In this book, researchers and practitioners working in the field present the major promises of algae biotechnology and they critically discuss the challenges arising from applications. Based on this assessment, the authors explore the great scientific, industrial and economic potential opened up by algae biotechnology. The first part of the book presents recent developments in key enabling technologies, which are the driving force to unleash the enormous potential of algae biotechnology. The second part of the book focuses on how practical applications of algae biotechnology may provide new solutions to some of the grand challenges of the 21st century. Algae offer great potential to support the building of a bio-based economy and they can contribute new solutions to some of the grand challenges of the 21st century. Despite significant progress, algae biotechnology is yet far from fulfilling its potential. How to unleash this enormous potential is the challenge that the own field is facing. New cultivation technologies and bioprocess engineering allow for optimization of the operation strategy of state-of the art industrial-scale production systems and they reduce the production costs. Parallel to this, new molecular technologies for genetic and metabolic engineering of (micro)algae develop quickly. The optimization of existing biochemical pathways or the introduction of pathway components makes high-yield production of specific metabolites possible. Novel screening technologies including high-throughput technologies enables testing of extremely large numbers of samples and, thus, allow for large scale modelling of biomolecular processes, which would have not been possible in the past. Moreover, profitable production can demand for integrated biorefining, which combines consecutive processes and various feedstocks to produce both transportation fuel, electric energy and valuable chemicals.

This book serves as essential reading for research scientists and biotechnologists from both academia and industry working in marine biotechnology and related disciplines. The book discusses recent advances and challenges in terms of science, technology, innovation, and policy for the development of the field; and how marine biotechnology may provide new solutions to some of the grand challenges faced by our society. Written in an accessible language, the book is also recommended as a reference text for decision-makers in government and non-governmental organizations in their efforts to foster the development of a global blue economy. With less than 5 % of the vast and rich marine environment explored, our seas and oceans represent a virtually unexplored resource for the discovery of novel product, processes, and development of bio-inspired synthetic drugs with biotechnological potential. As such, the marine environment has been considered Earth's last frontier of exploration. Recent advances in molecular techniques are providing the necessary tools to access on a larger scale the still-untapped ocean resources and, consequently, unveil the promise of the blue biotechnology. Governments are recognizing the potential of marine biotechnology to provide solutions to some of the Grand Challenges of the 21st Century such as sustainable energy and food sources, identification of novel drugs for improved health treatments, and providing new industrial materials and processes. For this reason, advances in marine biotechnology may foster the much-needed source of innovation and economic growth in many countries, and pave the way towards the development of a global blue economy, i.e. a new economic model based on the sustainable exploration of our ocean ecosystems.

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the major applications and potential of fungal biotechnology. The respective chapters report on the latest advances and opportunities in each topic area, proposing new and sustainable solutions to some of the major challenges faced by modern society. Aimed at researchers and biotechnologists in academia and industry, it represents essential reading for anyone interested in fungal biotechnology, as well as those working within the broader area of microbial biotechnology. Written in an accessible language, the book also offers a valuable reference resource for decision-makers in government and at non-governmental organizations who are involved in the development of cleaner technologies and the global bioeconomy. The 21st century is characterized by a number of critical challenges in terms of human health, developing a sustainable bioeconomy, facilitating agricultural production, and establishing practices that support a cleaner environment. While there are chemical solutions to some of these challenges, developing bio-based approaches is becoming increasingly important. Filamentous fungi, ‘the forgotten kingdom,’ are a group of unique organisms whose full potential has yet to be revealed. Some key properties, such as their exceptional capacity to secrete proteins into the external environment, have already been successfully harnessed for the production of industrial enzymes and cellulosic biofuels. Many further aspects discussed here –such as feeding the hungry with fungal protein, and the potential applications of the various small molecules produced by fungi –warrant further exploration. In turn, the book covers the use of fungal cell factories to produce foreign molecules, e.g. for therapeutics. Strategies including molecular approaches to strain improvement, and recent advances in high-throughput technologies, which are key to finding better products and producers, are also addressed. Lastly, the book discusses the advent of synthetic biology, which is destined to greatly expand the scope of fungal biotechnology. The chapter “Fungal Biotechnology in Space: Why and How?” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License at link.springer.com.

