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This textbook covers the scientific basics of molecular bioengineering, a new field where technology meets biology and chemistry, and the fundamental knowledge required for students to understand molecular mechanisms beyond biological phenomena. The textbook focuses on the role of proteins in biomolecular machinery, and it is divided into 2 parts: Part I covers the molecular thermodynamics of biological systems, and Part II discusses the computational aspects behind protein structure prediction and molecular dynamics. In the first part of the textbook, students will find comprehensive explanations of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, which are the basis to understand how molecular properties translate into macroscopic. Part I also offers an introduction to proteins and concepts like intermolecular forces, volumetric properties of fluids, ionization equilibria and salting-out, and protein binding and protein-protein interactions. In the second part of the textbook, students will learn about protein structure prediction and analysis, systems biology and structure-based protein networks, and computational tools and approaches for molecular dynamics simulations and protein binding and protein-protein interactions.This textbook adds to the scholarly debate with a unique contribution, addressing important new areas of biophysical chemistry and molecular biophysics not covered in currently available textbooks. Given its breadth, the textbook is suitable for courses in molecular biophysics, biochemistry, physical chemistry and bioengineering, and will also appeal to researchers and professionals in these fields.Part I of this book is a translation from its Italian original manuscript done with the help of artificial intelligence. A subsequent human revision of the content was done by the author. Springer Nature works continuously to further the development of tools for the production of books and on the related technologiesto support the authors.

This book focuses on bioinformatics, the study of the management and analysis of information used in biological systems. Particular emphasis explains to the reader how to study and extract useful information, such as relatedness of species, function of specific sequences, and genome organization from genomic sequences. This book focuses on the algorithmic aspects of bioinformatics and not on databases and software packages. There are two important discriminating characteristics that sets the book apart. It connects the algorithmic aspects and approaches to bioinformatics with the biological context while maintaining a user friendly and accessible description of the algorithms. The authors have curated the content for use a stand alone reference or the book will fit a one semester course on the subject.

This book introduces novel purification technology for the complex oligonucleotide libraries. Since the concept of synthesizing oligonucleotides (oligos) has been proposed, research fields such as nucleic acid-based therapies (CRISPR-Cas9, DNA/RNA vaccines, RNAi), synthetic biology, protein engineering, and DNA-based data storage have bloomed. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the potential of nucleic acid-based technologies, such as vaccines or diagnostics. As they emerge as the most promising weapons against the current pandemic, increasing need for highly accessible nucleic acid purification technologies is expected. To meet this demand, an oligo purification technology that can be applied to complex oligo libraries and can purify oligos with single-base resolution is developed. In addition, the purification technology can be applied to highly complex oligo libraries of different lengths, enabling the simultaneous purification of complex oligo libraries with different lengths. The proposed technology can be easily accessed by users and would help accelerate numerous research fields that utilize oligos as fundamental building blocks.

This book describes the development of novel protein–RNA-binding assays and their applications in a high-throughput manner for the identification of small-molecule modulators of protein–RNA interactions to treat cancer and COVID-19. Modulating protein–RNA interactions with small molecules is expected to provide novel biological insights of the interrelation of diseases with the protein–RNA interactome. The modulations may also be exploited therapeutically. For these reasons, the development of a simple, reliable, and sensitive protein–RNA-binding assay is necessary for high-throughput screening to discover new effective chemical entities capable of acting on diverse protein–RNA interactions. This book discusses the discovery of small-molecule modulators targeting protein–RNA interactions that are potentially valuable to treat cancer and COVID-19 by constructing novel high-throughput screening methods. The results of this dissertation provide valuable insights into the regulation of protein–RNA interactions in chemical biology and drug development.

After learning a huge text, the theories and practices are abstracted in the form of mind charts or brief summaries in the mind. The purpose of this collection is to quickly recall the understanding of Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology up to post graduate level.

This book reviews alternative and renewable energy resources in order to pave the way for a more sustainable production in the future. A multi-disciplinary team of authors provides a comprehensive overview of current technologies and future trends, including solar technologies, wind energy, hydropower, microbial electrochemical systems and various biomass sources for biofuel production. In addition, the book focuses on solutions for developing countries. Conventional energy sources are finite, and estimates suggest that they will be exhausted within a few decades. Finding a solution to this problem is a global challenge, and developing countries in particular are still highly dependent on fossil fuels due to their rapidly growing populations accompanied by a huge growth in primary energy consumption. Moreover, the most common conventional energy sources (coal and petroleum) are non-sustainable since their combustion exponentially increases greenhouse gas emissions. As such, there is a pressing need for clean energy based on alternative or renewable resources, not only to ensure energy supplies at an affordable price but also to protect the environment.

