Microalgae in Health and Disease Prevention is a comprehensive reference that addresses the historical and potential use of microalgae, its extracts, secondary metabolites, and molecular constituents for enhancing human health and preventing diseases. Each chapter features an overview, and the book includes coverage of microalgae biology, harmful algae, the use of microalgae in alcohol and food, and as sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The historical use of microalgae, in addition to its potential use as a nutraceutical and cosmeceutical, is also addressed. The book provides coverage of relevant, up-to-date research as assembled by a group of contributors who are dedicated to the advancement of microalgae use in health, diet and nutrition. Discusses research findings on the relationship between microalgal diet, nutrition and human health Presents the medicinal, anti-allergic and psychoactive properties of microalgae Identifies toxic and harmful microalgae Addresses microalgal lipids, proteins and carbohydrates

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.

The photosynthetic microbes including microalgae and cyanobacteria are the most widespread photosynthetic organisms on Earth. These organisms thrive successfully in a wide range of ecological habitats, ranging from marine and freshwater to terrestrial environments. The short generation time and capability to fix the atmospheric N2 and cosmopolitan distribution make these organisms unique. Photosynthetic microbes such as cyanobacteria are used as biofertilizer for rice paddy and their application improves soil physico-chemical characteristics and the mineral nutrient status of the soil. However, in recent times they have been exploited for the production of several fine chemicals and biofuel. Due to their simple cellular organization, the bare minimum requirement of nutrients and ease of cultivation, recently the microalgae have been exploited and accompanied by the capacity to produce bio-energy, especially bio-diesel. Use of photosynthetic microbes in wastewater treatment has also generated considerable interest in the scientific community and industry at large. Bioremediation using photosynthetic microbes is an emerging area of research and the organisms accumulate or degrade several environmental contaminants and heavy metals. Because of the antagonistic properties, they are also a potential source of various bioactive compounds. In brief, the potential of photosynthetic microbes could be harnessed for economic viability and sustainability of agro-ecosystems. This book attempts to highlight the potential and prospects of the photosynthetic microbes for the welfare of mankind in view of the anticipated population explosion and global climate change.

Unites a biological and a biotechnological perspective on cyanobacteria, and includes the industrial aspects and applications of cyanobacteria Cyanobacteria Biotechnology offers a guide to the interesting and useful features of cyanobacteria metabolism that keeps true to a biotechnology vision. In one volume the book brings together both biology and biotechnology to illuminate the core acpects and principles of cyanobacteria metabolism. Designed to offer a practical approach to the metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria, the book contains relevant examples of how this metabolic "module" is currently being engineered and how it could be engineered in the future. The author includes information on the requirements and real-world experiences of the industrial applications of cyanobacteria. This important book: Brings together biology and biotechnology in order to gain insight into the industrial relevant topic of cyanobacteria Introduces the key aspects of the metabolism of cyanobacteria Presents a grounded, practical approach to the metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria Offers an analysis of the requirements and experiences for industrial cyanobacteria Provides a framework for readers to design their own processes Written for biotechnologists, microbiologists, biologists, biochemists, Cyanobacteria Biotechnology provides a systematic and clear volume that brings together the biological and biotechnological perspective on cyanobacteria.

This book is divided into three thematic areas. The first covers a revision of the taxonomy of algae, based on the algae portal, as well as the general aspects of biology and the methodologies used in this branch of marine biology. The second subject area focuses on the use of algae in environmental assessment, with an intensive implementation in Western economies and some emerging economies. The third topic is the potential use of algae in various industries including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agricultural fertilizers, and the emerging biofuels industries.