Microbial and Natural Macromolecules

Microbial and Natural Macromolecules: Synthesis and Applications brings together active scientists and academicians in the field who share updated information and research outcomes from global experts. Microbial macromolecular diversity, molecular composure, genetics, usability of advanced molecular tools and techniques for their study as well as their applicability are discussed with detailed research perspectives. Illustrates fundamental discoveries and methodological advancements Discusses novel functional attributes of macromolecules Updates progress on microbial macromolecular research

This volume of Advances in Microbial Ecology marks a change in the editor ship of the series. The Editorial Board wishes to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to Martin Alexander, the founding editor and editor of the first five volumes, for his enterprise in establishing the series and in ensuring that Advances has become an outstanding focal point for the identification of new developments in the rapidly expanding field of microbial ecology. With the publication of this volume, we welcome Howard Slater to the Editorial Board. The policies of the Editorial Board remain the same as before. Most con tributions to Advances in Microbial Ecology will be solicited by the Board. However, individuals are encouraged to submit outlines of unsolicited contri butions to the Board for consideration for inclusion in the series. Advances is designed to serve an international audience and to provide critical reviews on basic and applied aspects of microbial ecology. Contributions in the present volume are predominantly concerned with the ecology of aquatic microorganisms, but encompass a variety of approaches to this area. The exception is the chapter by J. W. Doran on the role of micro organisms in the cycling of selenium. G-Y. Rhee discusses the effects of envi ronmental factors on phytoplankton growth. The factors limiting the produc tivity of freshwater microbial ecosystems are considered by H. W. Paerl.

Global plastic production is estimated to be over 300Mt annually. Most conventional plastics are predominantly produced from fossil fuels and are highly resistant to biodegradation, and only a small share of about 20% of spent plastics is believed to be recycled, which is a cause for environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics would solve this concern as they are a sustainable alternative, yet these do not even cover 5% of the global plastic market. Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a versatile group of polyesters produced by nature as prokaryotic storage materials. PHAs can be produced through sustainable bioprocess engineering and have displayed remarkable flexibility in their physical and chemical properties. PHAs are the subject of several scientific papers and numerous PHA patents have also been filed, generating significant interest in the plastic production industry. To develop overall sustainable and efficient production processes, all bioprocess steps need to be thoroughly understood and accounted for. These processes start with the selection of suitable inexpensive raw materials (microbes and enzymes), optimizing the process engineering and process regime, and conclude with the enhancement of product recovery in terms of time, energy, and material input. Microbial Biopolyester Production, Performance and Processing: Bioengineering, Characterization, and Sustainability is a compilation of eight chapters covering bacterial polyesters, green plastics and PHAs from various angles. The contents of this volume focus on sustainable practices focus on the sustainability of processes that involve the synthesis and recycling of these meterials. The volume is a useful resource for bioprocess engineers, microbiologists, biotechnologists and chemical engineers interested in the basics of biodegradable plastic production.

Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes compiles the latest research and advancement in the field of volatiles, metabolites synthesized from the microbial strains such as actinomycetes, bacteria, cyanobacteria, and fungal species and their potential applications in the field of healthcare issue and sustainable agriculture. There is an urgent need to explore new and advanced biological methods for health industries and sustainable agriculture and to protect the environment from environmental pollution or contaminates, global warming, and also control the health of human beings from the side effects of various pharmaceuticals products. Focusing all these factors, Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes explores new aspects of microorganism in terms of volatiles, enzymes, bioactive compounds synthesized from the microbes and their potential applications in the field of sustainable agriculture and health-related issues Provides a broad aspect about volatiles, bioactive compounds, and secondary metabolites of microbes compiled in one cover Gives the latest research and advancement in the field of volatiles, secondary metabolites, and bioactive compounds synthesized from the different microbial strains Responds to new developments in the detection of the complex compound structures of volatiles Offers insight to a very broad audience in Biotechnology, Applied Microbiology, Agronomy, and Pathology

Chemical Induction of Cancer: Structural Bases and Biological Mechanisms, Volume IIIC: Natural, Metal, Fiber, and Macromolecular Carcinogens covers structure-carcinogenicity relationships of carcinogenic mycotoxins, carcinogenic substances generated by plants, carcinogenic metals and metalloids, and foreign-body carcinogens. The book discusses the metabolism and mechanism of carcinogenic action, physicochemical properties, other biological activities (principally mutagenicity and teratogenicity), modification of carcinogenic activity, formation and environmental significance. The text also describes the carcinogenic water-soluble high polymers and explores the intriguing problems of the carcinogenic effect of osmotic imbalance in tissue microenvironment, as well as of spontaneous malignant transformation occurring in cell cultures in vitro. Studies on tumor induction and carcinogenesis modification by nonviral nucleic acids, by nucleases, proteases, histones, and by antigenic stimulation as well as by antibodies are also considered. The book further tackles tumor-released factors as possible modifiers of carcinogenesis. The text will prove invaluable to chemists and people involved in cancer research.