This book provides an indispensable reference guide to the sustainable control and treatment of biomass residues from a wide variety of agroindustrial sources, e.g. sugarcane, livestock, pulp & paper, food wastes, among others. Pursuing a structured and clear approach, the book opens with a general introduction to biomass, sustainability and environmental chemistry aspects, and on how the use of biomass as a renewable material ties into the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The book subsequently presents analytical methods applied to different biomass types and their residues and reviews monitoring and treatment strategies in order to avoid pollution of the same. The book closes by describing the value chains, bioeconomy and circular economy for globally relevant agroindustrial biomass. The book is intended for researchers in academia and industry alike and shows how, in addition to sustainability criteria and life cycle assessments, integrating environmental chemistry aspects can contribute to a holistic approach, and unlock the economic potential of biomass in the age of circular economy and sustainable development.

This book explains both the basic science and the applications of biotechnology-derived pharmaceuticals, with special emphasis on their clinical uses. The foundations of pharmaceutical biotechnology lie mainly in the capability of plants, microorganism, and animals to produce low and high molecular weight compounds useful as therapeutics. Pharmaceutical biotechnology has flourished since the advent of recombinant DNA technology and metabolic engineering, supported by the well-developed bioprocess technology. A large number of monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins have been approved, delivering meaningful contributions to patients'lives, and the techniques of biotechnology are also a driving force in modern drug discovery. Due to this rapid growth in the importance of biopharmaceuticals and the techniques of biotechnologies to modern medicine and the life sciences, the field of pharmaceutical biotechnology has become an increasingly important component in the educationof pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. This book will serve as a complete one-stop source on the subject for undergraduate and graduate pharmacists, pharmaceutical science students, and pharmaceutical scientists in industry and academia.

'There is a growing demand for investigation of biofilm mechanisms in detail for the purpose of controlling diseases as well as for harnessing their potential for industrial biotechnology applications. Although biofilms have greater roles in disease biology and offer better yields than suspended cells in bioprocesses, little emphasis has placed on biofilms in several universities'curricula. This book aims to provide a basic understanding about biofilm formation, factors influencing biofilm formations, and engineering strategies for improving or inhibiting the growth of biofilms. This book will serve as course material for the undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty who are interested in offering a course on biofilm engineering. This book covers techniques that are relevant to biofilm characterization, which will be helpful for the researchers to gain basic understanding about the subject'--

The current book gives an excellent insight into downstream processing technology and explains how to establish a successful strategy for an efficient recovery, isolation and purification of biosynthetic products. In addition to the overview of purification steps and unit operations, the authors provide practical information on capital and operating costs related to downstream processing.

For the majority of the world's population, medicinal and aromatic plants are the most important source of life-saving drugs. Biotechnological tools represent important resources for selecting, multiplying and conserving the critical genotypes of medicinal plants. In this regard, in-vitro regeneration holds tremendous potential for the production of high-quality plant-based medicines, while cryopreservation – a long-term conservation method using liquid nitrogen – provides an opportunity to conserve endangered medicinal and aromatic plants. In-vitro production of secondary metabolites in plant cell suspension cultures has been reported for various medicinal plants, and bioreactors represent a key step toward the commercial production of secondary metabolites by means of plant biotechnology. Addressing these key aspects, the book contains 29 chapters, divided into three sections. Section 1: In-vitro production of secondary metabolites Section 2: In-vitro propagation, genetic transformation and germplasm conservation Section 3: Conventional and molecular approaches

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science.Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification.In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

Among the major challenges facing society today, seeking renewable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and manufactured goods is critically important to reducing society's dependency on petroleum and tackling environmental issues associated with petroleum use. In recent years there has been considerable research targeted toward the development of plant-derived bioproducts to replace petrochemical feedstocks for both fuel and manufacturing. Plants not only provide a large amount of renewable biomass, but their biochemical diversity also offers many chemical and molecular tools for the production of new products through biotechnology. Plant Bioproducts is an introduction to the production and application of plant bioproducts, including biofuels, bioplastics, and biochemicals for the manufacturing sector. Contributing authors examine various bioproducts with respect to their basic chemistry, relationship to current petrochemical-based products,and strategies for their production in plants. Chapters cover the integrated roles of agronomy, plant breeding, biotechnology, and biorefining in the context of bioproduct development. Environmental, economic, ethical, and social issues surrounding bioproducts, including the use of genetically modified crops, challenges to food security, and consumer acceptance, are also covered.

