomedical Applications, and The Bacterial Flagellum.

Advances in Biological Science Research: A Practical Approach provides discussions on diverse research topics and methods in the biological sciences in a single platform. This book provides the latest technologies, advanced methods, and untapped research areas involved in diverse fields of biological science research such as bioinformatics, proteomics, microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and marine science. Each chapter is written by renowned researchers in their respective fields of biosciences and includes future advancements in life science research.

This book offers a much-needed discussion on the targeting of biofilm-related infections. Chapters include discussions on the impact of biofilm on medical implants, industrial applications, as well as wound and tissue infections. It also offers discussions on regulatory management for industrial sectors and medical environments. Given that there continues to be a paucity of effective antimicrobial products, devices, and coatings in clinical and industrial use that effectively reduce rates of infection or biofilm-related problems, Targeting Biofilms in Translational Research, Device Development, and Industrial Sectors, offers a fresh and much-needed perspective aimed at helping create healthier controlled environments and safer devices. This comprehensive book is indispensable for industrial and academic translational researchers, device developers, and regulatory experts looking to create more effective antimicrobial products.

For several decades, bacteria have served as model systems to describe the life p- cesses of growth and metabolism. In addition, it is well recognized that prokaryotes have contributed greatly to the many advances in the areas of ecology, evolution, and biotechnology. This understanding of microorganisms is based on studies of members from both theBacteria andArchaea domains. With each issue of the various scienti?c publications, new characteristics of prokaryotic cells are being reported and it is - portant to place these insights in the context of the appropriate physiological processes. Structural and Functional Relationships in Prokaryotes describes the fundamental physiological processes for members of the Archaea and Bacteria domains. The - ganization of the book re?ects the emphasis that I have used in my 30 years of teaching a course of bacterial physiology. The philosophy used in the preparation of this book is to focus on the fundamental features of prokaryotic physiology and to use these features as the basis for comparative physiology. Even though diverse phenotypes have evolved from myriad genetic possibilities, these prokaryotes display considerable functional similarity and support the premise that there is a unity of physiology in the prokaryotes. The variations observed in the chemical structures and biochemical p- cesses are important in contributing to the persistence of microbial strains in a speci?c environment.

This edited book aims to focus on microbial diversity in arid lands and deserts versus specific microbial assemblages associated with plants. The book explains ecological drivers that shape this diversity, how plant-associated microbiomes are selected, and their biotechnological potential are discussed. Diversity and functional redundancy of these associated PGPM make them very active in supporting plant improvement, health and resistance to drought, salt and other stresses, and these dimensions will be explored in this book. Implementing proper biotechnological applications of the arid and desert-adapted PGPM constitutes a sizeable challenge, and the book attempts to take up that challenge and help researchers in this field to gain a detailed understanding of PGPM from arid ecosystems. This book serves as a handbook for research workers, teachers, postgraduate students and extension personnel, other development workers, and policy planners engaged in arid zone development.

This volume provides basic insight and protocols relating to endophytic microbes. Chapter are divided into five major sections detailing basic isolation, bioactive metabolites production. endophytism, isolation and identification of endophytes, bioactive potentials, and screening of metabolites. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Endophytic Microbes: Isolation, Identification, and Bioactive Potentials aims to provide comprehensive and accessible methods to undergraduate, graduate, and established scientist.

The field of industrial microbiology involves a thorough knowledge of the microbial physiology behind the processes in the large-scale, profit-oriented production of microbe-related goods which are the subject of the field. In recent times a paradigm shift has occurred, and a molecular understanding of the various processes by which plants, animals and microorganisms are manipulated is now central to industrial microbiology. Thus the various applications of industrial microbiology are covered broadly, with emphasis on the physiological and genomic principles behind these applications. Relevance of the new elements such as bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, site-directed mutation and metabolic engineering, which have necessitated the paradigm shift in industrial microbiology are discussed.

New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Microbial Biotechnology in Agro-environmental Sustainability describes, in detail, the various roles of microbial resources in the management of crop diseases and how microbes can be used as a source of income for biomass and bioenergy production. In addition, the book covers microbial inoculants as bio-fertilizers to enhance crop productivity, along with degraded land restoration. Users will find the latest information in the field of microbial biotechnology and its further applications in bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, its generation as an alternative source of energy, restoration degraded and marginal lands, the mitigation of global warming gases, and more.

The ecology of potamoplankton has received less attention than lake plankton. These proceedings produce a synthesis of the composition, community structure and dynamics of lotic phytoplankton, which are intuitively submitted to a strong physical control in the flowing environment, perceived as much more disturbed' than a lake, even than a well-mixed shallow one. It turns out that the boundary between the phytoplankton of rivers and lakes is not as clear-cut as was thought. In particular, most contributions provide arguments emphasizing the prominent role of physical control in both aquatic systems, especially due to the steep light gradient resulting from turbulent mixing in a turbid water column. Similarities and differences between potamoplankton and limnoplankton, largely based on the information gathered by the contributors are discussed in the introductory paper by Reynolds et al.