Microbial natural products have been an important traditional source of valuable antibiotics and other drugs but interest in them waned in the 1990s when big pharma decided that their discovery was no longer cost-effective and concentrated instead on synthetic chemistry as a source of novel compounds, often with disappointing results. Moreover understanding the biosynthesis of complex natural products was frustratingly difficult. With the development of molecular genetic methods to isolate and manipulate the complex microbial enzymes that make natural products, unexpected chemistry has been revealed and interest in the compounds has again flowered. This two-volume treatment of the subject will showcase the most important chemical classes of complex natural products: the peptides, made by the assembly of short chains of amino acid subunits, and the polyketides, assembled from the joining of small carboxylic acids such as acetate and malonate. In both classes, variation in sub-unit structure, number and chemical modification leads to an almost infinite variety of final structures, accounting for the huge importance of the compounds in nature and medicine. * Gathers tried and tested methods and techniques from top players in the field. * In depth coverage of ribosomally-synthesised and Non-ribosomally-synthesised peptides. * Provides an extremely useful reference for the experienced research scientist.

Recent Developments in Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry, Vol. 2, provides a comprehensive treatment and understanding on application oriented microbial concepts, giving readers insights into recent developments in microbial biotechnology and medical, agricultural and environmental microbiology. Discusses microbial proteome analyses and their importance in medical microbiology Explores emerging trends in the prevention of current global health problems, such as cancer, obesity and immunity Shows recent approaches in the production of novel enzymes from environmental samples by enrichment culture and metagenomics approaches Guides readers through the status and recent developments in analytical methods for the detection of foodborne microorganisms

Microbial ecology is the study of interactions among microbes in natural environments and their roles in biogeochemical cycles, food web dynamics, and the evolution of life. Microbes are the most numerous organisms in the biosphere and mediate many critical reactions in elemental cycles and biogeochemical reactions. Because microbes are essential players in the carbon cycle and related processes, microbial ecology is a vital science for understanding the role of the biosphere in global warming and the response of natural ecosystems to climate change. This novel textbook discusses the major processes carried out by viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other protists - the microbes - in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. It focuses on biogeochemical processes, starting with primary production and the initial fixation of carbon into cellular biomass, before exploring how that carbon is degraded in both oxygen-rich (oxic) and oxygen-deficient (anoxic) environments. These biogeochemical processes are affected by ecological interactions, including competition for limiting nutrients, viral lysis, and predation by various protists in soils and aquatic habitats. The book neatly connects processes occurring at the micron scale to events happening at the global scale, including the carbon cycle and its connection to climate change issues. A final chapter is devoted to symbiosis and other relationships between microbes and larger organisms. Microbes have huge impacts not only on biogeochemical cycles, but also on the ecology and evolution of more complex forms of life, including Homo sapiens..

Production of Top 12 Biochemicals Selected by USDOE from Renewable Resources: Status and Innovation covers all important technological aspects of the production of biochemicals from renewable feedstock. All the important technological aspects of biomass conversion for example biomass pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis for cellulosic sugars production followed by the fermentation into chemicals and downstream recovery of the products is reviewed. Recent technological advancements in suitable microorganism development, bioprocess engineering for biomass conversion for cellulosic sugars production and various fermentation strategies and downstream recovery of these top 12 products is presented. Each bio-chemical selected by US Department of Energy i.e. ethanol, xylitol/sorbitol, furans (5-HMF, 2,5-FDCA,), glycerol & its derivatives, hydrocarbons) isoprene, iso-butadienes and others), lactic acid, succinic acid, 3-hydroxy propionic acid, levulinic acid and biohydrogen/biogas is included in a single book chapter. In addition to the technical aspects of these 12 biochemicals, general technological challenges dealing with lignocellulose refining, perspectives and solutions are elaborated in the book. Also, life cycle analysis, techno-economic viability, and sustainability index of biofuels/biochemicals are comprehensively reviewed in the book. covers uniquely designed scientific and technical literature on USDOE top listed biochemicals production with clear images and tables in the context of biomass valorisation Includes the clear and simplistic illustration of technological updates on biomass processing, system biology, microbial fermentation, catalysis, regeneration and monitoring of renewable energy and chemicals production Presents fast and reliable source of information on techno-economic analysis, life cycle analysis, technological scouting at industrial scale Entails fundamental aspects, recent developments in production of renewable chemicals as building block materials for commodity chemicals production

This book presents the aspects of cellulose obtained in correlation with its integration into the new concept of biorefining. The authors detail the individual steps of pulp manufacture as well as properties and fiber characterization techniques for paper, cellulose derivatives and processing by-products. This book is of interest to scientists and advanced students working in the fields of renewable resources and biorefining.

Two review papers, eight research articles, and one brief report were published in this Special Issue. They showed the rich resources that are present within the genomes of marine microorganisms and discussed the use of recently developed tools and technologies to exploit this genetic richness. Examples include the rational supply of precursors according to the relevant biosynthetic pathway and stress driven discovery together with the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors to facilitate the discovery of new bioactive molecules with potential biopharmaceutical applications. We believe that the content of this Special Issue reflects the current state-of-the-art research in this area and highlights the interesting strategies that are being employed to uncover increasing numbers of exciting novel compounds for drug discovery from marine genetic resources.

