Genetically Engineered Organisms in Bioremediation provides comprehensive coverage of biotechnological applications of genetically engineered microorganisms for the bioremediation of polluted environments. Chapters are contributed by international scientists with in-depth knowledge, expertise, vision, and commitment in their scientific profession. They detail several genetically engineered microorganisms and their enzymes that could be applied to biologically break down persistent organic pollutants and recombinant DNA technologies which entail development of ‘suicidal-GEMs’ for effective and safe rejuvenation of heavily polluted sites. Features: • Highlights genes that encode catabolic enzymes involved in the biodegradation of pollutants. • Explores combining genetically engineered microorganisms with bioaugmentation, biostimulation and bioattenuation strategies. • Details the application of genetic engineering of bacteria for managing aromatic organic compounds under hypoxic conditions. • Discusses tracking techniques and suppression strategies of genetically modified microorganisms. Written for researchers, engineers and academics working in bioremediation, microbiology and biotechnology, this book is both timely and important.

This book provides an in-depth review of the history, fundamental theory, design strategies, and applications of nanogenerators. Working principles, device mechanisms, material characteristics, types of nanogenerators, and their different uses are fully explored. Top researchers in the field of sustainable technology from different backgrounds and fields contribute their expertise to deliver a must-have practical resource for students, academic researchers, and industry professionals. FEATURES Describes the fundamental aspects and theory of nanogenerators Explores design strategies including material assessment based upon planned application Tailors the introduction and essential concept discussion for the industrial and research community Explores current applications, existing challenges, and the future outlook for the field

This book examines the synthesis of graphene obtained from different natural raw materials and waste products as a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative that delivers a quality final product. Expert researchers review potential sources of natural raw materials and waste products, methods or characterization, graphene synthesis considerations, and important applications. FEATURES Explores the different approaches to the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from natural and industrial carbonaceous wastes Outlines the modification and characterization methods of GO and rGO Addresses the characterization methods of GO and rGO Details applications of GO and rGO created from natural sources Graphene is a multidisciplinary material with applications in almost every sector of science and engineering. Graphene from Natural Sources: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications is a noteworthy reference for material scientists and engineers in academia and industry interested in reducing costs and employing green synthesis methods in their work.

Semiconductors with optical characteristics have found widespread use in evolving semiconductor photovoltaics, where optical features are important. The industrialization of semiconductors and their allied applications have paved the way for optical measurement techniques to be used in new ways. Due to their unique properties, semiconductors are key components in the daily employed technologies in healthcare, computing, communications, green energy, and a range of other uses. This book examines the fundamental optical properties and applications of semiconductors. It summarizes the information as well as the optical characteristics and applicability of semiconductors through an in-depth review of the literature. Accomplished experts in the field share their knowledge and examine new developments. FEATURES Comprehensive coverage of all types of optical applications using semiconductors Explores relevant composite materials and devices for each application Addresses the optical properties of crystalline and amorphous semiconductors Describes new developments in the field and future potential applications Optical Properties and Applications of Semiconductors is a comprehensive reference and an invaluable resource for engineers, scientists, academics, and industry R&D teams working in applied physics.

It has been observed that rapid population expansion has raised the amount of anthropogenic activity, resulting in high levels of pollution in water, air, and solid waste as well as an increase in the pressure placed on agricultural lands. Bioaugmentation Techniques and Applications in Remediation provides detailed information on bioaugmentation approaches for the remediation of sediments, water, and soil polluted with organic and inorganic pollutants. Practical applications of bioaugmentation techniques performed in restricted systems under controlled conditions, laboratory investigations, and in the field are addressed. Special emphasis is placed on the applications of nanomaterials in combination with bioaugmentation techniques for enhanced bioremediation efficiency. FEATURES Explores abiotic and biotic factors that enhance and facilitate environmental remediation of contaminants Provides a primer on the elementary microbial processes entailed in bioaugmentation Summarizes methods and approaches for executing bioaugmentation technology Details commercially available products and instrumentation This book is an ideal resource for researchers, students, and engineers working in materials science and bioremediation.

