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Microbial Aggregation: Report Of The Dahlem Workshop On Microbial Adhesion And Aggregation Berlin 1984, January 15-20 (Dahlem Workshop Report #31)
by CallejaThis text covers in detail bacteria and yeasts, including an overall perspective of microbial aggregation as fundamental form and function, which is presented here to include systems still to be treated in detail.
Microbial Allies: Understanding Plant-Microbe Interactions in Sustainable Agriculture
by Olubukola Oluranti Babalola Ayansina Segun AyangbenroThe world struggles with the dual problem of feeding a growing global population and ensuring environmental protection. Yet, current agricultural techniques cannot guarantee food security and environmental safety. Hence, there is a need to explore the transformational potential of sustainable agriculture as a preferred alternative. This book analyses the roles of beneficial microbes, which are often considered the unsung heroes of agriculture, in revolutionizing food production and reducing the adverse impact of agriculture on the environment. Readers are guided through the complex web of interactions between plants and microbes while also being introduced to a wide range of microorganisms essential to these interactions. Furthermore, the book unravels the intricate methods by which these microbial allies promote nutrient absorption, strengthen plant defenses against pathogens, prevent nutrient runoff and improve stress tolerance while lowering the dependency on synthetic chemical use. It also makes a compelling case for continued research and innovation in this field as we strive to harness the full potential of microbial allies to shape the future of agriculture.
Microbial Applications Vol.1
by Vipin Chandra Kalia Prasun KumarThis contributed volume sheds new light on waste management and the production of biofuels. The authors share insights into microbial applications to meet the challenges of environmental pollution and the ever- growing need for renewable energy. They also explain how healthy and balanced ecosystems can be created and maintained using strategies ranging from oil biodegration and detoxification of azo dyes to biofouling. In addition, the book illustrates how the metabolic abilities of microorganisms can be used in microbial fuel-cell technologies or for the production of biohydrogen. It inspires young researchers and experienced scientists in the field of microbiology to explore the application of green biotechnology for bioremediation and the production of energy, which will be one of the central topics for future generations.
Microbial Applications Vol.2
by Vipin Chandra KaliaThis contributed volume provides insights into multiple applications using microbes to promote productivity in agriculture, to produce biochemicals or to respond to challenges in biomedicine. It highlights the microbial production of nanocompounds with medical functionality alongside new anti-mycobacterial strategies, and introduces plant-growth-promoting Rhizobacteria as well as the correlation between biofilm formation and crop productivity. Further, the authors illustrate the green synthesis of biochemical compounds, such as hydroxamid acid or biosurfactants, using microbial and fungal enzymes. It inspires young researchers and experienced scientists in the field of microbiology to explore the combined use of green, white and red biotechnology for industrial purposes, which will be one of the central topics for future generations.
Microbial Applications for Environmental Sustainability
by Arun Karnwal Abdel Rahman Mohammad Said Al-TawahaThis book focuses on the various applications of microorganisms for sustainable environment and the reduction of hazardous pollutants released in various forms, including xenobiotics, e-waste, pesticides, insecticides, plastic, heavy metals, paper waste, medical waste, textile dyes, and their impact on environmental and human health. The book involves a series of research reports that explain the application of microbes used to solve real-life issues raised due to changes happening in environment, including pollution, by covering applications, including the use of bacteria, fungi, microalgae and biofilm in the detection and degradation of crude oil, pesticides, dyes, e-waste, heavy metals and other pollutants. It also focuses on integrative strategies in the application of microbial nanomaterials for remediation of pollutant. This material will help environmental scientists and microbiologists to learn about existing environmental problems and suggest novel ways to control or contain their effects by employing various treatment approaches.