This Brief covers broad areas of Applied Biology specifically into the domains of Biotechnology/Biomedicine and Forensic Science. Chapters included here would also explain the role of bioinformatics in protein and gene characterization, modeling of the protein structure, survey related to the chromosomal effect on Human Disorders like Diabetes and Cardiac Problems. This Brief is full of Innovative Literature like Use of Microbes in Electricity Production, Brain connection to Type 2 Diabetes etc. Interesting issues in Forensic biology and the aspects of Bioforensics like STR profiling of exhumed bones makes this brief truly useful and informative for Researchers. It also includes the advancements and new ideologies in understanding crop improvements & crop quality. This Brief witnesses Innovative Research related to the Bio and Agri software development too which are capable of accelerating Insilico biological data analysis.

Despite achievements in the application of enzymes, antibodies and biological receptors to diagnostics and sensing, the last two decades have also witnessed the emergence of a number of alternative technologies based on synthetic chemistry. This volume shows how synthetic receptors can be designed with characteristics that make them attractive alternatives to biological molecules in the sensory and diagnostics fields, with contributions from leading experts in the area. Subjects covered include synthetic receptors for a range of biomolecules, the use of antimicrobial peptides for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms, the development of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles, the in silico design of MIPs and MIP-based sensors, and two chapters examining the development of sensors from an industrial point of view. The particular focus of all chapters is on practical aspects, either in the development process or the applications of the synthesized materials. This book will serve as an important reference work for business leaders and technology experts in the sensors and diagnostics sector.

Enzyme Technology is one the most promising disciplines in modern biotechnology. In this book, the applications of a wide variety of enzymes are highlighted. Current studies in enzyme technology are focused towards the discovery of novel enzymes (termed “bio-discovery” or “bio-prospecting”) and the identification and elucidation of novel pathways of these novel enzymes with emphasis on their industrial relevance. With the development of molecular techniques and other bioinformatics tools, the time to integrate this subject with other fields in the life sciences has arrived. A rapid expansion of the knowledge base in the field of enzyme biotechnology has occurred over the past few years. Much of this expansion has been driven by the bio-discovery of many new enzymes from a wide range of environments, some extreme in nature, followed by subsequent protein (enzyme) engineering. These enzymes have found a wide range of applications, ranging from bioremediation, bio-monitoring, biosensor development, bioconversion to biofuels and other biotechnologically important value-added products. Hydrolases constitute a major component of the global annual revenue generated by industrial enzymes and the emphasis has therefore been placed on these enzymes and their applications. With the immense interest of researchers active in this area, this book will serve to provide information on current aspects in this field of study. In the current edition, the contributions of many diversified topics towards establishing new directions of research in the area of enzyme biotechnology are described. This book serves to provide a unique source of information to undergraduates, post graduates and doctoral courses in microbiology and biotechnology along with allied life sciences. The present edition of the book covers all important areas of enzyme biotechnology i.e. the wide variety of enzymes in the field of enzyme biotechnology and their industrial applications, new methods andstate-of-the-art information on modern methods of enzyme discovery. This book will act as good resource on most of the current facets of enzyme technology for all students engaged in bioengineering and biotechnology.