Electroactive polymers are smart materials that can undergo size or shape structural deformations in the presence of an electrical field. These lightweight polymeric materials possess properties such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, rapid response time, easy controllability (especially physical to electrical), and low power consumption. Electroactive Polymeric Materials examines the history, progress, synthesis, and characterization of electroactive polymers and then details their application and potential in fields including biomedical science, environmental remediation, renewable energy, robotics, sensors and textiles. Highlighting the flexibility, lightweight, cost-effective, rapid response time, easy controllability, and low power consumption characteristics of electroactive polymers, respected authors in the field explore their use in sensors, actuators, MEMS, biomedical apparatus, energy storage, packaging, textiles, and corrosion protection to provide readers with a powerhouse of a reference to use for their own endeavors. Features: Explores the most recent advances in all categories of ionic/electroactive polymer composite materials Includes basic science, addresses novel topics, and covers multifunctional applications in one resource Suitable for newcomers, academicians, scientists and R&D industrial experts working in polymer technologies .

Porous Polymer Science and Applications aims to provide recent developments and advances in synthesis, tuning parameters, and applications of porous polymers. This book brings together reviews written by highly accomplished panels of experts working in the area of porous polymers. It encompasses basic studies and addresses topics of novel issues concerning the applications of porous polymers. Chapter topics span basic studies, novel issues, and applications addressing all aspects in a one-stop reference on porous polymers. Applications discussed include catalysis, gas storage, energy and environmental sectors making this an invaluable guide for students, professors, scientists and R&D industrial experts working in the field of material science and engineering and particularly energy conversion and storage. Additional features include: Provides a comprehensive introduction to porous polymers addressing design, synthesis, structure, properties and characterization. Covers task-specific applications of porous polymers. Explores the advantages and opportunities of these materials for most major fields of science and engineering. Outlines novel research areas and potential development and expansion areas.

Conducting polymers are organic polymers which contain conjugation along the polymer backbone that conduct electricity. Conducting polymers are promising materials for energy storage applications because of their fast charge-discharge kinetics, high charge density, fast redox reaction, low-cost, ease of synthesis, tunable morphology, high power capability and excellent intrinsic conductivity compared with inorganic-based materials. Conducting Polymers-Based Energy Storage Materials surveys recent advances in conducting polymers and their composites addressing the execution of these materials as electrodes in electrochemical power sources. Key Features: Provides an overview on the conducting polymer material properties, fundamentals and their role in energy storage applications. Deliberates cutting-edge energy storage technology based on synthetic metals (conducting polymers) Covers current applications in next-generation energy storage devices. Explores the new aspects of conducting polymers with processing, tunable properties, nanostructures and engineering strategies of conducting polymers for energy storage. Presents up-to-date coverage of a large, rapidly growing and complex conducting polymer literature on all-types electrochemical power sources. This book is an invaluable guide for students, professors, scientists, and R&D industrial specialists working in the field of advanced science, nanodevices, flexible electronics, and energy science.

Nanostructured electrode materials have exhibited unrivaled electrochemical properties in creating elite supercapacitors. Morphology Design Paradigm for Supercapacitors presents the latest advances in the improvement of supercapacitors, a result of the incorporation of nanomaterials into the design - from zero-dimensional to three-dimensional, and microporous to mesoporous. The book includes a comprehensive description of capacitive practices at the levels of sub-atomic and nanoscales. These have the ability to enhance device performance for an extensive assortment of potential applications, including consumer electronics, wearable gadgets, hybrid electric vehicles, stationary and industrial frameworks. Key Features: Provides readers with a clear understanding of the implementation of these materials as electrodes in electrochemical supercapacitors. Covers recent material designs and an extensive scope of electrode materials such as 0D to 3D. Explores recent nanostructured-system material designs that have been created and tested in supercapacitor configurations. Considers microporous to mesoporous supercapacitor electrode materials. Features the impact of nanostructures on the properties of supercapacitors, including specific capacitance, cycle stability, and rate capability.

