This book examines the commercial role of various microbial polysaccharides and recent advances in their production. Offering an overview of the physiological role, biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, it also explores the current challenges regarding bioprocessing for the production of polysaccharides.

This book presents a comprehensive overview on origin, structure, properties, modification strategies and applications of the biopolymer lignin. It is organized into four themed parts. The first part focuses on the analysis and characterization of the second most abundant biopolymer. The following part is devoted to the biological aspects of lignin such as biosynthesis and degradation. In the third part, chemical modification strategies and the preparation of composites as well as nano- and microparticles are discussed.The final part addresses the industrial application of lignin and its derivatives, as well as lignin materials. The usage for synthesis of biofuels, fine chemicals and in agriculture and food industry is covered. This book is a comprehensive source for researchers, scientists and engineers working in the field of biopolymers as well as renewable materials and sources.

Studying tourist behavior-what tourists do, what their preferences are, etc.-provides helpful information for designing new tourism products, for policymaking, and for developing effective tourism marketing strategies. This informative volume offers a diverse selection of chapters on research related to the customer behavior of tourists. With chapters from tourism professionals from around the world, the volume presents research work, new perspectives, and case studies of tourist behavior from varied cultural and geographical backgrounds. The volume addresses relationship management at different types of tourist destinations, such as spas and museums; the creation and sustainability of tourism luxury brands; the continuing growing influence of social media and digital technology on tourist choices; gauging tourists' motivation, satisfaction, and return-trip intentions; the role of tourism activities on destination choice; perspectives and case studies on heritage tourism, and more. The book also includes a chapter on how virtual reality, streaming, and livestreaming during the COVID pandemic affected tourism and goes on to makes predictions for tourist behavior in the post-COVID-19 era.

This book provides comprehensive description of polymeric membranes in water treatment and remediation. It describes both the sustainability challenges and new opportunities to use membranes for water decontamination. It also discusses the environmental-related issues, challenges and advantages of using membrane-based systems and provides comprehensive description of various polymeric membranes, nanomaterials, biomolecules and their integrated systems for wastewater treatment. Various topics covered in this book are direct pressure-driven and osmotic-driven membrane processes, hybrid membrane processes (such as membrane bioreactors and integrating membrane separation with other processes), and resource recovery-oriented membrane-based processes. The book will be useful for students, researchers and professionals working in the area of materials science and environmental chemistry.

This book emphasizes various challenges and opportunities in biopolymers and identifying their potential applications in various fields including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. It offers an overview of the environmental-related issues, regulatory and legislative issues, green extraction technologies, and sustainability challenges. It will be interesting and valuable for researchers working in the related field.

This book provides information about the sources, structure, and properties of keratin as well as its applications. The extraction from different biomass sources (e.g. feathers, hairs, nails, horn, hoof, and claws) as well as the characterization methods of these extracted materials are explained. The development of bioproducts from keratins is challenging and limited since they are neither soluble in polar solvents nor in non-polar solvents. Therefore, the utilization of different microorganisms for the degradation of keratin is also discussed. The main aim of this book is to highlight the unique features of keratin and to update readers with the possible prospects to develop various value-added products from keratins. The book is highly interesting to researchers working in industry and academia on bioproducts, tissue engineering, biocomposites, biofilm, and biofibers.

Offering a comprehensive view of water-treatment technologies, Nanomaterials for Water Treatment and Remediation explores recent developments in the use of advanced nanomaterials (ANMs) for water treatment and remediation. In-depth reaction mechanisms in water-treatment technologies, including adsorption, catalysis, and membrane filtration for water purification using ANMs, are discussed in detail. The book includes an investigation of the fabrication processes of nanostructured materials and the fundamental aspects of surfaces at the nanoscale. The book also covers the removal of water-borne pathogens and microbes through a photochemical approach. FEATURES Explains various chemical treatments for the removal and separation of hazardous dyes, organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals from aqueous solutions, including adsorption, advanced oxidation process, and photocatalysis Discusses the rational design of nanoporous materials with a tunable pore structure and fabrication of nanomaterials by surface chemistry engineering Covers the role of nanomaterials-assisted oxidation and reduction processes, design of nano-assisted membrane-based separation, and multifunctional nanomaterials and nanodevices for water treatment Provides an understanding of the structure-activity relationship and stability of ANMs under critical experimental conditions Identifies potential challenges in the application of multifunctional ANMs for future research Nanomaterials for Water Treatment and Remediation is aimed at researchers and industry professionals in chemical, materials, and environmental engineering as well as related fields interested in the application of advanced materials to water treatment and remediation.