This book discusses 120 types of natural, small-molecule drugs derived from plants. They are grouped into 7 parts according their clinical uses, such as drugs for cardiovascular diseases, for metabolic diseases, for neuropsychiatric diseases, for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, anti-tumor drugs, and drugs for parasites and bacterial infection. Each chapter systematically summarizes one drug, including its physicochemical properties, sources, pharmacological effects and clinical applications. To help readers understand the drug better, the research and pharmacological activity for each drug is also described, which serves as a salutary lesson for future drug development. Written by frontline researchers, teachers and clinicians working in field of pharmacy and pharmacology it provides an overview of natural, small-molecule drugs derived from plants for researchers in the field.

Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. "Essentials of Glycobiology" describes their biogenesis and function and offers a useful gateway to the understanding of glycans.

"Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology's art program enhances students' understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs. Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology."--BC Campus website.

Microbial natural products have been an important traditional source of valuable antibiotics and other drugs but interest in them waned in the 1990s when big pharma decided that their discovery was no longer cost-effective and concentrated instead on synthetic chemistry as a source of novel compounds, often with disappointing results. Moreover understanding the biosynthesis of complex natural products was frustratingly difficult. With the development of molecular genetic methods to isolate and manipulate the complex microbial enzymes that make natural products, unexpected chemistry has been revealed and interest in the compounds has again flowered. This two-volume treatment of the subject will showcase the most important chemical classes of complex natural products: the peptides, made by the assembly of short chains of amino acid subunits, and the polyketides, assembled from the joining of small carboxylic acids such as acetate and malonate. In both classes, variation in sub-unit structure, number and chemical modification leads to an almost infinite variety of final structures, accounting for the huge importance of the compounds in nature and medicine. * Gathers tried and tested methods and techniques from top players in the field. * Provides an extremely useful reference for the experienced research scientist. * Covers biosynthesis of Polyketides, Tarpenoids, Aminocoumarins and Crabohydrates

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the key components for the aggregation of microorganisms in biofilms, flocs and sludge. They are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biological macromolecules. EPS provide a highly hydrated gel matrix in which microbial cells can establish stable synergistic consortia. Cohesion and adhesion as well as morphology, structure, biological function and other properties such as mechanical stability, diffusion, sorption and optical properties of microbial aggregates are determined by the EPS matrix. Also, the protection of biofilm organisms against biocides is attributed to the EPS. Their matrix allows phase separation in biofiltration and is also important for the degradation of particulate material which is of great importance for the self purification processes in surface waters and for waste water treatment.

The issue of biodamages comprises a wide range of scientific and practical tasks associated with protection of raw materials and products against damage by bacteria, fungi, insects and rodents during long-term storage, production, transportation and operation. The biodegradation is used for degradation and utilization of worn-out materials and articles. This research is urgent for ecology and the struggle against environmental contamination. The biodamage problem is both scientifically complex and practically diverse. Scientifically, it is based on the knowledge of material science, biology and chemistry.The first objective of this book is to provide detailed information on the three interrelated parts: bacteria and fungi (the source of biodamages); insects and rodents (materials and products depredators); and materials and products damaged by living organisms. The most modern data on morphology and physiology of biodegrading microorganisms are presented. The second objective of this book is to provide the reader with a systematisation of biological degradation on both natural and synthetic materials and products (plastics, textile, fibres, leather and fur, wood and so on). Problems of utilisation of polymeric wastes using microorganisms are discussed and main protection methods and technology for raw materials and semi-products against biodamages are shown. Practical recommendation for struggle against biodamage of materials by insects (moth, leather beetles, wood-fretters, cockroaches and termites) and rodents (mice and rats) are given.Since 1960 the biodamage problem received the official status as a large international and practical direction at the junction of sciences and practice of mankind and pooling efforts of various specialists. The final objective of this book is to illustrate that the problem of biodamages is very real today because it is relevant to many aspects of our everyday lives.This volume is intended to be a practical guide on biodamage and biodegradation of polymeric materials and a quick reference to students and researchers from academia and the industry.

Marine glycobiology is an emerging and exciting area in the field of science and medicine. Glycobiology, the study of the structure and function of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing molecules, is fundamental to all biological systems and represents a developing field of science that has made huge advances in the last half-century. This book revolutionizes the concept of marine glycobiology, focusing on the latest principles and applications of marine glycobiology and their relationships.

Living systems synthesize seven different classes of polymers. They provide structure and form for cells and organisms, function as catalysts and energy storage and carry the genetic information. All these polymers possess technically interesting properties. Some of these biopolymers are already used commercially. This special volume of Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology comprises 10 chapters. It gives an overview of the water insoluble biopolyesters, in particular of the microbially synthesized poly-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family. It reports the state of the art of metabolism, regulation and genetic background, the latest advances made in genetic optimization of bacteria, "construction" of transgenic plants and in vitro synthesis by means of purified enzymes. Furthermore, it describes relevant technologies and evaluates perspectives concerning increasing the economic viability and competitiveness of PHA and discusses applications in medicine, packaging, food and other fields.