Nanotechnology has developed remarkably in recent years and, applied in the food industry, has allowed new industrial advances, the improvement of conventional technologies, and the commercialization of products with new features and functionalities. This progress offers the potential to increase productivity for producers, food security for consumers and economic growth for industries. Food Applications of Nanotechnology presents the main advances of nanotechnology for food industry development. The fundamental concepts of the technique are presented, followed by examples of application in several sectors, such as the enhancement of flavor, color and sensory characteristics; the description of the general concepts of nano-supplements, antimicrobial nanoparticles and other active compounds into food; and developments in the field of packaging, among others. In addition, this work updates readers on the industrial development and the main regulatory aspects for the safety and commercialization of nanofoods. Features: Provides a general overview of nanotechnology in the food industry Discusses the current status of the production and use of nanomaterials as food additives Covers the technological developments in the areas of flavor, color and sensory characteristics of food and food additives Reviews nanosupplements and how they provide improvements in nutritional functionality Explains the antibacterial properties of nanoparticles for food applications This book will serve food scientists and technologists, food engineers, chemists and innovators working in food or ingredient research and new product development. Gustavo Molina is associate professor at the UFVJM (Diamantina-Brazil) in Food Engineering and head of the Laboratory of Food Biotechnology and conducts scientific and technical research. His research interests are focused on industrial biotechnology.Dr. Inamuddin is currently working as assistant professor in the chemistry department of Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is also a permanent faculty member (assistant professor) at the Department of Applied Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. He has extensive research experience in multidisciplinary fields of analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, and electrochemistry and, more specifically, renewable energy and environment. Prof. Abdullah M. Asiri is professor of organic photochemistry and has been the head of the chemistry department at King Abdulaziz University since October 2009, as well as the director of the Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR) since 2010. His research interest covers color chemistry, synthesis of novel photochromic and thermochromic systems, synthesis of novel coloring matters and dyeing of textiles, materials chemistry, nanochemistry and nanotechnology, polymers, and plastics. Franciele Maria Pelissari graduated in Food Engineering; earned her master's degree (2009) at the University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil; and her PhD (2013) at the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil. Since 2013, she has been associate professor at the Institute of Science and Technology program at the Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Brazil, in Food Engineering, and also full professor in the graduate program in Food Science and Technology.

Among electrode materials, inorganic materials have received vast consideration owing to their redox chemistry, chemical stability, high electrochemical performance, and high-power applications. These exceptional properties enable inorganic-based materials to find application in high-performance energy conversion and storage. The current advances in nanotechnology have uncovered novel inorganic materials by various strategies and their different morphological features may serve as a rule for future supercapacitor electrode design for efficient supercapacitor performance. Inorganic Nanomaterials for Supercapacitor Design depicts the latest advances in inorganic nanomaterials for supercapacitor energy storage devices. Key Features: ? Provides an overview on the supercapacitor application of inorganic-based materials. ? Describes the fundamental aspects, key factors, advantages, and challenges of inorganic supercapacitors. ? Presents up-to-date coverage of the large, rapidly growing, and complex literature on inorganic supercapacitors. ? Surveys current applications in supercapacitor energy storage. ? Explores the new aspects of inorganic materials and next-generation supercapacitor systems.