With the increasing need and demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, the field of postharvest science is continuously evolving. Endeavors are being made by scientists involved in postharvest research for maintenance of the quality and safety of fresh horticultural produce to enhance the postharvest life and to extend the availability of the produce in both time and space. This volume, Emerging Postharvest Treatment of Fruits and Vegetables, addresses the demand for the development and application of effective technologies for preservation of perishable food products, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. It provides an abundance of up-to-date information about postharvest treatments. The chapters discuss a number of innovative technologies to prolong and enhance postharvest fruits and vegetables. This book will be valuable for those concerned with horticulture and postharvest technology. It provides essential information for students, teachers, professors, scientists, and entrepreneurs engaged in fresh horticultural produce handling related to this field.

This book examines the commercial role of various microbial polysaccharides and recent advances in their production. Offering an overview of the physiological role, biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, it also explores the current challenges regarding bioprocessing for the production of polysaccharides.

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

Maintaining a practical perspective, Python Programming: A Practical Approach acquaints you with the wonderful world of programming. The book is a starting point for those who want to learn Python programming. The backbone of any programming, which is the data structure and components such as strings, lists, etc., have been illustrated with many examples and enough practice problems to instill a level of self-confidence in the reader. Drawing on knowledge gained directly from teaching Computer Science as a subject and working on a wide range of projects related to ML, AI, deep learning, and blockchain, the authors have tried their best to present the necessary skills for a Python programmer. Once the foundation of Python programming is built and the readers are aware of the exact structure, dimensions, processing, building blocks, and representation of data, they can readily take up their specific problems from the area of interest and solve them with the help of Python. These include, but are not limited to, operators, control flow, strings, functions, module processing, object-oriented programming, exception and file handling, multithreading, synchronization, regular expressions, and Python database programming. This book on Python programming is specially designed to keep readers busy with learning fundamentals and generates a sense of confidence by attempting the assignment problems. We firmly believe that explaining any particular technology deviates from learning the fundamentals of a programming language. This book is focused on helping readers attempt implementation in their areas of interest through the skills imparted through this book. We have attempted to present the real essence of Python programming, which you can confidently apply in real life by using Python as a tool. Salient Features Based on real-world requirements and solution. Simple presentation without avoiding necessary details of the topic. Executable programs on almost every topic. Plenty of exercise questions, designed to test readers' skills and understanding. Purposefully designed to be instantly applicable, Python Programming: A Practical Approach provides implementation examples so that the described subject matter can be immediately implemented due to the well-known versatility of Python in handling different data types with ease.

This book presents a comprehensive overview on origin, structure, properties, modification strategies and applications of the biopolymer lignin. It is organized into four themed parts. The first part focuses on the analysis and characterization of the second most abundant biopolymer. The following part is devoted to the biological aspects of lignin such as biosynthesis and degradation. In the third part, chemical modification strategies and the preparation of composites as well as nano- and microparticles are discussed.The final part addresses the industrial application of lignin and its derivatives, as well as lignin materials. The usage for synthesis of biofuels, fine chemicals and in agriculture and food industry is covered. This book is a comprehensive source for researchers, scientists and engineers working in the field of biopolymers as well as renewable materials and sources.

Smart Nanomaterials for Bioencapsulation focuses on the fundamentals, synthesis methods and matrix design for the encapsulation of drugs, drug release, food and nutraceuticals, mechanisms of nano- encapsulated drugs on liposomes, micelles, silica composites, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, and protein inorganic nanohybrids. Providing detailed information on the encapsulation of food and drug derivatives, the book helps create new and modern approaches for both pharmaceutical and nutritional science. The target delivery of pharmacological agents, as well as food additives under various conditions is covered, including sections on systemic release of drug molecules, minimum loss at non-target sites, the accumulation of diseased tissue or organs, and more. Smart nanomaterial-based nanocarriers protect the loaded molecules from premature degradation in the biological environment and enhance bioavailability for cellular uptake. The tuned properties of smart nanomaterials, such as porosity, pore-volume, surface area-to-volume ratio, coating with inert and labile materials, and more help determine the in vivo performance of the bioencapsulated food and drug derivatives.

This book emphasizes various challenges and opportunities in biopolymers and identifying their potential applications in various fields including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. It offers an overview of the environmental-related issues, regulatory and legislative issues,  green extraction technologies, and sustainability challenges. It will be interesting and valuable for researchers working in the related field.

Advances in Nanotechnology for Marine Antifouling surveys the latest research in the application of nanotechnology for biofouling inhibition. The book gathers in-depth information on the various micro and nano-techniques, nanocoatings, polymeric composites paints, methods of application and prevention mechanisms. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across anti-biofouling, nanotechnology, nanomaterials, polymer nanocomposites, coatings, maritime technology, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, and materials science and engineering. This is also essential reading for industrial scientists, engineers, R&D, and other professionals with an interest in the use of nanotechnology for antifouling, particularly in the maritime sector. Nanotechnologies have been recognized as a powerful tool in antifouling strategies with nanocoatings with efficient properties enabling increased durability and performance in the prevention of biofouling and corrosion while replacing potentially more harmful chemicals.