Microalgae are a group of single-celled, photosynthetic microorganisms. They are of great commercial interest as they are capable of producing biomass (with a vast array of biochemical) using sunlight, CO2 and various other naturally occurring nutrients. Correctly utilised, they have the potential to provide sustainable supply of commercially relevant biochemicals, biofuels, nutraceuticals, food and feed supplements. The field of microalgal biotechnology is a fast-paced area of research, with technologies coming ever closer to commercial viability. Microalgal Biotechnology consolidates the latest research in the field together with a look at market potential and policy considerations. Highlighting the huge potential of microalgae as commercial commodities, it covers progress on various fronts including; bio-refinery and its technological challenges, genetic engineering, biosafety and regulatory issues, open and closed photo-bioreactors for biomass production, market space and sustainability for algal products. This book is a useful resource for researchers, academicians, postgraduate students, industries, policy makers and anyone interested in the status and future possibilities of microalgae commercialisation.

Algae Mediated Bioremediation Develop new methods for remediating pollution with this cutting-edge guide In a world where environmental remediation and pollution removal are becoming more critical with every passing day, the search for organic and sustainable solutions has never been more critical. Removing organic pollutants through the use of algae has become an especially promising avenue for bioremediation, with a far lower environmental impact than comparable mechanical, physical, or chemical approaches. The possibility of deriving bioenergy from the resulting biomass makes this approach even more potentially critical to a sustainable future. Algae Mediated Bioremediation offers a cutting-edge overview of these processes and their applications. Its comprehensive approach to the problems of pollution abatement and the value of algae as environmental and biotechnological agents include both practical solutions and key gaps in existing research. Algae Mediated Bioremediation readers will also find: Case studies of successful use drawn from across the globe Detailed discussion of remediating aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial habitats Applications for value-added products incorporating biomass Algae Mediated Bioremediation is ideal for biotechnologists, biochemists, natural products chemists, and other researchers working in industry or environmental research.

This book provides a comprehensive account of past, present and future of the biomass based biorefineries. It is an all-inclusive and insightful compilation of recent advancements in the technology and methods used for conversion of biomass to bioenergy and other useful biochemicals. The book also focuses on the limitations of existing technologies and provides the future prospects, as well as discusses socio-economic impact of biomass based biorefineries. This book assists researchers in the area of lignocellulosic biorefineries and can be used by the students, scientist and academician as an advanced reference textbook.

This book covers a range of important topics on dairy and fermented foods and microalgae biotechnologies for food, beverage and bioproduct industries. The topics range from traditionally fermented African foods, fermentation technologies for large-scale industrial enzyme production to microalgae cultivation and nutraceuticals in Africa, etc. The editors provide detailed information on approaches towards harnessing indigenous bioresources for food and nutrition security, climate change adaptation, industrial enzyme production, environmental remediation and healthcare delivery. The book will be useful reference material for scientists and researchers working in the field of dairy and food biotechnology, fermentation technology, enzyme biotechnology, algal biotechnology and cultivation systems, biofuels and other bioproducts from algal biomass and underutilized and novel African food sources. Emphasizes recent advances in biotechnologies that could ameliorate the high-level global food insecurity through fermentation technologies applicable to traditional African indigenous and underutilized novel foods, algal biotechnology and value-added bioproducts Provides detailed information on how to harness indigenous bioresources including microalgae for food and nutrition security, climate change adaptation, industrial enzyme production, environmental remediation and healthcare delivery Introduces new frontiers in the area of large-scale enzyme production using fermentation biotechnologies and their applications in the food and beverage industries Discusses current biotechnologies applicable in the food, beverage and bioproduct industries James Chukwuma Ogbonna, Ph.D., is a Professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Director, National Biotechnology Development Agency, South East Zonal Biotechnology Centre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Sylvia Uzochukwu, Ph.D., is a Professor of Food Science and Biotechnology, and Director, Biotechnology Centre, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. Emeka Godfrey Nwoba, Ph.D., is a research scholar at the Algae Research & Development Centre, Murdoch University, Western Australia. Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Director of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, Edo State University Uzairue, Nigeria. Nwadiuto (Diuoto) Esiobu, Ph.D., is a Professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA, and the President and Founder of Applied Biotech Inc. and ABINL, Abuja, Nigeria. Abdulrazak B. Ibrahim, Ph.D., is a Capacity Development Expert at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Benjamin Ewa Ubi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology and Director, Biotechnology Research and Development Centre, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.