The research and development activities in energy conversion and storage are playing a significant role in our daily lives owing to the rising interest in clean energy technologies to alleviate the fossil-fuel crisis. Polymers are used in energy conversion and storage technology due to their low-cost, softness, ductility and flexibility compared to carbon and inorganic materials. Polymers in Energy Conversion and Storage provides in-depth literature on the applicability of polymers in energy conversion and storage, history and progress, fabrication techniques, and potential applications. Highly accomplished experts review current and potential applications including hydrogen production, solar cells, photovoltaics, water splitting, fuel cells, supercapacitors and batteries. Chapters address the history and progress, fabrication techniques, and many applications within a framework of basic studies, novel research, and energy applications. Additional Features Include: Explores all types of energy applications based on polymers and its composites Provides an introduction and essential concepts tailored for the industrial and research community Details historical developments in the use of polymers in energy applications Discusses the advantages of polymers as electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells This book is an invaluable guide for students, professors, scientists and R&D industrial experts working in the field.

This book is a comprehensive introduction to "green" or environmentally friendly polymer composites developed using renewable polymers of natural origin such as starch, lignin, cellulose acetate, poly-lactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxylalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxylbutyrate (PHB), etc., and the development of modern technologies for preparing green composites with various applications. The book also discusses major applications of green polymer composites in industries such as medicine, biotechnology, fine chemicals and engineering.

Today, the agriculture industry is confronted with simultaneous issues of how to fully embrace mass production of safer food in terms of both quality and quantity. Most industries are concerned with avoiding significant levels of soil pollution and environmental threats as a result of the excessive and harmful use of synthetic products on crops. Therefore, there is a need to adopt sustainable technological innovations that can ensure the sustainability of agricultural production systems. Microbial Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Bioremediation discusses the benefits, challenges, and practical applications of eco-friendly biotechnological techniques using biostimulants derived from beneficial microorganisms. The chapters cover the use of these organisms to increase crop production, enhance soil fertility and maintain soil health, create crop and plant tolerance to different abiotic stressors, release required nutrients to the soil, increase resistance to plant pathogens/pests, improve nutrient use efficiency of crops, and rejuvenate polluted environments. FEATURES Explores the physiological, morpho-anatomical, and biochemical molecular plant rejoinders involved in stimulating crop productivity Provides information on the physiological, cellular, and molecular modes of action underlying microbial biostimulant interfaces Summarizes methods and approaches for executing microbial stimulant technology Outlines numerous environmental management and remediation strategies This book is an ideal resource for researchers, engineers, and academics working in soil science, crop science, water remediation, microbiology, and biotechnology.

Conducting polymers are organic polymers which contain conjugation along the polymer backbone that conduct electricity. Conducting polymers are promising materials for energy storage applications because of their fast charge-discharge kinetics, high charge density, fast redox reaction, low-cost, ease of synthesis, tunable morphology, high power capability and excellent intrinsic conductivity compared with inorganic-based materials. Conducting Polymers-Based Energy Storage Materials surveys recent advances in conducting polymers and their composites addressing the execution of these materials as electrodes in electrochemical power sources. Key Features: Provides an overview on the conducting polymer material properties, fundamentals and their role in energy storage applications. Deliberates cutting-edge energy storage technology based on synthetic metals (conducting polymers) Covers current applications in next-generation energy storage devices. Explores the new aspects of conducting polymers with processing, tunable properties, nanostructures and engineering strategies of conducting polymers for energy storage. Presents up-to-date coverage of a large, rapidly growing and complex conducting polymer literature on all-types electrochemical power sources. This book is an invaluable guide for students, professors, scientists, and R&D industrial specialists working in the field of advanced science, nanodevices, flexible electronics, and energy science.

Essential oils This exciting new volume, written and edited by some of the world’s foremost experts in the field, provides up-to-date information about the chemical structure of essential oils, as well as their therapeutic and biological actions. It defines their functional uses while evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of their application in various sectors. Essential oils have been used by global communities for centuries, for different purposes such as medicinal, flavoring, preservatives, perfumery, aromatherapy, dentistry, cosmetics, insecticide, fungicide, and bactericide, among others. Essential oils are natural and biodegradable substances, usually non-toxic or with low toxicity to humans. Essential oils are botanical products that have volatile nature, known for their special odor, and found to be effective in the treatment of oxidative stress, cancer, epilepsy, skin allergies, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems, etc. Essential oils principally enhance resistance to abiotic stress and protection against aquatic herbivores. They possess antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. Essential oils are known to be volatile and susceptible to degradation from various ambient conditions, including temperature, air, light, and humidity, which limits their applications. Encapsulation is a proven technique that can protect essential oils and enable their use in various applications. This book aims to provide current knowledge on the chemical structure, therapeutic, and biological activities of essential oils, as well as to describe their functional uses and assess the benefits and drawbacks of their usage in various fields. By exploring the latest research on essential oils and their encapsulation, this book offers valuable insights and practical guidance for anyone interested in the science and application of these fascinating compounds.

