Bioluminescence, the cold living light or the cold fire of the sea is extremely common in all oceans at all depths. However, this phenomenon is nearly absent in freshwater, with the exception of a freshwater limpet. More than 75% of deep-sea creatures have been reported to produce their own light. The luminescent marine plankton such as dinoflagellate, radiolarians, jellyfish, comb jellies, annelids, copepods, ostracods, mysids, amphipods, euphausiids, and tunicates form an important component in the marine food chain. Research on luminescent marine plankton is gaining momentum owing to its importance in life science research and medicine. The glowing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) extracted from the North Pacific jellyfish, Aqueorea victoria (for which the Japanese biologist, Osamu Shimonmura won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008) has helped shed light on key processes such as the spread of cancer, the development of brain cells, the growth of bacteria, damage to cells by Alzheimer's disease, and the development of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Therefore, it is difficult to underscore the importance of bioluminescence and the organisms associated with this phenomenon. Bioluminescent Marine Plankton is a unique reference that attempts to provide answers to questions about bioluminescence. The first of its kind, this book attempts to answer questions on the subject with a focus on planktonic organisms. 12 chapters provide information about the chemistry of bioluminescence, types of bioluminescent displays, distribution of bioluminescence among marine plankton, ecological functions and utility of planktonic bioluminescence. Chapters are dedicated to the biology and ecology of specific groups of plankton that span about 200 luminescent marine species. The detailed book is an essential compendium on marine plankton for a broad range of readers who want to learn about bioluminescent plankton. A list of detailed references is also provided for the benefit of teachers, students, researchers and enthusiasts interested in marine biology, aquaculture, and environmental sciences.

Sustainable Utilization of Fungi in Agriculture and Industry covers current knowledge about of different fungal microorganisms, including economically important filamentous fungi and yeasts. 22 chapters summarize recent information about scientific investigations and the application of fungi in the production of industrial enzymes, organic acids (citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), biofuel (ethanol, H2 gas) and bioactive compounds for sustainable processes in agriculture, bioremediation, industries and therapeutics. Each chapter gives an updated and detailed account of knowledge on fungal microbes and their sustainable utilization in agriculture, white biotechnology, and other valuable industrial applications. Contributions are made by academic and professional experts in mycology and industrial biotechnology, presenting a broad perspective of the field in a simple, yet engaging style. Sustainable Utilization of Fungi in Agriculture and Industry is an informative reference for general readers, trainees, interested in sustainability measures in agriculture and industry. It also serves as reading materials for scholars, students and teachers involved in botany, microbiology, biotechnology and life sciences courses.

Myconanotechnology is the interface between mycology and nanotechnology. In other words, myconanotechnology represents the green synthesis of nanoparticles using fungi. The field is recently gaining attention due to the simple, resource efficient, and ecofriendly nature of fungal biotechnology. Therefore, Myconanotechnology is at the core of cost-effective and sustainable solutions for many industrial processes. This volume provides readers at all academic levels with a broad background on some of the fastest developing areas in myconanotechnology. It is organised into two sections, A and B. Section A updates readers on several cutting-edge aspects of the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles through the use of fungi. Section B describes applications of myconanotechnology including: the management of bacterial and fungal diseases, pest control, among other applications in medicine and agriculture. The breadth of topics covered in the contents make this volume an informative resource on the field. Contributions are written by experts in industrial biotechnology, and include extensive references to published studies. This book is a timely reference for researchers, teachers and students, and all readers who are interested in new developments in industrial mycology and nanotechnology.

This volume is a compilation of reviews on the industrial usage of soil microorganisms. The contents include 15 brief reviews on different soil microbe assisted industrial processes. Readers will be updated about recent applications of soil bacteria, fungi and algae in sectors such as agriculture, biotechnology, environmental management. The reviews also cover special topics like sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, ecology, and intellectual property rights of patented strains, giving a broad perspective on industrial applications of soil microbes. The text is easy to understand for readers of all levels, with references provided for the benefit of advanced readers.

Biomarkers in Medicine is a comprehensive guide to understanding the current and future status of biomarkers. The book features 27 chapters focusing on disease biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac diseases, metabolic conditions and much more. This book supplies readers with the unique insight of experts in multiple specialties in medicine and life sciences who have extensive experience in diagnostics and clinical laboratories. The book includes case studies and practical examples from different classes of biomarkers on different platforms, including new data for biomarkers in different therapeutic indications. In addition to presenting biomarker information, each chapter covers the relevant pathology and also emphasizes on preclinical and clinical manifestation of the disease process. Clinicians managing patients or clinical trials, clinical researchers, clinical laboratories, diagnostic companies, regulatory agencies, medical school graduate students, academic students, and the general public involved in healthcare delivery will all benefit from information presented in this book.