This book highlights the contribution in the very recent past made by Indian scientists in India. This Volume proves-detail and up-to-date chapters about the advancement of biochemistry and biotechnology. This book contains chapter such as Current Changing Scenario of Biotechnology and Biochemistry; Recent Developments in Chondrocyte Cultures and Cartilage Engineering; Human Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor: A Therapeutic Protein; Chemical Analysis of Leaves of Cestrum diurnum (L) (Solanales: Solanaceae) and Seasonal Variation of Some Primary and Secondary Biochemicals; Protein Folding Pathways; Its Kinetics and Related Functions; Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins from Bacteria, Animal and Plant Cells; Programmed Cell Death: An Overview; Biocatalysis: An Emerging Field in the Synthesis of Eenatio-Pure Compounds; Use of Immunostimulant in Aquaculture; Application of Environmental Biotechnological Tools in Water Resource Development; Induced Breeding Techniques for Aquaculture; Pharmacogenomics Based Emerging Drug Discovery Strategies. This book will be of immense value to the researchers, both the postgraduate and undergraduate students desirous of replenishing latest information on advance of Biotechnology and Biochemistry

Is red wine good for you? And if so, why? How much? And what are the actual benefits? This addition to the SpringerBriefs in Cell Biology series thoroughly but succinctly answers these questions. It covers the biochemistry, health benefits and therapeutic potential of wine grapes. It begins with an overview of phytoalexin production in Vitis vinifera (Common Grape Vine), detailing the relationship of resveratrol to analogues such as pterostilbene, piceid and the viniferins (resveratrol oligomers). The discussion then turns to the hundreds of reports linking resveratrol and related grape vine polyphenols to various beneficial health effects especially cardio- and cerebro- vascular, metabolic, anti-inflammatory and more. Also addressed are the numerous intracellular mechanisms that have been shown to mediate the effects of these compounds in mammalian cells and tissues. Finally, the authors discuss aspects of polyphenol bioavailability and how this will influence choices taken for delivering these compounds as nutritional supplements. A brief chapter containing general conclusions and prospectus rounds out the information. ​

The second edition of Bioscience and Bioengineering of Titanium Materials is an essential resource for anyone researching titanium in its fundamental aspects and in medical/dental applications. The book organizes and processes the findings from over 2,000 published articles and studies into a coherent and easily accessible volume, deftly weaving together older and newer technologies to give a clear overview. Bridging the gap between medical/dental and engineering/technology areas, the book covers material classification, fabrication and modification, as well as applications and biological reactions to titanium implants. The author, with extensive work in academics and industry, helps medical practitioners and students answer many practical questions, including: What is titanium? What type of titanium materials should I use in this case? How can I fabricate my design using titanium? Are there any alternative materials or methods? In the second edition, macro-, micro-, and nano-texturing of titanium surfaces, tissue engineering-related materials including scaffolds, and functionally graded materials and structures are extensively included and analyzed. - Provides quick access to the primary literature in this field - Up-to-date information on nanoscience and nanotechnology developments - Helps answer questions about the most appropriate materials to use and when to use them

For the past decade, new research fields utilizing microfluidics have been formed. General micro-integration methods were proposed, and the supporting fundamental technologies were widely developed. These methodologies have made various applications in the fields of analytical and chemical synthesis, and their superior performances such as rapid, simple, and high efficient processing have been proved. Recently, the space is further downscaling to 101-103nm scale (we call the space extended-nano space). The extended-nano space located between the conventional nanotechnology (100-101nm) and microtechnology (>1μm), and the research tools are not well established. In addition, the extended-nano space is a transient space from single molecules to bulk condensed phase, and fluidics and chemistry are not unknown. For these purposes, basic methodologies were developed, and new specific phenomena in fluidics and chemistry were found. These new phenomena were applied to unique chemical operations such as concentration and ion selection. The new research fields which are now being created are quite different from those in microspace. Unique devices are also increasingly being reported. In this book, we describe the fundamental technologies for extended-nano space and show the unique liquid properties found in this space and applications for single molecule or cell analysis.The research area is very new and hence, exciting. In contrast to other specialized areas, the research fields require wide knowledge (chemistry, fluidics, mechanics, photonics, biology etc.) and state-of-the-art technologies (bottom-up and top-down fabrication for various hard and soft materials, precise fluidic control, single molecule detection methods, and particle surface modification methods etc.), which have not been not covered by conventional review papers or books. Therefore, researchers or students new to the field need a new book covering these fields including recent research topics, applications and problems to be solved in the future. Our motivation is to summarize the state-of-the-art technologies for research and demonstrate new chemistry and fluidics in extended-nano space for students and researchers in academia or industry. We also emphasize the potential large impact microfluidic technologies have on chemistry and biochemistry.