Microbial Approach of Biofiltration in Industrial Wastewater Treatment for the Sustainability of Environment (Environmental Science and Engineering)
by Maulin P. ShahThe ever-increasing number of pollutants released into the environment drives the search for new treatment technologies or the modification of existing ones. In this sense, innovation in biofiltration systems seems promising, and therefore, a book on the current developments and innovations on its subject is very appropriate. Biofiltration is a relatively emerging new technology applied to the treatment of wastewater and other toxic substances. Over the past two decades, this technology has become an economically viable process for treating the wide variety of unruly pollutants released into the environment. For example, it is speculated that the US biofiltration market will reach more than $100 million by 2020. This book aims to show how innovation in biofiltration can provide effective solutions to overcome the serious problem of water pollution worldwide. The removal of contaminants will result from the combined effects of biological oxidation, adsorption, and filtration processes. Many physicochemical and operational factors influence the performance, treatment costs, and long-term stability of biofilters for wastewater treatment. This book focuses on identifying factors that affect biofiltration, explains their influence, and provides guidelines on how to control these factors to optimize better control over the control of pollutants present in wastewater treatment plants. The fundamental basis of treatment in biofilters is the action of microorganisms that degrade pollutants, and consequently, the book also discusses in depth the microbial ecology of biofiltration.
Microbial Approaches for Insect Pest Management
by OmkarThis book brings together specialized information on modern aspects of applied microbiology in pest management. In the last few decades, the humans have witnessed major advancements in Life Sciences, as a result several new and powerful tools and techniques have evolved. This has led to great advancements in microbial nutrition, genetics and their application in different fields. In modern era of biotechnology, the microbes have provided solutions to many of the human problems and necessities and thus serve as human and farmers’ friends. The microbes have proved to be successful tools for the pest management. Similarly, there has been much advancement in the field of molecular biology, where many more techniques have evolved which can be helpful in the field of pest management too. Plant resistance, development of transgenic plants, and many more techniques are being considered the panacea to pest problems. On the other hand, there are wide spread concerns of the safety of these microbial and biotechnological interventions with nontarget organisms including humans. While the world stands divided on the ethical issues of these approaches and the many safety concerns, scientists believe that well thought of microbial and biotechnological interventions are probably the only safest ways possible for reducing pest attacks on crops. This is useful read for postgraduate students and teachers, plant protection practioners across the world and also useful for policy planners.
Microbial Based Land Restoration Handbook, Volume 1: Plant-Microbial Interaction and Soil Remediation
by Umesh Pankaj Vimal Chandra PandeyPlant-microbe interaction is a powerful and promising link to mitigate the various kinds of stresses like drought, salinity, heavy metals, and pathogenic effects. It is more beneficial for crop improvement and sustainable approaches for reclamation of problematic soils. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this book explores the recent uses of plant-microbe interactions in ecological and agricultural revitalization beyond normal agriculture practices and offers practical and applied solutions for the restoration of degraded land to fulfill human needs with food, fodder, fuel, and fiber. It provides a single comprehensive platform for soil scientists, agriculture specialists, ecologists, and those in related disciplines. Features • Presents cutting-edge microbial biotechnology as a tool for restoring degraded lands • Explores the aspects of sustainable development of degraded lands using microbe inspired land remediation • Highlights sustainable food production intensification in nutrient poor lands through the innovative use of microbial inoculants • Explains the remediation of polluted land for regaining biodiversity and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals • Includes many real-life applications from South Asia offering solutions to today’s agricultural problems This book will be of interest to professionals, researchers, and students in environmental, soil, and agricultural sciences, as well as stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners that have an interest in this field.
Microbial Based Land Restoration Handbook, Volume 2: Soil and Plant Health Development
by Umesh Pankaj Vimal Chandra PandeyMicroorganisms are a good indicator of soil health. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms protect plants from the stresses of water, salt, metal, biotic, and so on, and are well known for strategically modulating the plant mechanisms to defend and mitigate environmental stresses. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this volume explores the role of plant microorganisms in ecological and agricultural revitalization beyond normal agriculture practices and offers practical and applied solutions for the restoration of degraded lands to fulfill human needs with food, fodder, fuel, and fiber. It also provides a single comprehensive platform for soil scientists, agriculture specialists, ecologists, and those in related disciplines. Features • Presents cutting-edge microbial biotechnology as a tool for restoring degraded lands • Explores the aspects of sustainable development of degraded lands using microorganism-inspired land remediation • Highlights sustainable food production intensification in nutrient-poor lands through innovative use of microbial inoculants • Explains the remediation of polluted land for regaining biodiversity and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals • Includes many real-life applications from South Asia offering solutions to today’s agricultural problems This book will be of interest to professionals, researchers, and students in environmental, soil, and agricultural sciences as well as stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners with an interest in this field.
