Despite achievements in the application of enzymes, antibodies and biological receptors to diagnostics and sensing, the last two decades have also witnessed the emergence of a number of alternative technologies based on synthetic chemistry. This volume shows how synthetic receptors can be designed with characteristics that make them attractive alternatives to biological molecules in the sensory and diagnostics fields, with contributions from leading experts in the area. Subjects covered include synthetic receptors for a range of biomolecules, the use of antimicrobial peptides for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms, the development of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles, the in silico design of MIPs and MIP-based sensors, and two chapters examining the development of sensors from an industrial point of view. The particular focus of all chapters is on practical aspects, either in the development process or the applications of the synthesized materials. This book will serve as an important reference work for business leaders and technology experts in the sensors and diagnostics sector.

This book provides in-depth knowledge about the fabrications, structures, properties and applications of three outstanding electrochemically engineered nanoporous materials including porous silicon, nanoporous alumina and nanotubular titania. The book integrates three major themes describing these materials. The first theme is on porous silicon reviewing the methods for preparation by electrochemical etching, properties and methods for surface functionalization relevant for biosensing applications. Biomedical applications of porous silicon are major focus, described in several chapters reviewing recent developments on bioanalysis, emerging capture probes and drug delivery. The second theme on nanoporous alumina starts with describing the concept of self-organized electrochemical process used for synthesis nanopore and nanotube structures of valve metal oxides and reviewing recent development and progress on this field. The following chapters are focused mainly on optical properties and biosensing application of nanoporous alumina providing the reader with the depth of understanding of the structure controlled optical and photonic properties and design of optical biosensing devices using different detection principles such as photoluminescence, surface plasmon resonance, reflective spectrometry, wave guiding, Raman scattering etc. The third theme is focused on nanotubular titania reviewing three key applications including photocatalysis, solar cells and drug delivery. The book represents an important resource for academics, researchers, industry professionals, post-graduate and high-level undergraduate students providing them with both an overview of the current state-of-the-art on these materials and their future developments.

Tools, Techniques and Protocols for Monitoring Environmental Contaminants describes information on the strategic integration of available monitoring methods with molecular techniques, with a focus on omics (DNA, RNA and protein based) and molecular imprinted polymer and nanomaterial based advanced biosensors for environmental applications. It discusses the most commonly practiced analytic techniques, such as HPLC, MS, GCMS and traditional biosensors, giving an overview of the benefits of advanced biosensors over commonly practiced methods in the rapid and reliable assessment of environmental contaminants. As environmental contaminants have become one of the serious concerns in terms of their rapid growth and monitoring in the environment, which is often limited due to costly and laborious methods, this book provides a comprehensive update on their removal, the challenges they create for environmental regulatory agencies, and their diverse effects on terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Molecularly Imprinted Catalysts: Principle, Synthesis, and Applications is the first book of its kind to provide an in-depth overview of molecularly imprinted catalysts and selective catalysis, including technical details, principles of selective catalysis, preparation processes, the catalytically active polymers themselves, and important progress made in this field. It serves as an important reference for scientists, students, and researchers who are working in the areas of molecular imprinting, catalysis, molecular recognition, materials science, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.Comprising a diverse group of experts from prestigious universities and industries across the world, the contributors to this book provide access to the latest knowledge and eye-catching achievements in the field, and an understanding of what progress has been made and to what extent it is being advanced in industry. - The first book in the field on molecularly imprinted catalysts (MIPs) - Provides a systematic background to selective catalysis, especially the basic concepts and key principles of the different MIP-based catalysts - Features state-of-the art presentation of preparation methods and applications of MIPs - Written by scientists from prestigious universities and industries across the world, and edited by veteran researchers in molecular imprinting and selective catalysis

Many potential applications of synthetic and systems biology are relevant to the challenges associated with the detection, surveillance, and responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. On March 14 and 15, 2011, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to explore the current state of the science of synthetic biology, including its dependency on systems biology; discussed the different approaches that scientists are taking to engineer, or reengineer, biological systems; and discussed how the tools and approaches of synthetic and systems biology were being applied to mitigate the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology is organized into sections as a topic-by-topic distillation of the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. Its purpose is to present information from relevant experience, to delineate a range of pivotal issues and their respective challenges, and to offer differing perspectives on the topic as discussed and described by the workshop participants. This report also includes a collection of individually authored papers and commentary.

This volume summarizes the state-of-the-art technologies, key advances and future trends in the field of label-free biosensing. It provides detailed insights into the different types of solid-state, label-free biosensors, their underlying transducer principles, advanced materials utilized, device-fabrication techniques and various applications. The book offers graduate students, academic researchers, and industry professionals a comprehensive source of information on all facets of label-free biosensing and the future trends in this flourishing field. Highlights of the subjects covered include label-free biosensing with: · semiconductor field-effect devices such as nanomaterial-modified capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structures, silicon nanowire transistors, III-nitride semiconductor devices and light-addressable potentiometric sensors · impedimetric biosensors using planar and 3D electrodes · nanocavity and solid-state nanopore devices · carbon nanotube and graphene/graphene oxide biosensors · electrochemical biosensors using molecularly imprinted polymers · biomimetic sensors based on acoustic signal transduction · enzyme logic systems and digital biosensors based on the biocomputing concept · heat-transfer as a novel transducer principle · ultrasensitive surface plasmon resonance biosensors · magnetic biosensors and magnetic imaging devices