Over the last few decades, the rapid and vast development of advanced microbial bioresources and metagenomics techniques has completely transformed the field of microbial biotechnology. Our understanding of microbial diversity, evolutionary biology, and microbial interaction with their animal and plant hosts at molecular level has been revolutionized with an abundance of new research. This new volume, Advances in Microbial Biotechnology: Current Trends and Future Prospect, focuses on the application of microorganisms for several purposes: for plant protection and improvement, for environmental remediation purposes, and for the improvement of human health. Various applications of microorganisms are covered broadly and have been appropriately reflected in depth in different chapters. The book is divided into four major sections: applied microbiology in agriculture microbes in the environment microbes in human health microbes in nanotechnology The book provides insight into the diverse microorganisms that have been explored and exploited in the development of various applications for agricultural improvements. The book also looks at the application of microbes for the removal of pollutants and the recovery of metals and oils. Also discussed is the detection and exploitation of microorganisms in the diagnosis of human diseases, providing possible holistic approaches to health. This new volume will provide a wealth of information on new research on the application of microbial biotechnology today.

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.

A holistic approach covering a wide range of environmental microbial applications along with current and future trends In Microbial Biotechnology: Role in Ecological Sustainability and Research, a team of distinguished researchers delivers an authoritative overview of the role of microbial biotechnology in the pursuit of environmental and ecological sustainability. The book provides readers with compelling presentations of microbial technology, including its applications in the removal of environmental pollutants, and sustainable agriculture using microbial biocontrol agents or bio-fertilizers. Readers will also be able to explore the microbial reduction of greenhouse gases and a wide range of other cutting-edge applications, including the removal of various toxic environmental contaminants, such as antibiotics, pesticides, dyes, and heavy metals. Microbial Biotechnology provides: A thorough introduction to microorganisms, their metabolic engineering, the human microbiome, and other foundational topics An in-depth exploration of environmental management, including bioremediation through a nexus approach A fulsome treatment of current trends in microbial biotechnology and its role in sustainable production Perfect for professionals in applied microbiology, biotechnology, environmental engineering, green chemistry, and soil science, Microbial Biotechnology: Role in Ecological Sustainability and Research will also earn a place in the libraries of research scholars, scientists, and academicians with an interest in environmental microbiology and ecology.

Incorporates the Experiences of World-Class Researchers Microbial Biotechnology: Progress and Trends offers a theoretical take on topics that relate to microbial biotechnology. The text uses the "novel experimental experiences" of various contributors from around the world—designed as case studies—to highlight relevant topics, issues, and recent developments surrounding this highly interdisciplinary field. It factors in metagenomics and microbial biofuels production, and incorporates major contributions from a wide range of disciplines that include microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemical engineering, and bioprocess engineering. In addition, it also provides a variety of photos, diagrams, and tables to help illustrate the material. The book consists of 15 chapters and contains subject matter that addresses: Microbial biotechnology from its historical roots to its different processes Some of the new developments in upstream processes Solid-state fermentation as an interesting field in modern fermentation processes Recent developments in the production of valuable microbial products such as biofuels, organic acids, amino acids, probiotics, healthcare products, and edible biomass Important microbial activities such as biofertilizer, biocontrol, biodegradation, and bioremediation Students, scientists, and researchers can benefit from Microbial Biotechnology: Progress and Trends, a resource that addresses biotechnology, applied microbiology, bioprocess/fermentation technology, healthcare/pharmaceutical products, food innovations/food processing, plant agriculture/crop improvement, energy and environment management, and all disciplines related to microbial biotechnology.

Upon an invitation from Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States "ABEGS"; an International Conference on Biotechnology and Applied Microbiol ogy was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 12-15 November 1984. The Conference was sponsored by ABEGS and organized through coopera tion with Saudi Biological Society "SBS". ABEGS was established in 1976 with the aim of coordinating, unifying and developing all aspects of Education, Culture and Science in the Gulf States. In the field of publications, ABEGS is publishing various books, pamphlets and two scientific journals, one in Arabic and the other in English entitled: the Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research. This volume contains topics presented by the invited speakers and selected papers from among those submitted by participants. Selection was done on basis of some of the invited talks. Main topics of the conference were grouped into sections representing seven themes of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology: - production of microbial proteins - utilization of microorganisms for the production of chemicals - microbial treatment and utilization of waste - continuous culture - application of biotechnology in plant science - applied microbiology and environment and - applied microbiology and biotechnology: international cooperation - tween developed and developing countries. Some of the topics in this volume present surveys of recent developments in several important areas of biotechnology and applied microbiology, while the remaining papers carry detailed research contributions.

Biodegradable Polymers and Composites - Process Engineering to Commercialization is designed in such a way that it not only gives basic knowledge but also contains information regarding conventional and advanced technologies, socio-economic aspects, techno-economic feasibility, modelling tools and detailed Life Cycle Analysis in biopolymer production. The book discusses the advantages and importance of biopolymers over the conventionally produced plastics. Biodegradable Polymers and Composites highlights: the conventional and advanced strategies for biopolymer production; information regarding process engineering and commercialization of biopolymers; models and available modelling techniques in the sector of biopolymer production; and global case studies, opportunities and challenges (technical constraints, institutional constraints and social constraints) associated with biopolymer production. Outlines appropriate technologies for biopolymer production Evaluates Best Available Technologies (BAT) and provides examples from many geographic areas Offers tools enabling evaluation of appropriate technological systems to develop technically best and economical feasible polymers Reports new research findings related to biopolymer production