Microbial Beta Glucanases: Molecular Structure, Functions and Applications (Interdisciplinary Biotechnological Advances)
by N. S. Pradeep Lekshmi K. EdisonThis book offers an overview of the current knowledge on beta glucanase enzymes derived from actinobacterial source, their structure, functions and industrial applications. It summarizes the exploitation of actinomycetes, assay methods for beta glucanase screening, structural characterisation, genetic engineering, protein engineering, strategies for purification, characterisation and finally how to synthesize a hybrid enzyme of beta glucanases.Enzyme beta glucanases have considerable interest in industrial biotechnology owing to its distinct effect on the hydrolysis of insoluble beta glucan molecules and applications in particular industrial sectors such as food, feed and beverages industries. The beta glucanases are characterized extensively in microorganisms viz. bacteria, fungi and also in plants. A wide varieties of actinobacterial β- glucanases have exclusively active on β-glucan substrates and cleave the mixed linkage β-glucan chains at different points. This is significant for picking precise substrates for the assay of each type of enzymes within this enzyme groups. The well recognized specificity and mechanism of action within the enormous substrates allow to understand that most of them are varied from cellulases, excluding β-1,4-glucanases. The progress in genetic and protein engineering in actinobacterial beta glucanases improves the stability, activity and thermodynamic properties in relation with industrial relevance. This book will be useful for researchers and students engaged in industrial biotechnology, enzyme production, molecular biology, protein engineering and many more.
Microbial BioTechnology for Sustainable Agriculture Volume 1 (Microorganisms for Sustainability #33)
by Naveen Kumar Arora Brahim BouizgarneThis volume explains the recent findings on the mutualistic plant–microbe interactions and how they can be utilized for sustainable agriculture practices including land reclamation. The book covers mainly plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) including both the symbiotic bacteria and fungi and their role in mobilization of nutrients, providing protection to the crops from phytopathogens and abiotic stresses. PGPMs play important roles in survival and health of the plant. These useful microorganisms provide plants with nutrients, protect them from pathogens and help them combat abiotic stresses. It is important that these mutualistic interactions between plant and soil microbes are well understood so as to develop reliable products in the form of biostimulants and biopesticides, as well as managing biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. Apart from enhancing crop productivity plant–microbe interactions can also perform activities such as reclamation of degraded lands, degradation of pollutants and remediation of saline or marginal lands. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, plant scientists and microbiologists. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, soil science and environmental sciences.
Microbial Bioactive Compounds: Industrial and Agricultural Applications
by Ravindra Soni Deep Chandra Suyal Lourdes Morales-OyervidesThis book delves into microbial production and its implications for various industries and presents the latest advancements in the field of bioactive compound production by microorganisms. Divided into 16 chapters, the book covers a wide range of topics, starting with the emerging trends in microbial production techniques, followed by the potential of fungi and algae in producing bioactive compounds, and the applications of bioactive compounds in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Contributions from expert scientists emphasize the significance of metabolic engineering and modern analytical techniques for the extraction, purification, and structural characterization of microbial bioactive compounds. The authors also present alternative technologies and methodologies for the recovery and extraction of these compounds from microbial sources and highlight the health-promoting benefits of natural plant-derived bioactive compounds. Particular attention is given to nanocarriers and their potential for managing the delivery of bioactive compounds in therapeutic applications. The importance of actinomycetes and their bioactive potential in the agricultural sector is also discussed. In this book, readers will also find out about the importance of microbial community dynamics in Antarctica, their ecological potential, and their industrial application. The last chapter of the book offers an industrial perspective of microbial pigments and their applications. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and industry professionals seeking to understand and harness the potential of microbial bioactive compounds for sustainable development, industrial applications, and improved human well-being.