Environmental Microbiology: Advanced Research and Multidisciplinary Applications focus on the current research on microorganisms in the environment. Contributions in the volume cover several aspects of applied microbial research, basic research on microbial ecology and molecular genetics. The reader will find a collection of topics with theoretical and practical value, allowing them to connect environmental microbiology to a variety of subjects in life sciences, ecology, and environmental science topics. Advanced topics including biogeochemical cycling, microbial biosensors, bioremediation, application of microbial biofilms in bioremediation, application of microbial surfactants, microbes for mining and metallurgical operations, valorization of waste, and biodegradation of aromatic waste, microbial communication, nutrient cycling and biotransformation are also covered. The content is designed for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and environmental professionals, with a comprehensive and up-to-date discussion of environmental microbiology as a discipline that has greatly expanded in scope and interest over the past several decades.

Bio-based polymers are materials that are produced from renewable resources. Their biodegradable properties are the driver of worldwide interest among researchers and manufacturers in recent years due to the demand and need for alternatives to fossil fuel based polymers. The use of biodegradable polymers creates a sustainable industry. In contrast, the raw materials for synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals will eventually deplete and most of them are non-biodegradable. Despite these advantages, bio-based polymers account for only a tiny fraction of the total global plastic market. Non-biodegradability issues of synthetic pharmaceutical inactive ingredients strongly emphasized innovators towards the development of biopolymers. Recently natural biodegradable excipients gained significant attention due to their sustainability and engineered applications. Innovative technologies to transform these materials into value-added chemicals via novel graft-polymerization or co-processing techniques for the production of high-performance multifunctional and low-cost polymers with tunable structures are key parts of its sustainable development. Biopolymers Towards Green and Sustainable Development elaborates on important issues that surround bio-based polymers. It gives the reader an overview of biopolymers, the impact of non-biodegradable polymers on the environment and health, emerging sources of biodegradable polymers, structural and morphological characterization techniques, thermomechanical properties, biodegradable plastics from biopolymers, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and textile applications, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. with a brief on bibliometric. Moreover, a brief bibliometric meta-analysis on bio-based pharmaceutical excipients provides an update about teams involved in the development of polymeric research that may be of interest to anyone who wants to work on sustainable biopolymer projects. Key Features - provides an updated summary on recently discovered natural polymeric materials - gives a thorough breakdown of the vast range of biopolymer applications including fabrication of conventional and novel drug delivery, polymeric scaffolds, composites, microneedles, and green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, -summarizes pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the inactive pharmaceutical ingredient and excipients - presents a bibliometric meta-analysis indicating potential collaboration between country, organization, institution, and authors with a view on recent ongoing trends with biopolymers.

Intensive use of fossil-based energy sources causes significant environmental problems on a global scale. Researchers have been working for several decades to find alternative energy solutions to fossil fuels. Algae are a renewable energy source, with high potential for increasing scarce resources and reducing environmental problems caused by fossil fuel use. Algal Biotechnology for Fuel Applications gives the reader a comprehensive picture of the industrial use of algae for generating power. This book informs readers about the existence of alternative species to the currently used algae species for biofuel production, while also explaining the methods and current concepts in sustainable biofuel production. Key Features - Fifteen chapters covering topics on commercial algae species and algal biofuel production. - Covers anaerobic biotechnology and basic biofuel production from thermal liquefaction - Covers biodiesel production and algal biofuel characterization - Introduces the reader to applied microbial fuel cell technology and algae cultivation methods - Provides concepts about ecological engineering - Covers microalgae culture and biofuel production techniques - Explains the importance of catalysts - Explains the economic evaluation of algae fuel production technology This reference is essential reading for students and academics involved in environmental science, biotechnology, chemical engineering and sustainability education programs. It also serves as a reference for general readers who want to understand the ins and outs of algal biofuel technology.

The Wax Moth: A Problem or a Solution? Covers the biology, development, morphometric characters, pheromones, mating and reproduction of the greater wax moth, which is a major pest in bee colonies. It also gives tips to beekeeping enthusiasts and professionals on how to manage wax moth infestations. Finally, it elucidates the involvement of wax moths in plastic degradation. Key Features · A complete overview of the basic biology of the greater wax moth · A quick guide on wax moth pest control · Tips for beekeepers to enhance colony growth for sustainable apiculture · Information for researchers on the wax moth’s involvement in plastic degradation · Simple text for readers of all levels · References for additional reading The Wax Moth: A Problem or a Solution? Is a comprehensive yet quick reference that is ideal for entomology and agriculture students, researchers, academicians and beekeepers (both professional and hobbyist).

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is one of the most abundant sulfur-containing amino acids in the human body. It is found in the heart, brain, retina, and skeletal muscles, and is synthesized in the pancreas. Studies have revealed that taurine is of high physiological importance: it protects against pathologies associated with mitochondrial diseases, and linked processes like aging, metabolic syndrome, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. It is also used as a nutritional supplement. Taurine and the Mitochondrion: Applications in the Pharmacotherapy of Human Diseases explores the significance of taurine in the biology of mitochondria. It also explains its role as a pharmacological agent for treating different diseases. Readers will gain an insight into the crucial role it plays in human physiology and the benefits of taurine supplements. Topics covered in this reference include - Synthesis of taurine and its dietary sources - The Role of taurine in mitochondrial health - Taurine as a neurotransmitter - Beneficial effects of taurine in physiological systems such as the reproductive system, renal system, and the gastrointestinal tract - Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of taurine - The anti-aging promise of taurine supplementation - Role of taurine supplementation in obesity