Metabolic engineering is a rapidly evolving field that is being applied for the optimization of many different industrial processes. In this issue of Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology, developments in different areas of metabolic engineering are reviewed. The contributions discuss the application of metabolic engineering in the improvement of yield and productivity - illustrated by amino acid production and the production of novel compounds - in the production of polyketides and extension of the substrate range - and in the engineering of S. cerevisiae for xylose metabolism, and the improvement of a complex biotransformation process.

Giving a fresh, substantial and in-depth overview of the topic, this book brings together the latest results in the field of metabolomics. It comprehensively presents the current state of the metabolomics field by underscoring experimental methods, analysis techniques, standardization practices, and advances in specific model systems. As a result, it helps to significantly broaden our perspective on the principles and strategies underpinning this emerging field.

The present text is a complete revision of the 2nd edition from 2003 of the book with the same title. In recognition of the fast pace at which biotechnology is moving we have rewritten several chapters to include new scientific progress in the field from 2000 to 2010. More important we have changed the focus of the book to support its use, not only in universities, but also as a guide to design new processes and equipment in the bio-industry. A new chapter has been included on the prospects of the bio-refinery to replace many of the oil- and gas based processes for production of especially bulk chemicals. This chapter also serves to make students in Chemical Engineering and in the Bio-Sciences enthusiastic about the whole research field. As in previous editions we hope that the book can be used as textbook for classes, even at the undergraduate level, where chemical engineering students come to work side by side with students from biochemistry and microbiology. To help the chemical engineering students Chapter 1 includes a brief review of the most important parts of microbial metabolism. In our opinion this review is sufficient to understand microbial physiology at a sufficiently high level to profit from the rest of the book. Likewise the bio-students will not be overwhelmed by mathematics, but since the objective of the book is to teach quantitative process analysis and process design at a hands-on level some mathematics and model analysis is needed. We hope that the about 100 detailed examples and text notes, together with many instructive problems will be sufficient to illustrate how model analysis is used, also in Bio-reaction Engineering.

Metabolic engineering is a new field with applications in the production of chemicals, fuels, materials, pharmaceuticals, and medicine at the genetic level. The field's novelty is in the synthesis of molecular biology techniques and the tools of mathematical analysis, which allow rational selection of targets for genetic modification through measurements and control of metabolic fluxes. The objective is to identify specific genetics or environmental manipulations that result in improvements in yield and productivities of biotechnological processes.
Key features of the book are pathway integration and the focus on metabolic flux as a fundamental determinant of cell physiology. The book keeps mathematical complexity to a minimum, and provides a glossary of biological terms to facilitate use of the book by a broader spectrum of readers. A web page exists to communicate updates of the codes and homework problems.

Key Features
* Demonstrates metabolic engineering in action with numerous examples of pathway modification
* Includes methods for identifying key enzymes in metabolic networks
* Contains a comprehensive review of metabolic biochemistry
* Discusses metabolic regulation at the gene, enzyme, operon, and cell levels
* Explains concepts of stoichiometry, kinetics, and thermodynamics of metabolic pathways
* Minimizes mathematical complexity
* Links to a Web page to communicate updates of the software code and homework problems

Integrating recent research on the physiology and modelling of bioreactions and bioreactors, the authors present a comprehensive, unified introduction to the principles and practices of the field. The work features nearly 100 detailed design examples and problems, many of which are suitable for hands-on demonstrations on a personal computer or for expanded research. The text will serve as a highly instructive guide for students in bioengineering and biotechnology, as well as biochemical, chemical, and environmental engineering.

Fermentation Microbiology and Biotechnology, 4th Edition explores and illustrates the broad array of metabolic pathways employed for the production of primary and secondary metabolites, as well as biopharmaceuticals. This updated and expanded edition addresses the whole spectrum of fermentation biotechnology, from fermentation kinetics and dynamics to protein and co-factor engineering. It also sheds light on the new strategies employed by industrialist for increasing tolerance and endurance of microorganisms to the accumulation of toxic wastes in microbial-cell factories. The new edition builds upon the fine pedigree of its earlier predecessors and extends the spectrum of the book to reflect the multidisciplinary and buoyant nature of this subject area. Key Features Covers the whole spectrum of the field from fermentation kinetics to control of fermentation and protein engineering. Includes case studies specifically designed to illustrate industrial applications and current state-of-the-art technologies. Presents the contributions of eminent international academics and industrial experts. Offers new chapters addressing: The prospects and the role of bio-fuels refineries, Control of metabolic efflux to product formation in microbial-cell factories and Improving tolerance of microorganisms to toxic byproduct accumulation in the fermentation vessel.