Microbial Biochemistry
by G. N. CohenMicrobial physiology, biochemistry and genetics allowed the formulation of concepts that turned out to be important in the study of higher organisms. In the first section, the principles of bacterial growth are given, as well as the description of the different layers that enclose the bacterial cytoplasm, and their role in obtaining nutrients from the outside media through different permeability mechanism described in detail. A chapter is devoted to allostery and is indispensable for the comprehension of many regulatory mechanisms described throughout the book. Another section analyses the mechanisms by which cells obtain the energy necessary for their growth, glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the tricarboxylic and the anaplerotic cycles. Two chapters are devoted to classes of microorganisms rarely dealt with in textbooks, namely the Archaea, mainly the methanogenic bacteria, and the methylotrophs. Eight chapters describe the principles of the regulations at the transcriptional level, with the necessary knowledge of the machineries of transcription and translation. The next fifteen chapters deal with the biosynthesis of the cell building blocks, amino acids, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides and deoxynucleotides, water-soluble vitamins and coenzymes, isoprene and tetrapyrrole derivatives and vitamin B12. The two last chapters are devoted to the study of protein-DNA interactions and to the evolution of biosynthetic pathways. The considerable advances made in the last thirty years in the field by the introduction of gene cloning and sequencing and by the exponential development of physical methods such as X-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance have helped presenting metabolism under a multidisciplinary attractive angle.
Microbial Biochemistry
by Georges N. CohenThis bookfocusses on microbial physiology, biochemistry and genetics and provides thereader with detailed information on a number of microbial pathways. Insightinto microbial biochemistry have allowed for the formulation of concepts thathave turned out to be important in the study of higher organisms. In thefirst section, the principles of bacterial growth are given, as well as adescription of the different layers that enclose the bacterial cytoplasm, andtheir role in obtaining nutrients from the outside media through differentpermeability mechanism, which are described in detail. A chapter is devoted toallostery, which is indispensable for the comprehension of many regulatorymechanisms described throughout the book. The secondsection analyses the mechanisms by which cells obtain the energy necessary fortheir growth; Glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the tricarboxylic andthe anaplerotic cycles. Two chapters are devoted to classes of microorganismsrarely dealt with in textbooks, namely the Archaea, mainly the methanogenicbacteria, and the methylotrophs. Eight chapters describe the principles ofregulation at the transcriptional level, with the necessary knowledge of themachineries of transcription and translation. The next fifteenchapters deal with the biosynthesis of the cell building blocks, amino acids,purine and pyrimidine nucleotides and deoxynucleotides, water-soluble vitaminsand coenzymes, isoprene and tetrapyrrole derivatives and vitamin B12. The twolast chapters are devoted to the study of protein-DNA interactions and to theevolution of biosynthetic pathways. The considerable advances made in the lastthirty years in the field by the introduction of gene cloning and sequencingand by the exponential development of physical methods such as X-raycrystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance and cryo-electron microscopy havehelped in presenting microbial metabolism as a highly multidisciplinary fieldof study.
Microbial Biocontrol Agents: Developing Effective Biopesticides
by Vittorio Rossi Bernard R. Glick Laure Weisskopf Antonieta De Cal Paloma Melgarejo Marc Bardin Abhishek Anand Ana Bejarano Elisa Bona Tito Caffi Hamza Chammem Margherita Furiosi Elisa Gamalero Belén Guijarro Lars Huber Dr Ajay Kumar Inmaculada Larena Sara E. Legler Carla S. Lorenz Hassan Momeni Fahimeh Nazari Andrea Nesler Philippe Nicot Ma. del Orozco-Mosquedab Ilaria Pertot Thomas Pressecq Dr Gerardo Puopolo Naser Safaie Gustavo Santoyo Selena Tomada Estelle Turc Maria Villarino Mout De VriezeThe negative impact of chemical pesticides on human wellbeing and the environment has encouraged the development of eco-friendly alternatives for the management of plant pathogens. However, only a small number of microbial biocontrol agents (mBCAs) have been developed, registered and used in the management of plant diseases. This book analyses the deployment of mBCAs for the development of novel microbial biopesticides, considering the main plant-beneficial traits, procedures needed for effective formulations and the processes used for their validation. To guide the readers through the world of microbial biopesticides, the book starts with a chapter dedicated to the regulations that need to be followed for the development of final products. Readers will understand the importance of formulation and mode of action of mBCAs in developing microbial biopesticides. They will become familiar with key mBCAs such as Ampelomyces quisqualis, Bacillus spp., Trichoderma spp., and Pseudomonas spp., understanding the importance of formulation for their application in the field. This book explains the use of mBCAs to control post-harvest diseases and the potential of endophytic microorganisms as next-generation microbial biopesticides. A final chapter provides a useful workflow for the selection of new mBCAs and describes microbial species including promising mBCAs that might be developed as new microbial biopesticides. - Gives useful insights into the practicalities of regulation of mBCAs - Describes the underlying biology that it is critical to developing mBCAs - Provides case studies for key mBCA species - Indicates microbial species exploitable for the development of new microbial biopesticides For students and researchers involved in crop protection and biological control