Several books and many papers have been published during the last decade on the design and the use of new nanomaterials in medicine and technology, which describe major concepts of nanotechnology. Meanwhile, a new promising type of nanomaterials-bacteriophages-emerged recently as a result of the evolution of phage display technique. Bacteriophages have a unique feature - completely the opposite of other nanomaterials -their structure and function are encrypted in their genomic DNA, which can be intentionally modified or even rewritten using routine genetic engineering techniques. In particular, a paradigm of landscape phage with multivalently displayed foreign peptides evolved, which allows constructing phage with unique surface architectures and emerged properties. Recently, phage, as a new kind of nanomaterials attracted the attention of specialists working in peripheral, and even very diverse areas from genetics and molecular biology, such as pharmaceutical science, material science, microelectronics, biosensors, detection, environmental sciences, etc. Penetration of the phage technology into these new disciplines required the development of a new instructive concept, which resulted in this publication. This comprehensive book, of value to researchers as well as scientists, introduces readers into this hot new area of phage nanobiotechnology. It summarises the existing data on the phage nanomaterials and discusses their use in different areas of medicine, science and technology. With contributions by top level experts and pioneers in phage display, the major goal of this book is to bring the phage display technique closer to specialists in these diverse areas of medicine, science and technology, where phage-derived nanomaterials can be most beneficial.

This is a comprehensive review of the current state of stem cell bioengineering from authorities in the field. The first part of the book includes the basic research work on stem cells and bioengineering carried out by various laboratories. The second part consists of a review of the current development of various microcapsules in stem cell therapy. The last part will summarize the overall clinical trials on stem cell therapy and myocardial regeneration as well as the most updated personal experience recently completed by well-known experts in this field.

Nanodiamonds: Applications in Biology and Nanoscale Medicine highlights the translation of nanodiamonds toward clinical relevance and medical applications. Integrating a spectrum of internationally-recognized experts currently developing these technologies, this book fits as a cornerstone of this exciting field. These include contributions from clinician scientists working at the interface of medicine and nanotechnologies which discuss the critical and requisite properties of nanomaterials, in a concise and cohesive manner. Nanodiamonds: Applications in Biology and Nanoscale Medicine provides a multidisciplinary overview of nanodiamonds and there uses for scientific, engineering and clinical audiences alike.

Protein hydrolysates, otherwise commonly known as peptones or peptides, are used in a wide variety of products in fermentation and biotechnology industries. The term “peptone” was first introduced in 1880 by Nagelli for growing bacterial cultures. However, later it was discovered that peptones derived from the partial digestion of proteins would furnish organic nitrogen in readily available form. Ever since, p- tones, which are commonly known as protein hydrolysates, have been used not only for growth of microbial cultures, but also as nitrogen source in commercial fermen- tions using animal cells and recombinant microorganisms for the production of value added products such as therapeutic proteins, hormones, vaccines, etc. Today, the characterization, screening and manufacturing of protein hyd- lysates has become more sophisticated, with the introduction of reliable analytical instrumentation, high throughput screening techniques coupled with statistical design approaches, novel enzymes and efficient downstream processing equipment. This has enabled the introduction of custom-built products for specialized appli- tions in diverse fields of fermentation and biotechnology, such as the following. 1. Protein hydrolysates are used as much more than a simple nitrogen source. For example, the productivities of several therapeutic drugs made by animal cells and recombinant microorganisms have been markedly increased by use of p- tein hydrolysates. This is extremely important when capacities are limited. 2. Protein hydrolysates are employed in the manufacturing of vaccines by ferm- tation processes and also used as vaccine stabilizers.

In terms of structural complexity, the natural world presents innumerable examples of stunning beauty and high functionality, usually with the minimum of material and energy expenditure. Materials chemists can harness these amazing structures as ready-made scaffolds on which to grow inorganic phases which replicate the underlying complexity, thereby producing materials with greatly enhanced physical properties. This book comprehensively describes the entire range of natural materials that have been used in this way and the inorganic phases which result from them. The book covers simple molecules such as cellulose and chitin, to large biological constructs such as bacterial proteins, viruses and pollen. Practically every inorganic material has been synthesized using biotemplating methods and the book reflects this, ranging from simple oxides and carbonates such as silica and calcite, to complex semi- and superconducting materials. The book also discusses the formation of these materials from a mechanistic point of view, thereby enabling the reader to better understand the processes involved in biotemplated mineralization.

