This book presents various examples of how advanced fluorescence and spectroscopic analytical methods can be used in combination with computer data processing to address different biochemical questions. The main focus is on evolutionary biochemistry and the description of biochemical and metabolic issues; specifically, the use of pulse amplitude modulated fluorescence (PAM) for the functional analysis of the cellular state, as well as results obtained by means of the derivative spectroscopy method characterizing structural reorganization of a cell under the influence of external factors, are discussed. The topics presented here will be of interest to biologists, geneticists, biophysicists and biochemists, as well as experts in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry and radio chemistry and radio activation studies with protonen and alpha-particles. It also offers a valuable resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in biological, physical and chemical disciplines whose work involves derivative spectrophotometry and PAM-fluorescence.

This book will appeal to both practitioners and researchers in both industrial and university chemical, bio-pharmaceutical, and physical, analytical laboratories, and students specializing in analytical spectroscopy, bio-pharmaceutical analysis, chemometrics, and laser physics. It sums up the results of more than half a century of research in derivative spectroscopy, including numerical differentiation and optical modulation techniques. The bibliography also briefly describes hundreds of derivative spectroscopic (classic optical and laser) and non-spectroscopic (chromatography, electrochemistry, and other) methods in industrial and research laboratories. This book differs from existing studies on the subject in that it offers, for the first time, the big picture of all kinds of spectroscopic and non-spectroscopic derivative methods. Also, the book provides quickly reproducible computer calculations illustrating its significant theoretical statements. As such, it can also serve as a practical guide to lecturers in analytical chemistry, chemometrics, and spectroscopy.

Recent Advances in Natural Products Analysis is a thorough guide to the latest analytical methods used for identifying and studying bioactive phytochemicals and other natural products. Chemical compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, carotenoids and saponins are examined, highlighting the many techniques for studying their properties. Each chapter is devoted to a compound category, beginning with the underlying chemical properties of the main components followed by techniques of extraction, purification and fractionation, and then techniques of identification and quantification. Biological activities, possible interactions, levels found in plants, the effects of processing, and current and potential industrial applications are also included. Focuses on the latest analytical techniques used for studying phytochemical and other biological compounds Authored and edited by the top worldwide experts in their field Discusses the current and potential applications and predicts future trends of each compound group

Measurements of variable chlorophyll fluorescence have revolutionised global research of photosynthetic bacteria, algae and plants and in turn assessment of the status of aquatic ecosystems, a success that has partly been facilitated by the widespread commercialisation of a suite of chlorophyll fluorometers designed for almost every application in lakes, rivers and oceans. Numerous publications have been produced as researchers and assessors have simultaneously sought to optimise protocols and practices for key organisms or water bodies; however, such parallel efforts have led to difficulties in reconciling processes and patterns across the aquatic sciences. This book follows on from the first international conference on “chlorophyll fluorescence in the aquatic sciences” (AQUAFLUO 2007): to bridge the gaps between the concept, measurement and application of chlorophyll fluorescence through the synthesis and integration of current knowledge from leading researchers and assessors as well as instrument manufacturers.

A core text on principles, laboratory/field methodologies, and data interpretation for fluorescence applications in aquatic science, for advanced students and researchers.