Microbial Biocontrol Techniques: Importance in Ensuring Food Security (Microorganisms for Sustainability #54)
by Ajay Kumar Manoj Kumar SolankiThis book delves deeply into the field of microbial biological control. It is the method in which microbes, predators, and pathogens interact in a complex action to defend crops from damaging pests and diseases. This conventional method, which is frequently eclipsed by modern substitutes, is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. In addition to providing a practical way to protect our crops, it also offers a way to preserve the delicate ecosystems' balance while being environmentally benign. This book investigates the use of microbes in sustainable agriculture. It discusses current research and collaborations using helpful bacteria, emphasizing relationships between allies and foes. For disease resistance, emerging technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 and nanotechnology are considered. Market demands for biofertilizers that increase nutritional content and act as eco-friendly insecticides are discussed. Metagenomics, efficient formulations, and soil amendments are amongthe contemporary tools investigated. The volume strongly emphasizes shelf-life extension, biocontrol future trends, and storage, opening the door for creative microbial-based agricultural technologies. This interdisciplinary book is useful for a diverse group of readers including microbiologists, biotechnologists, agronomist, policymakers, university students and those who are interested in the development of strategies for sustainable farming by utilizing microbial communities.
Microbial Biocontrol: Molecular Perspective in Plant Disease Management (Microorganisms for Sustainability #49)
by Ajay Kumar Kubilay Kurtulus Bastas U. SivakumarThis book is exploring molecular insight of plant disease resistance, enhancing plant immunity as well as the latest omics or approaches in plant disease management. In the recent past, microbial strains or products frequently utilized to inhibit the growth of phytopathogen and disease management. However, it is well known that plants respond to numerous biotic and abiotic stresses by morphological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. But still there is much more to study about their molecular aspect of interaction between host- pathogens- biocontrol agents that will be helpful in formulation and applications of microbial antagonistic for effective management of phytopathogens. This book attempt to fill this gap in the literature. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, agronomist, horticulturalist scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, microbiology, environment science.
Microbial Biocontrol: Volume 1
by Ajay KumarThis first volume of a two-volume work presents the manifold applications of beneficial microbes and microbiomes in plant growth promotion, in enhancing crop resilience and in control of phytopathogens through microbial antagonists. In-depth insights into latest technologies such as biopriming of seeds and soil inoculation of rhizosphere microorganisms are provided.The two-volume work “Microbial Biocontrol” introduces mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions and explores latest strategies of how microbes can be applied in biocontrol and management of plant pathogens, replacing chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The book covers different groups of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, but also the interplay of entire microbiomes, and reviews their specific benefits in crop growth promotion, in enhancing the plants’ tolerance against biotic and abiotic stress as well as in post-harvest management of various plant diseases. Novel tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and microbe derived nanoparticles are also addressed besides the legal aspects of biocontrol applications.Today, rising global population and changing climatic conditions emerge as a major challenge for agronomist farmers and researchers in fulfilling the requirements of global food production. The conventional agricultural practices utilize undistributed use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance growth and yield of agricultural products and fresh foods, but their extensive and continuous use have led to a range of negative consequences on the food quality and safety, to environment as well as to human and animal health. Microbial biocontrol applications are presented as a solution, paving the way to a sustainable agriculture in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The book addresses researchers in academia and agriculture.