This book contains a compilation of papers presented at the II International Conference on Environmental, Industrial and Applied Microbiology (BioMicroWorld2007) held in Seville, Spain on 28 November - 1 December 2007, where over 550 researchers from about 60 countries attended and presented their cutting-edge research. The main goals of this book are to: (1) identify new approaches and research opportunities in applied microbiology, presenting works that link microbiology with research areas usually related to other scientific and engineering disciplines; and (2) communicate current research priorities and progress in the field. The contents of this book mirror this focus.Microbiologists interested in environmental, industrial and applied microbiology and, in general, scientists whose research fields are related to applied microbiology can find an overview of the current state of the art in the topic. In addition to the more general topic, some chapters are devoted to specific branches of microbiology research, such as bioremediation; biosurfactants; microbial factories; biotechnologically relevant enzymes and proteins; microbial physiology, metabolism and gene expression; and future bioindustries.

Grapevine is one of the most widely cultivated plant species worldwide. With the publication of the grapevine genome sequence in 2007, a new horizon in grapevine research has unfolded. Thus, we felt that a new edition of ‘Molecular Biology & Biotechnology of the Grapevine'could expand on all the latest scientific developments. In this edition and with the aid of 73 scientists from 15 countries, ten chapters describe new aspects of Grapevine Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology and eleven chapters have been revised and updated. This book is intended to be a reference book for researchers, scientists and biotechnological companies, who want to be updated in viticultural research, but also it can be used as a textbook for graduate and undergraduate students, who are interested in the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of Plants with an emphasis on the Grapevine.

There are many books on electron microscopy, however, the study of polymers using EM necessitates special techniques, precautions and preparation methods, including ultramicrotomy. This book discusses the general characteristics of the various techniques of EM, including scanning force microscopy (AFM). The application of these techniques to the study of morphology and properties, particularly micromechanical properties, is described in detail. Examples from all classes of polymers are presented.

Das Wissen über die molekularen Grundlagen der Medizin und seine Anwendung in der klinischen Medizin nimmt mit ungebrochener Dynamik zu. Die 3. Auflage des Buches reflektiert diese Entwicklung: In 22 Kapiteln werden allgemeine Grundlagen, experimentelle Modelle, Diagnostik und Therapie auf dem neuesten Kenntnisstand von ausgewiesenen Experten dargestellt. Neu hinzugekommen sind Kapitel über die Themen, deren zentrale Bedeutung für die Zukunft der Molekularen Medizin absehbar ist: Pharmakogenetik, Pharmakogenomik, Gentherapie, Bioinformatik und biotechnologische Anwendungen. Die ideale Wissensgrundlage für Interessierte aus allen Fachgebieten, die an den Fortschritten der Molekularen Medizin teilhaben wollen!

Hen eggs have exceptional potential as an inexhaustible source for a variety of products with unique properties. These products are valuable to human health and nutrition and can be used as raw materials for diverse purposes in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Bioactive Egg Compounds presents the latest results and concepts in the biotechnological use of egg compounds. Following an introduction to the different compounds of egg white, yolk and shell, the nutritive value of egg compounds is discussed. Procedures for processing egg compounds to improve their nutritive value are described, including the concept of so-called enriched eggs. Also described is the isolation and application of egg compounds with special properties, such as antibiotic action. The chapters are by authors from 12 countries, all renowned specialists, who are active in various fields of egg research, such as quality control, biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology.

R. VERPOORTE Division of Pharmacognosy, section Metabolomics, IBL, Leiden University PO Box 9502, 2300RA Leiden, The Netherlands, Email: VERPOORT@LACDR.LeidenUniv.NL In the past years the interest in plant secondary has increased rapidly. Three major reasons can be mentioned for this. First because plants are a major source for the production of medicines and the development of novel medicines; second because plants contain health promoting secondary metabolites, third because of the interest in the resistance of plants against pests and diseases in which the secondary metabolism plays a crucial role. Seven years ago we edited a book (Verpoorte and Alfermann 2000) on the engineering of plant secondary metabolism. A general overview was given of plant secondary metabolism, and the strategies one could envisage for engineering plant secondary metabolite pathways. Furthermore, a number of examples were presented describing the state-of-the-art of engineering plant secondary metabolism. Now we have again compiled a series of papers on the engineering of plant metabolism.