Nanomaterials for Bioreactors and Bioprocessing Applications explores the potential of nanomaterials in improving the efficiency of bioprocessing industries and next-generation bioreactors. The book provides information on various newly synthesized nanomaterials in bioreactors for scaling up the bioprocess to an industrial level, the criteria and properties of nanomaterials to be used in bioprocessing, advantages, challenges while using the nanomaterials, and the economic constraints. In addition, the book also discusses the fate of various nanomaterials in the bioprocess, the chances of product contamination and its prevention. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and biomedical engineers information on the synthesized nanomaterials that are available for bioreactors and bioprocesses, and the various optimized conditions and precautions to be taken.

Nanotechnology for Advanced Biofuels: Fundamentals and Applications highlights emerging techniques for the formulation of fuels using nanotechnology and bio-based concepts. The addition of high-energy nanoparticles and biologically derived molecules in liquid fuel can increase the potential of energy-rich compounds. Key challenges in the production of nanotechnology-based fuels and their combustion or ignition during the operation are covered, along with the emission of oxidized particles and by-products of incomplete combustion and nano-fuels as an emerging field. The bio-based energy-rich fuels are largely diffused in conventionally used fuels. The addition of biofuels and nano-additives to pre-existing fuels can offer opportunities for developing modified fuels in domestic industries with the maximum usage of renewable biomass. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, energy scientists and chemical engineers who want to understand more about how nanotechnology can help create more efficient biofuels.

CO2-philic Polymers, Nanocomposites and Chemical Solvents: Capture, Conversion and Industrial Products is a multidisciplinary book that provides a compilation of concrete information on various polymers, porous materials hydrogels, membranes, nanoparticles, biochar metal-organic frameworks, bioinspired surfaces, polysaccharides, organic solvents, chemicals, eutectic solvents, amine-based chemical compounds, porphyrins, ionic liquids, ceramics and cutting-edge technologies for CO2 sequestration and conversion. Each chapter covers the latest developments and methods of synthesis and applications in the area. The book discusses, in detail, valuable commercial products from CO2, such as ethanol, methanol, formic acid, and precursors of other fine chemicals. The book covers the scientific, technological and practical concepts concerning the research, development and realization of CO2-philic polymers, nanocomposites and chemical solvents. This makes it a valuable resource for academic researchers and graduate students in chemical engineering, materials science and chemical engineers/engineers working in the industry.

Nanotechnology in Paper and Wood Engineering: Fundamentals, Challenges and Applications describes recent advances made in the use of nanotechnology in the paper and pulp industry. Various types of nano-additives commonly used in the paper industry for modification of raw material to enhance final products are included, with other sections covering the imaging applications of nano-papers and nano-woods in pharmaceuticals, biocatalysis, photocatalysis and energy storage. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who are looking to understand how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient manufacturing processes in for the paper and wood industries.

Biopolymeric Nanomaterials: Fundamentals and Applications outlines the fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials. The book also provides information on emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials, including in biomedicine, manufacturing and water purification, as well as assessing their physical, chemical and biological properties. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and biomedical scientists who are seeking to increase their understanding of how polymeric nanomaterials are being used for a range of biomedical and industrial applications. Biopolymeric nanomaterials refer to biocompatible nanomaterials, consisting of biopolymers, such as protein (silk, collagen, gelatin, ss-casein, zein, and albumin), protein-mimicked polypeptides and polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate, pullulan, starch, and heparin). Biopolymeric nanomaterials may be used as i) delivery systems for bioactive compounds in food application, (ii) for delivery of therapeutic molecules (drugs and genes), or for (iii) tissue engineering.

With the increasing need and demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, the field of postharvest science is continuously evolving. Endeavors are being made by scientists involved in postharvest research for maintenance of the quality and safety of fresh horticultural produce to enhance the postharvest life and to extend the availability of the produce in both time and space. This volume, Emerging Postharvest Treatment of Fruits and Vegetables, addresses the demand for the development and application of effective technologies for preservation of perishable food products, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. It provides an abundance of up-to-date information about postharvest treatments. The chapters discuss a number of innovative technologies to prolong and enhance postharvest fruits and vegetables. This book will be valuable for those concerned with horticulture and postharvest technology. It provides essential information for students, teachers, professors, scientists, and entrepreneurs engaged in fresh horticultural produce handling related to this field.