Microbial Biocontrol: Volume 2
by Ajay KumarThis second volume of a two-volume work reviews beneficial bioactive compounds from various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, cyanobacteria in plant diseases management and the postharvest management of fruits using microbial antagonists. Furthermore, it reviews the impact of climate change on food security and addressed the legal aspects of microbial biocontrol applications. The two-volume work “Microbial Biocontrol” introduces to mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions and explores latest strategies of how microbes can be applied in biocontrol and management of plant pathogens, replacing chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The book covers different groups of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, but also the interplay of entire microbiomes, and reviews their specific benefits in crop growth promotion, in enhancing the plants’ tolerance against biotic and abiotic stress as well as in post-harvest management of various plant diseases. Novel tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and microbe derived nanoparticles are also addressed besides the legal aspects of biocontrol applications. Today, rising global population and changing climatic conditions emerge as a major challenge for agronomist farmers and researchers in fulfilling the requirements of global food production. The conventional agricultural practices utilize undistributed use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance growth and yield of agricultural products and fresh foods, but their extensive and continuous use have led to a range of negative consequences on the food quality and safety, to environment as well as to human and animal health. Microbial biocontrol applications are presented as a solution, paving the way to a sustainable agriculture in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The book addresses researchers in academia and agriculture.
Microbial Biodegradation of Xenobiotic Compounds
by Young-Cheol ChangMicrobial Biodegradation of Xenobiotic Compounds examines and collects the recent information on the bioremediation technologies around the world. This book focuses on methods to decrease pollutants created by anthropogenic activities, industrial activities, and agricultural activities. This book answers some of the questions about – how to reduce contaminants? And whether there is a possibility of converting these pollutants in to useful energy by advanced biotechnological methods? The book combines present obtainable data with the expert knowledge of researchers from all over the world covering different aspects of environmental biotechnology and microbiology. It covers basic concepts of bioremediation and various methods involved in the bioremediation process, and provides specific chapters on the role of different genes and enzymes involved in microbial bioremediation process. It also gives special attention to heavy metal bioremediation by microalgae and the mechanisms involved during the degradation process. Recent innovative technologies about converting toxic pollutants in to useful energy like bioplastics and electricity are also discussed by specialist authors. Various chapters address the bioremediation of pesticides in soil using microbial metabolites, and molecular aspects of biodegradation which cover topics including identification of novel genes through the metagenomic approach and bioremediation using fungal laccase enzymes.
Microbial Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Ecosystem Sustainability
by Sabu Abdulhameed Shiburaj Sugathan Cristóbal Noé Aguilar Raul Rodriguez-HerreraThis book gives insight into several aspects of the microbiology, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability of special and under-explored regions, that captivate human beings by their natural richness, their extensive biodiversity, the extraordinary forms of adaptation of the living beings that they inhabit, and even that keep living secrets as is the very origin of life. The chapters emphasize all aspects of biological diversity-its description, analysis, and conservation, and its controlled rational use by humankind. Also, the book is elaborated from a wide and multidisciplinary point of view. It presents reviews, research papers, comments, and research notes on biodiversity, ethnobiology, geoscience, chemistry, biological conservation, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability Two hotspots are the reference for this enriching book that describes details of extraordinary areas of the planet, from Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila (Mexico) to the Southern Western Ghats (India). The book will contribute to dealing with the practicalities of conservation management, economic, social, and political issues. It provides a forum for examining conflicts between sustainable development and human dependence on biodiversity in agriculture, environmental management, and biotechnology, and encourages contributions from developing countries to promote broad global perspectives on matters of biodiversity and conservation.
Microbial Biofertilizers and Micronutrient Availability: The Role of Zinc in Agriculture and Human Health
by Abdul Malik Shams Tabrez KhanThis volume addresses various issues related to micronutrient deficiency, especially zinc, and discusses the possible approaches for combating mineral deficiency among humans and plants. The book mainly focuses on the zinc biofortification of vegetable and cereal crops and highlights the consequences of zinc deficiency and the health risks associated with zinc deficiency, especially in children and expecting mothers. The authors discuss different types of food that are rich in zinc and other minerals, how diets can be designed to meet the daily zinc requirements, and the impact of zinc deficiency on plant health and quality of agricultural products and the role of micronutrients in abiotic stress tolerance. The book also covers sustainable approaches to zinc biofortification in crops, such as the microbial solubilization of zinc in soil to improve zinc uptake by plants, and the formulation of these microbes into biofertilizers. The book will be of interest to dieticians, agricultural scientists, students and microbiologists.