The first part of Volume 9 will supply the readers with up-to-date information concerning the necessary theoretical background, both concerning removal of heavy metals from the contaminated environment, and removal, detoxication and even degradation of toxic organic contaminants. Until recently phytoremediation has been discussed mostly in monographs dealing with microbiological remediation methods as a separate chapter, just to illustrate an additional possibility of use of biological systems. This book intends to show especially the importance of cooperation between plant and microorganisms, there is practically no phytoremediation without rhizoremediation. Newest approaches based on methods of molecular biology and genetic engineering are described, as well as plant science achievements. The great advantage of this volume is that the reader will find here in addition to a survey of published data also a lot of original findings, thus supplying an up-to-date review of this quickly developing field of science.

Description based on print version record.

Members of the phylum Echinodermata are among the most familiar marine invertebrates. Forms such as the sea star have become virtually a symbol of sea life. Used in ancient oriental medicine as a source of bioactive compounds, sea cucumbers, sea stars and sea urchins are now used for the extraction and purification of cytotoxic, haemolytic, antiviral, antifungal, antifouling, antimicrobial and even anti-tumoural activities. In addition, of the five extant classes, sea urchins and sea cucumbers are important economic resources for current fishery and aquaculture. Molecular and cell biological techniques described in this book are, on the one hand, indicative of the improvements made over the years and, on the other, stress the need of their further exploitation for the sustainable production of bioactive compounds and their application in biomedicine.

Since the events crucial to plant photosynthesis are now known in molecular detail, this process is no longer nature's secret, but can for the first time be mimicked by technology. Broad in its scope, this book spans the basics of biological photosynthesis right up to the current approaches for its technical exploitation, making it the most complete resource on artificial photosynthesis ever published. The contents draw on the expertise of the Australian Artificial Photosynthesis Network, currently the world's largest coordinated research effort to develop effective photosynthesis technology. This is further backed by expert contributions from around the globe, providing an authoritative overview of current research worldwide.

Gentechnisch hergestellte Produkte werden heute bereits in der Medizin und der Diagnostik, in den Agrarwissenschaften, in der Lebensmitteltechnologie aber auch in zahlreichen Bereichen des täglichen Lebens verwendet. Seit der Einführung des ersten gentechnisch hergestellten Medikamentes im Jahr 1983 hat sich die Gentechnik in rasanter Weise zu einer Schlüsseltechnologie in der Grundlagenforschung, der angewandten Forschung und der Wirtschaft entwickelt.Die Gentechnik, ihre Vorteile und ihre möglichen Risiken, werden heute in der Öffentlichkeit und in den Medien sehr breit und mit viel Engagement diskutiert. Trotz allen Interesses an diesem Thema zeigt es sich immer wieder, dass die Gentechnik in ihren Grundzügen oft nur unvollständig bekannt und verstanden ist.Auch die 3. erweiterte und überarbeitete Auflage dieses erfolgreichen Buches bietet kurz und knapp, im Detail und anschaulich illustriert einen verständlichen Einblick in die Theorie und Praxis der Materie. Hochaktuelle Themen wie Stammzellen in Forschung und Therapie,'Elegante Züchtung'bei transgenen Pflanzen, Sequenzierungsmeilensteine oder Einführungen in Begriffe wie Genomics und Proteomics sind neu hinzugekommen. Durch das Buch wird der Leser vor allem die vielfältigen Verflechtungen zwischen Theorie und Anwendung der Gentechnik erkennen und beurteilen können. Diese neue Auflage soll einen wichtigen Beitrag dazu leisten, dass die Diskussion über Gentechnik um Sachinhalte und nicht um Ideologien geführt wird.

Carbohydrate bioengineering is a rapidly expanding field with many applications in medicine and industry. Presenting state-of-the-art research, Carbohydrate Bioengineering: Interdisciplinary Approaches brings together international experts on many different aspects of this burgeoning topic. Coverage includes: the engineering of glycosidases for constructive purposes; structure-function studies and protein engineering of carbohydrate-active enzymes; chemo-enzymatic carbohydrate synthesis; and trends emerging from comprehensive work on genomes and glycomes. This timely publication will be welcomed by all those needing access to the latest research in the field, including practitioners in the medicinal, chemical, food and pharmaceutical areas.

