Collected in this special volume are 36 invited and contributed papers first presented at the Second Asian Pacific Phycological Forum held at the Chinese University of Hong Kong at the turn of the century. These papers were subsequently updated to bring to fore the latest development in algal research in the Asian Pacific Region. This volume thus provides one of the most comprehensive pictures of advances in algal research in this part of the world.

Recent Trends in Biofilm Science and Technology helps researchers working on fundamental aspects of biofilm formation and control conduct biofilm studies and interpret results. The book provides a remarkable amount of knowledge on the processes that regulate biofilm formation, the methods used, monitoring characterization and mathematical modeling, the problems/advantages caused by their presence in the food industry, environment and medical fields, and the current and emergent strategies for their control. Research on biofilms has progressed rapidly in the last decade due to the fact that biofilms have required the development of new analytical tools and new collaborations between biologists, engineers and mathematicians. - Presents an overview of the process of biofilm formation and its implications - Provides a clearer understanding of the role of biofilms in infections - Creates a foundation for further research on novel control strategies - Updates readers on the remarkable amount of knowledge on the processes that regulate biofilm formation

The entire range of the developmental process in plants is regulated by a shift in the hormonal concentration, tissue sensitivity and their interaction with the factors operating around the plants. Phytohormones play a crucial role in regulating the direction of plant in a coordinated fashion in association with metabolism that provides energy and the building blocks to generate the form that we recognize as a plant. Out of the recognized hormones, attention has largely been focused on Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Abscisic acid, Ethylene and more recently on Brassinosteroids. In this book we are providing the information about a brassinosteroids that again confirm its status as phytohormones because it has significant impact on various aspects of the plant life and its ubiquitous distribution throughout the plant kingdom. Brassinosteroids are generating a significant impact on plant growth and development, photosynthesis, transpiration, ion uptake and transport, induces specific changes in leaf anatomy and chloroplast structure. This book is not an encyclopedia of reviews but includes a selected collection of newly written, integrated, illustrated reviews describing our knowledge of brassinosteroids. The aim of this book is to tell all about brassinosteroids, by the present time. The various chapters incorporate both theoretical and practical aspects and may serve as baseline information for future researches through which significant development is possible. It is intended that this book will be useful to the students, teachers and researchers, both in universities and research institutes, especially in relation to biological and agricultural sciences.

Today, due to the high population of human beings, scientists are increasingly concerned with food shortages and searching for alternative sources of dietary protein, such as algae, insects, and worms. Spirulina represents a superior alternative source, as it has a high nutrient content without toxicity, and can be reared in many countries worldwide. Given the limited amount of studies on the advantages and disadvantages of using Spirulina in birds’ diets, this book fills an important research gap. It highlights the nutritional aspects of using Spirulina in poultry diets, and will appeal to animal husbandry and veterinary students, professors, feed formulators, poultry production consultants and farmers.

Applications of Seaweeds in Food and Nutrition provides an overview on the cultural, biological and engineering dimensions relating to seaweed as a food. With the need for sustainable and healthy foods growing, this comprehensive resource explores how seaweeds can deliver not only nutritional benefits, but also antiviral and antibacterial properties as a food additive and within food processing and manufacturing. Recent developments show that the use of seaweed extracts as a compound can prevent browning. It use in other areas such as a thickening and gelling agents in foods and cosmetics is also encouraging. There are hundreds of different varieties of seaweed known to mankind, yet very little literature is available on the processing of these "crops." This book provides these valuable and practical insights. - Introduces the origin of seaweed consumption and its biology - Examines common seaweed varieties of industrial interest and their chemical composition - Explores the potential of robotics and AI techniques in seaweed aquaculture

This two-volume work presents comprehensive, accurate information on the present status and contemporary development in phycoremediation of various types of domestic and industrial wastewaters. The volume covers a mechanistic understanding of microalgae based treatment of wastewaters, including current challenges in the treatment of various organic and inorganic pollutants, and future opportunities of bioremediation of wastewater and industrial effluents on an algal platform. The editors compile the work of authors from around the globe, providing insight on key issues and state-of-the-art developments in algal bioremediation that is missing from the currently available body of literature. The volume hopes to serve as a much needed resource for professors, researchers and scientists interested in microalgae applications for wastewater treatment. Volume 1 focuses on the different aspects of domestic and industrial wastewater treatment by microalgae. The case studies include examples such as genetic technologies as well as the development and efficient use of designer consortia for enhanced utilization of microalgae. This volume provides thorough and comprehensive information on removal of persistent and highly toxic contaminants such as heavy metals, organic pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, endocrine disruptors, pharmaceutical compounds, and dyes from wastewater by microalgae, diatoms, and blue-green algae. Design considerations for algal ponds and efficient use of photobioreactors and HRAPs for wastewater treatment are some other highlights. This volume addresses the applications, potentials, and future opportunities for these various considerations in water pollution mitigation using algal technologies.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing A comprehensive review of algae as novel and sustainable sources of algal ingredients, their extraction and processing This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues surrounding the consumption, economics, composition, processing and health effects of algae. With contributions from an international team of experts, the book explores the application of conventional and emerging technologies for algal processing. The book includes recent developments such as drying and milling technologies along with advancements in sustainable greener techniques. The text also highlights individual groups of compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids and fibres from algae. The authors provide insightful reviews of the traditional and more recent applications of algae/algal extracts in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. Offering a holistic view of the various applications, the book looks at the economic feasibility, market trends and considerations, and health hazards associated with algae for industrial applications. This important book: Provides a comprehensive overview of algal biomolecules and the role of emerging processing technologies Explores the potential biological and health benefits of algae and their applications in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products Includes a current review of algal bioactives and processing technologies for food and ingredient manufacturers Contains contributions from leading academic and industrial experts Written for food scientists, allied researchers and professional food technologists, Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing: Food and Health Perspectives offers a guide to the novel processing and extraction techniques for exploring and harnessing the immense potential of algae.