There are alarming reports of new and emerging microbial diseases. The recent emergence of COVID-19 is a burning example that has attracted global attention. Not only this, the development of multidrug resistance in microbes is frightening and thus the available antibiotics have been ineffective. Considering these facts, there is a pressing need to develop effective treatment options that are eco-friendly, biobased, and cost-effective. The present book covers the natural/bio-based products from plants, mushrooms and microbes that can be used against different microbial diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. This book would be an essential reading for students, researchers and people from pharma industries. Key features: • Describes the biobased natural products to combat microbial diseases. • Examines the antimicrobial potential of mushrooms, endophytes and secondary metabolites. • Discusses the role of defensins and terpenes in microbial diseases. • Incorporates natural products from the Amazon for treating microbial diseases.

Green Products in Food Safety explores the potential of green chemicals in the sustainable management of food biodeterioration agents and addresses the current existing limitations of green products for their sustainable application. The book summarizes food loss by biodeterioration agents (bacteria, fungi, mycotoxin, and insect pest); novel detection methods for hazardous food contaminants; different sources of green chemicals, their origin, extraction, and characterization methods; and bioactivity of green products against biodeterioration agents with their molecular sites of action. Also included are discussions of pharmacological properties of green chemicals, metabolic engineering of green chemical biosynthesis, natural therapy for bovine mastitis, the role of molecular modeling and dynamics in food science, nanocarriers for application in the food system, elucidation of novel site of action, toxicity prediction, ecological perception, Intellectual Property Right (IPR), regulations, and perspectives on the commercial application of green products. This book covers basic and translational aspects that prove to be beneficial for food scientists, researchers, students, and young professionals. - Presents a systematic and in-depth understanding of recent scientific and technological advances related to green products and their application in food systems against biodeterioration agents - Covers the basic and translational aspects related to the field of biopesticides and food loss by biodeterioration agents - Links scientific and technological advancements to address existing limitations such as availability, cost-effectiveness, molecular mode of action, toxicity assessment, IPR, and more

Antimicrobial Food Packaging takes an interdisciplinary approach to provide a complete and robust understanding of packaging from some of the most well-known international experts. This practical reference provides basic information and practical applications for the potential uses of various films in food packaging, describes the different types of microbial targets (fungal, bacteria, etc.), and focuses on the applicability of techniques to industry. Tactics on the monitoring of microbial activity that use antimicrobial packaging detection of food borne pathogens, the use of biosensors, and testing antimicrobial susceptibility are also included, along with food safety and good manufacturing practices. The book aims to curtail the development of microbiological contamination of food through anti-microbial packaging to improve the safety in the food supply chain. - Presents the science behind anti-microbial packaging and films reflecting advancements in chemistry, microbiology, and food science - Includes the most up-to-date information on regulatory aspects, consumer acceptance, research trends, cost analysis, risk analysis and quality control - Discusses the uses of natural and unnatural compounds for food safety and defense

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of biofertilizers as an alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Agricultural production has increased massively over the last century due to increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but these gains have come at a price. The chemicals are not only expensive; they also reduce microbial activity in agricultural soils and accumulate in the food chain, with potentially harmful effects for humans. Accordingly, it is high time to explore alternatives and to find solutions to overcome our increasing dependence on these chemicals. Biofertilizers, which consist of plant remains, organic matter and microorganisms, might offer an alternative. They are natural, organic, biodegradable, eco-friendly and cost-effective. Further, the microbes present in the biofertilizers are important, because they produce nutrients required for plant growth (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), as well as substances essential for plant growth and development (e.g., auxins and cytokinins). Biofertilizers also improve the physical properties, fertility and productivity of soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers while maintaining high crop yield. This makes biofertilizers a powerful tool for sustainable agriculture and a sustainable environment. The book covers the latest research on biofertilizers, ranging from beneficial fungal, bacterial and algal inoculants; to microbes for bioremediation, wastewater treatment; and recycling of biodegradable municipal, agricultural and industrial waste; as well as biocontrol agents and bio-pesticides. As such, it offers a valuable resource for researchers, academics and students in the broad fields of microbiology and agriculture.

Bioprospecting of Microbial Diversity: Challenges and Applications in Biochemical Industry, Agriculture and Environment Protection gives a detailed insight into the utilization of microorganisms or microorganism-based bioactive compounds for the development of sustainable approaches, covering recent advances and challenges in the production and recovery of bioactive compounds such as enzymes, biopesticides, biofertilizers, biosensors, therapeutics, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. The challenges associated with the different approaches of microbial bioprospecting along with possible solutions to overcome these limitations are addressed. Further, the application of microbe-based products in the area of environmental pollution control and developing greener technologies are discussed. Providing valuable insight into the basics of microbial prospecting, the book covers established knowledge as well as genomic-based technological advancements to offer a better understanding of its application to various industries, promoting the commercialization of microbial-derived bioactive compounds and their application in biochemical industries, agriculture, and environmental protection studies. - Describes the advanced techniques available for microbial bioprospecting for large-scale industrial production of bioactive compounds - Presents recent advances and challenges for the application of microbe-based products in agriculture and environment pollution control - Provides knowledge of microbial production of bioenergy and high-value compounds such as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals

A comprehensive overview of different antimicrobial polymeric materials, their antimicrobial action modes and applications.

Recent agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical research focuses attention on the development of delivery systems that can encapsulate, protect, and deliver natural compounds. Nanoemulsions are recognized as the best delivery systems for natural-origin nutraceuticals and phytochemicals, having many agri-food applications. Bio-based Nanoemulsions for Agri-Food Applications provides information on food-grade nanoemulsions and their application in agriculture and the food industry. This book covers concepts, techniques, current advances, and challenges in the formulation of the application of emerging food grade nanoemulsions. Particular attention is placed on food-grade nanoemulsion production methods and components used, such as plant/microbial products, biosurfactants, cosurfactants, emulsifiers, ligand targets, and bioactive/functional ingredients. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and food scientists who are looking to understand how nanoemulsions are being used in the agri-food sector. - Provides an overview of a range of bio-based nanoemulsions used in the agrifood sector - Explores how nanotechnology improves the properties of bio-based emulsions - Assesses the major challenges of manufacturing nanoemulsions at an industrial scale