The present book entitled “Novel Frontiers in the Production of Compounds for Biomedical Uses” can perhaps be placed in its best perspective by the Shakespearean character in The Tempest who exclaimed'What's past is prologue”. Indeed, this compilation of some of the outstanding presentations in the field of biomedicine made at th the 9 European Congress on Biotechnology (Brussels, Belgium, July 11-15, 1999) not only reflects the achievements of the recent past, but provides a privileged glimpse of the biotechnology that is emerging in the first decade of the new Millennium. It is becoming increasingly apparent that biotechnology is offering biomedicine novel approaches and solutions to develop a sorely needed new generation of biopharmaceuticals. This is all the more necessary because in recent years, new diseases have emerged with extraordinary lethality in all corners of the globe, while age-related chronic illnesses have filled the gap wherever biomedicine has made successful inroads. The rise of antibiotic resistance also poses major threats to public health. Thus, as disease patterns evolve, the rational development of new drugs is becoming urgent, not only for the clinical outcome of patients, but also in optimising the allocation of scarce health care resources through the use of cost-effective productions methods. It is in response to all these challenges that biotechnology offers new strategies that go beyond the more traditional approaches. By the mid-1990's, the number of recombinant products approved annually for therapeutic use reached double digits. With the advent of the genomics revolution.

Food biotechnologists are expected to satisfy many requirements related to health benefits, sensory properties and possible long term effects associated with the consumption of food produced via modern biotechnology. The broad selection of papers contained in this book are grouped into the following four chapters; GMO in Food Biotechnology, Food Process and Food Products, Measurements and Quality Control, Legal and Social Aspects of Food Biotechnology. Special attention has focused on plant biotechnology during the last decade because transgenic plants can offer an increase in crop yield and are very economical sources of proteins and other products for industrial, pharmaceutical, veterinary and agricultural use. The content of this book covers many aspects of food biotechnology and presents the main trends and interdisciplinary information in this area.

This third edition of a classic text in biological microscopy includes detailed descriptions and in-depth comparisons of parts of the microscope itself, digital aspects of data acquisition and properties of fluorescent dyes, the techniques of 3D specimen preparation and the fundamental limitations, and practical complexities of quantitative confocal fluorescence imaging. Coverage includes practical multiphoton, photodamage and phototoxicity, 3D FRET, 3D microscopy correlated with micro-MNR, CARS, second and third harmonic signals, ion imaging in 3D, scanning RAMAN, plant specimens, practical 3D microscopy and correlated optical tomography.

Membrane processes have wide industrial ap­ This handbook reviews the published litera­ plications covering many existing and emerging ture, presents an in-depth description of com­ uses in the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum, mercialized membrane processes, and gives a state-of-the-art review of new membrane pro­ environmental, water treatment, pharmaceutic­ al, medical, food, dairy, beverage, paper, tex­ cess concepts under development. It is intended tile, and electronic industries. The existing ap­ to be a single source of underlying principles, membranes, membrane modules, process de­ plications include: (1) dialysis for the purifica­ tion of human blood (the artificial kidney), (2) sign, applications, and cost estimates. It is also electrodialysis for the desalination of brackish a first attempt to bridge the gap between the water to produce potable water, (3) reverse theory and practice. osmosis for the desalination of seawater, (4) There are several groups which may benefit ultrafiltration for the concentration of large pro­ from this handbook. It can be used as educa­ tein molecules from cheese, casein whey, and tional material for industrial personnel engaged milk, and (5) microfiltration for the sterilization in membrane separations. For scientists and of pharmaceutical and medical products, beer, engineers active in research and development in wine, and soft drinks. Since membrane pro­ synthetic membranes, it will serve as a single cesses generally have low capital investment, as source of reference for the entire field.

Genetics seems more popular then ever. DNA technology not only sustains large areas of biomedicine and business, but also prevails in social and legal practices and takes root in cultural products. Since the late 1950s, the public image of genetics metamorphosed from a suspect branch of research into a thriving, well-funded field of biomedicine. Images and imaginations have played a crucial role in the popularization of genetic knowledge. The media played up images of engineered bugs, scientists promoted images of selfish genes and science fiction writers infested the imagination with stories of cloned monsters. Imag e nation examines the role of science, journalism and fiction in the popularization of genetics.