A critical evaluation of the prospects for nitrogen fixation with non-legumes.- Regulation of expression of genes for three nitrogenases in Azotobacter vinelandii.- Genetic characterization of nitrogen fixation in Enterobacter strains from the rhizosphere of cereals.- Analysis of nitrogenase reaction using monoclonal antibodies against -subunit of component I of A. vinelandii.- Involvement of GroEL in Klebsiella pneumoniae nif gene expression and nitrogenase assembly.- The effect of some terrestrial oligochaeta on nitrogenase activity in the soil.- Cassette mutagenesis of a proposed DNA-binding motif in klebsiella pneumoniae rpon (sigma 54).- Characterization of a mutant of Azotobacter chroococcum resistant to some fungicides.- A chromosomal linkage map of Azotobacter vinelandii.- Energy coupling and electron transfer in nitrogenase.- Fluctuation of the ara under elaeagnus angustifolia canopy.- The influence of root exudates on dinitrogen fixation of chosen free-living bacteria.- Soil redox potential in presence of azospirillum.- Biofertilization of maize with free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria: results of field trials on grain production.- Kinetics of kelthane uptake and distribution in azospirillum lipoferum.- Bioaccumulation of the acaricide kelthane (dicofol) by azospirillum lipoferum.- Effect of biofertilizers on controlling fusarium solani f. Sp. phaseoli.- Phyllospheric nitrogen fixing bacteria in tillandsia leaves.- Nif and nod genes in Azospirillum.- Control of nitrogenase in Azospirillum sp..- Biology of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.- Biological nitrogen fixation associated with sugar cane.- Physiological properties of Azospirillum brasilense involved in root growth promotion.- Regulation of the nifHDK genes transcription in Azospirillum brasilense.- Cloning of the nifA and nifB genes of Azospirillum brasilense strain FP2.- Regulation of nitrogen fixation genes in Azospirillum: characterization of A nif regulatory region.- Azospirillum-plant interaction: a biochemical approach.- Osmotollerance of diazotrophic rhizosphere bacteria.- Azospirillum-gramineae interaction: effect of indole-3-acetic acid.- DNA restriction fingerprint for the identification of Azospirilla.- Alteration in membrane potential and in proton efflux in plant roots induced by Azospirillum brasilense.- Effect of soil organic matter on chickpea inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. ciceri.- Active attachment of Azospirillum brasilense to root surface of non-cereal plants and to sand particles.- Association of Alcaligenes faecalis with wetland rice.- Sunflower inoculation with Azospirillum and other P.G.P.R..- Characterization of a pectinolytic activity in Azospirillum irakense.- Associative N2-fixation in plants growing in saline sodic soils and its relative quantification based on 15N natural abundance.- Genetic analysis of the Azospirillum plant-root interaction.- Dinitrogen fixation and infection of grass leaves by Pseudomonas rubrisubal-bicans and Herbaspirillum seropedicae.- Growth parameters of microaerobic diazotrophic rhizobacteria determined in continuous culture.- Infection of intact roots of kallar grass and rice seedlings by Azoarcus.- Strain-specific salt tolerance and chemotaxis of Azospirillum brasilense and their associative N-fixation with finger millet in saline calcareous soil.- Nitrate reductase activity of Azospirillum brasilense sp7 and sp245 V - and C -forms in continuous culture.- Microcalorimetric study of the growth of Azospirillum brasilense: relation between heat production and other growth parameters.- Nitrogen fixation in P- nodules of wheat roots by introduced free-living diazotrophs.- Firefly luciferase expression on nitrogen fixation with non-legumes.- Nucleotide sequence of regulatory regions of Azospirillum brasilense.- Nucleotide sequence and expression of an Azospirillum nod homologous region.- Isolation and characterization of TN5 induced Azospirillum brasilense mutants alterate...

Pulmonary disorders significantly contribute to the current level of disease burden. Effective disease management is essential for improving clinical outcomes and quality of life. This book highlights the issues involved with diagnosing and managing various pulmonary conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, respiratory tract infections, including those developing as a sequel of antibiotic treatment, and others. Investigations on novel diagnostic procedures and potential biomarkers of diseases are discussed, along with disease presentations and management. Preventive measures related to lifestyle and air quality, with the implications on patients care, are tackled as well. Progress in clinical savvy is inseparably linked with getting an insight into the pathogenesis of a condition. This book presents views and information on the research developments in the rapidly changing field of pneumology. Target readership: clinicians and researchers, family practitioners, and trainees.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 106, continues the comprehensive reach of this widely read and authoritative review source in microbiology. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas, with this updated volume including chapters covering The role and regulation of the stress activated sigma factor SigB in the saprophytic and host-associated life stages of the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, Bacterial synthesis of Se nanoparticles, Siderophores in environmental research, Methods to reduce spoilage and microbial contamination of plant produce, Nitrogen cycling during wastewater treatment, Oxalic acid, a molecule at crossroads of bacterial-fungal interactions, and Bacterial spores, from ecology to biotechnology.

This book will highlight advanced techniques that were recently used for studying microorganisms in extreme environments. Recent technological leaps in the study of microorganisms in the environment now make it possible to comprehensively study microbes in the environment. Extreme environments could benefit from the application of these techniques, but many challenges such as low biomass, low activity and slow growth has prevented their wide adoption. This book will review recent application of state-of-the-art techniques in extreme environments, helping researcher and graduate students get a better knowledge of the tools available.

This volume identifies gaps in the assessment, management, and communication of food allergen risks. Chapters showcase best practices in managing allergen risks at various stages of the food chain, including during food manufacture/processing; during food preparation in food service, retail food establishments, and in the home; and at the point of consumption. The authors highlight key legislative initiatives that are in various stages of development and implementation at the federal, state and community levels. Finally, the volume includes recommendations for ways to build and strengthen education and outreach efforts at the food industry, government, institutional, and community levels. Chapters come from an array of experts, including researchers and key stakeholders from government, the food industry, retail/food service groups, and consumer groups. The information presented will facilitate the development of educational materials and allergen management training programs for food production and service staff, extension specialists, and government inspectors. Consumers and other food safety professionals will also benefit from information on food allergen control measures that have been put in place across the food chain.