Microbial Biofilm Dynamics: Contemporary Approaches, Models and Analytical Tools
by Ashutosh Kumar Shukla Douglas Roberto MonteiroThis book explores the dynamics of microbial biofilms, examining their role in both oral and systemic diseases, emphasizing developmental models, and presenting various characterization and detection methodologies. Divided into three sections, the introductory section covers fundamental concepts, including microbial biofilm understanding, the critical role of the extracellular matrix, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and the relevance of biofilms to the dental and medical fields. It also explores the development of novel antimicrobial therapeutic strategies for biofilm control, including diverse approaches like light-, nanoparticle-, peptide-, phage-, and phytochemical-based strategies, along with surface modification techniques. The second section navigates the diverse spectrum of biofilm complexity, introducing laboratory models such as microtiter plate formation, dynamic formation, active attachment, and in situ and in vivo formation models, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of experimental setups. The third section focuses on crucial analytical methods for biofilm studies, covering techniques for quantifying total biomass, cultivable cells, and metabolism. It further describes technical approaches to biofilm matrix analysis, Omics techniques, flow-cytometry analysis, imaging techniques, and the electrochemical detection of biofilms. An overview of machine learning approaches in biofilm research is also covered. This book is tailored for researchers, scientists, and students of microbiology.Key Features: Provides an in-depth exploration of microbial biofilms, covering their dynamics, associations with oral and systemic diseases, and emphasizing developmental models Covers the role of the extracellular matrix, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and the development of novel antimicrobial therapeutic strategies Explores a diverse spectrum of biofilm complexity through various laboratory models Focuses on crucial analytical methods, covering techniques for quantifying total biomass, cultivable cells, and metabolic activity Describes techniques for biofilm matrix analysis, Omics techniques, flow-cytometry analysis, imaging techniques, electrochemical detection, and the application of machine learning in biofilm research
Microbial Biofilms
by Gianfranco Donelli"The discovery that most of the chronic infections in humans, including the oral, lung, vaginal and foreign body-associated infections, are biofilm-based, has prompted the need to design new and properly focused preventive and therapeutic strategies for these diseases. Microbial Biofilms: Methods and Protocols provides a detailed description of the currently available methods and protocols to investigate bacterial and fungal biofilms, exhaustively illustrated and critically annotated in 25 chapters written by authors well known for their experience in the respective fields. The book has joined together microbiologists and specialists in infectious diseases, hygiene and public health involved in exploring different aspects of microbial biofilms as well as in designing new methods and/or developing innovative laboratory protocols. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Microbial Biofilms: Methods and Protocols presents readers with the most established and validated experimental procedures to investigate microbial biofilms"--
Microbial Biofilms (ASM Books #48)
by Mahmoud Ghannoum Matthew Parsek Marvin Whiteley Pranab K. MukherjeeAn examination of the research and translational application to prevent and treat biofilm-associated diseases In the decade since the first edition of Microbial Biofilms was published, the interest in this field has expanded, spurring breakthrough research that has advanced the treatment of biofilm-associated diseases. This second edition takes the reader on an exciting, extensive review of bacterial and fungal biofilms, ranging from basic molecular interactions to innovative therapies, with particular emphasis on the division of labor in biofilms, new approaches to combat the threat of microbial biofilms, and how biofilms evade the host defense. Chapters written by established investigators cover recent findings, and contributions from investigators new to the field provide unique and fresh insights. Specifically, Microbial Biofilms provides state-of-the-art research in the field of bacterial and fungal biofilms detailed descriptions of the in vitro and in vivo models available to evaluate microbial biofilms future areas of research and their translational and clinical applications Microbial Biofilms is a useful reference for researchers and clinicians. It will also provide insight in the dynamic field of microbial biofilms for graduate and postgraduate students.