Metabolic engineering is a rapidly evolving field that is being applied for the optimization of many different industrial processes. In this issue of "Advances in " "Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology," developments in different areas of metabolic engineering are reviewed. The contributions discuss the application of metabolic engineering in the improvement of yield and productivity - illustrated by amino acid production and the production of novel compounds - in the production of polyketides and extension of the substrate range - and in the engineering of "S. cerevisiae" for xylose metabolism, and the improvement of a complex biotransformation process.

Fermentation Microbiology and Biotechnology, 4th Edition explores and illustrates the broad array of metabolic pathways employed for the production of primary and secondary metabolites, as well as biopharmaceuticals. This updated and expanded edition addresses the whole spectrum of fermentation biotechnology, from fermentation kinetics and dynamics to protein and co-factor engineering. It also sheds light on the new strategies employed by industrialist for increasing tolerance and endurance of microorganisms to the accumulation of toxic wastes in microbial-cell factories. The new edition builds upon the fine pedigree of its earlier predecessors and extends the spectrum of the book to reflect the multidisciplinary and buoyant nature of this subject area. Key Features Covers the whole spectrum of the field from fermentation kinetics to control of fermentation and protein engineering. Includes case studies specifically designed to illustrate industrial applications and current state-of-the-art technologies. Presents the contributions of eminent international academics and industrial experts. Offers new chapters addressing: The prospects and the role of bio-fuels refineries, Control of metabolic efflux to product formation in microbial-cell factories and Improving tolerance of microorganisms to toxic byproduct accumulation in the fermentation vessel.

The present text is a complete revision of the 2nd edition from 2003 of the book with the same title. In recognition of the fast pace at which biotechnology is moving we have rewritten several chapters to include new scientific progress in the field from 2000 to 2010. More important we have changed the focus of the book to support its use, not only in universities, but also as a guide to design new processes and equipment in the bio-industry. A new chapter has been included on the prospects of the bio-refinery to replace many of the oil- and gas based processes for production of especially bulk chemicals. This chapter also serves to make students in Chemical Engineering and in the Bio-Sciences enthusiastic about the whole research field. As in previous editions we hope that the book can be used as textbook for classes, even at the undergraduate level, where chemical engineering students come to work side by side with students from biochemistry and microbiology. To help the chemical engineering students Chapter 1 includes a brief review of the most important parts of microbial metabolism. In our opinion this review is sufficient to understand microbial physiology at a sufficiently high level to profit from the rest of the book. Likewise the bio-students will not be overwhelmed by mathematics, but since the objective of the book is to teach quantitative process analysis and process design at a hands-on level some mathematics and model analysis is needed. We hope that the about 100 detailed examples and text notes, together with many instructive problems will be sufficient to illustrate how model analysis is used, also in Bio-reaction Engineering.

Public diplomacy and nation branding have recently been important topics in the diplomatic communities around the world and the importance for governments of reaching out to foreign publics has been recognized like never before. This book explores why these concepts have risen to prominence amongst several ministries of foreign affairs, particularly in Europe and North America, lately and have become an integrated part of their diplomatic strategy. Whether public diplomacy and nation branding will contribute to an increased efficiency in reaching foreign policy goals is still unclear and is investigated in detail. From a foundation of a history of diplomatic practice the author explores if this new trend signifies a new era of diplomacy and international relations, or if it is merely an added function in a modern ministry of foreign affairs with little impact on the way diplomacy and communication between states have been conducted. This book will help provide a better understanding of the latest trends in diplomacy for the practitioner, student of international relations or any person with a general interest in diplomacy and political communication.