Sustainable Materials for Electrochemical Capacitors details the progress in the usage of ubiquitous environmentally sustainable materials. Due to their cost effectiveness, flexible forms, frequent accessibility, and environmentally friendly nature, electrochemical capacitors with significant surface areas of their carbon components are quite common. Many novel ways for using bio-derived components in highly efficient electrochemical capacitors are being established as a consequence of current research, and this book provides details of all these developments.

Microbial biosurfactant compounds are a group of structurally diverse molecules produced by microorganisms, and are mainly categorized according to their chemical structure. The diversity of microbial biosurfactants makes them versatile and means that they offer a range of capabilities, while at the same time being economically sustainable. As such, they have potential applications in environmental processes, as well as in food, biomedicine and other industries. This book discusses innovative approaches and cutting-edge research that utilize the various properties of biosurfactants. Drawing on research from around the globe, it provides an up-to-date review of biosurfactant applications and their importance in fields such as medicine, gene therapy, immunotherapy, antimicrobial bioremediation and agriculture. It also discusses their anti-adhesive properties. The book will appeal to academics and researchers in the field of microbiology, as well as policymakers. It also serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences.

Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications The 2nd edition of this successful Handbook explores the extensive and growing applications made with bioplastics and biocomposites for the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Bioplastics are materials that are being researched as a possible replacement for petroleum-based traditional plastics to make them more environmentally friendly. They are made from renewable resources and may be naturally recycled through biological processes, conserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions. The 30 chapters in the Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications discuss a wide range of technologies and classifications concerned with bioplastics and biocomposites with their applications in various paradigms including the engineering segment. Chapters cover the biobased materials; recycling of bioplastics; biocomposites modeling; various biomedical and engineering-based applications including optical devices, smart materials, cosmetics, drug delivery, clinical, electrochemical, industrial, flame retardant, sports, packaging, disposables, and biomass. The different approaches to sustainability are also treated. Audience The Handbook will be of central interest to engineers, scientists, and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great importance to engineers in many industries including automotive, biomedical, construction, and food packaging.

Continually growing environmental concerns are driving every, or almost every, country on the planet towards cleaner and greener energy production. This ultimately leaves no option other than using hydrogen as a fuel that has almost no adverse environmental impact. But hydrogen poses several hazards in terms of human safety as its mixture of air is prone to potential detonations and fires. In addition, the permeability of cryogenic storage can induce frostbite as it leaks through metal pipes. In short, there are lot of challenges at every step to strive for emission-free fuel. In addition to these challenges, there are many emerging technologies in this area. For example, as the density of hydrogen is very low, efficient methods are being developed and engineered to store it in small volumes. This groundbreaking new volume describes the production of hydrogen from various sources along with the protagonist materials involved. Further, the extensive and novel materials involved in conversion technologies are discussed. Also covered here are the details of storage materials of hydrogen for both physical and chemical systems. Both renewal and non-renewal sources are examined as feedstocks for the production of hydrogen. The non-renewal feedstocks mainly of petroleum are the major contributor to date but there is a future perspective in a renewal source comprising mainly of water splitting via electrolysis, radiolysis, thermolysis, photocatalytic water splitting, and biohydrogen routes. Whether for the student, veteran engineer, new-hire, or other industry professional, this is a must-have for any library.