Bentham Science Publishers

Metal Complexes: Environmental and Biomedical Applications offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of metal complexes in diverse fields, including biomedicine, energy, and environmental protection. This book provides insights into the synthesis, properties, and applications of metal complexes, covering topics such as their use in therapeutics, diagnostics, energy materials, and catalysis. It also examines their antibacterial, antifungal, and sensor applications. With a systematic approach, the book is ideal for students, researchers, and professionals interested in the growing relevance of metal complexes in scientific and industrial applications.

Key Features:

- Overview of metal complexes and oxidation states.

- Synthesis of metal complexes from N-heterocyclic carbene and Schiff base ligands.

- Biomedical applications, including therapeutics and diagnostics.

- Use of metal complexes in energy storage and catalysis.

- Applications in antibacterial and antifungal treatments.

- Metal complexes as sensors and in analytical chemistry.

Oxynitride thin film technology is rapidly impacting a broad spectrum of applications, ranging from decorative functions (through optoelectronics) to corrosion resistance. Developing a better understanding of the relationships between deposition processes, structure and composition of the deposited films is critical to the continued evolution of these applications. This e-book provides valuable information about the process modeling, fabrication and characterization of metallic oxynitride-based thin films produced by reactive sputtering and some related deposition processes. Its contents are spread in twelve main and concise chapters through which the book thoroughly reviews the bases of oxynitride thin film technology and deposition processes, sputtering processes and the resulting behaviors of these oxynitride thin films. More importantly, the solutions for the growth of oxynitride technology are given in detail with an emphasis on some particular compounds. This is a valuable resource for academic learners studying materials science and industrial coaters, who are concerned not only about fundamental aspects of oxynitride synthesis, but also by their innate material characteristics.

Natural products have dominated our lives since ancient times. Today, they are an inexhaustible source of new medications for disease treatment. The practice of evaluating bioactive compounds extracted from natural sources has also advanced significantly, prompting a need to understand current methods to identify and evaluate them. This book covers basic scientific aspects of preclinical research on natural products for specific conditions and diseases. These include aging, gynecological disorders, inflammatory disorders, renal disorders and cardiovascular disorders. Each of the 10 book chapters give a structured overview on preclinical methods on the etiology of diseases, natural products as the materials for the bioassays, extract types, concentration of the extracts/compounds for in vitro and in vivo assays, preparation of the test materials, application of the test materials, step-by-step methods and related calculations. The book is intended as a quick reference for natural product researchers, pharmacists and postgraduate students in pharmacognosy. Medical doctors working in preclinical research on natural products will also benefit from the information provided.

Methods to Determine Enzymatic Activity is a textbook about industrial enzymes. The book features definitions, classifications and applications of selected enzymes important in industry and in biotechnological processes. Analytical methods for these enzymes are also included in the text. The main objective of this textbook is to provide readers information focused on the current analysis methods of enzymatic activity at qualitative and quantitative levels. Each chapter is about one specific enzyme and contains information about its substrate and some biochemical properties. The methodologies are presented as an experimental protocol allowing interested readers to reproduce the experimental methods detailed within the textbook. These protocols contain the principle of the technique, materials, methods, and all steps necessary for the determination of enzyme activity and interpretation of results. Each methodology is illustrated with photos and schemes for a better and clear understanding. This book, therefore, uniquely brings modern analysis techniques of industrial enzymes in a single easy to understand volume. This textbook is suitable for undergraduate enzymology courses and advanced industrial biotechnology and microbiology courses.

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are known to play an important role in gene expression regulation. Owing to their ever-increasing implications in the control of various biological and pathological processes, miRNAs have now been considered novel biomarkers of various human diseases including, cancer, viral disease, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disturbances, etc. Unique expression profiles have been associated with specific pathological states.

Cardiovascular disease is among the main causes of mortality in developed countries. The pathological process of the heart is associated with altered expression profile of genes that are important for cardiac function. The implications of miRNAs in the pathological process of the cardiovascular system have recently been recognized, and the research on miRNAs in relation to cardiovascular disease is now in rapid progress. The aim of this ebook is to present updated research on the subject with analyses from published reports. Micro RNAs and Cardiovascular Disease caters to the growing interest and information needs of cardiac clinicians and gene expression researchers.

Microbes as Agents of Change for Sustainable Development explores the pivotal role of microbes and microbiomes in restoring degraded ecosystems and advancing sustainable practices. This comprehensive resource bridges cutting-edge research and practical solutions, emphasizing microbial applications in ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, waste management, agriculture, and climate change mitigation.

The book, which spans 22 chapters, provides insights into topics like nutrient cycling, bioremediation, biofertilizers, and microbial genomics. It also highlights innovative approaches, such as microbial fuel cells, pollution monitoring with biosensors, and the role of microbes in GHG emission mitigation.

Key Features:

- Explores the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the socio-economic benefits of microbes.

- Discusses microbial roles in polluted ecosystem restoration and renewable energy production.

- Highlights microbes` contribution to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and climate action.

Global plastic production is estimated to be over 300Mt annually. Most conventional plastics are predominantly produced from fossil fuels and are highly resistant to biodegradation, and only a small share of about 20% of spent plastics is believed to be recycled, which is a cause for environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics would solve this concern as they are a sustainable alternative, yet these do not even cover 5% of the global plastic market.

Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a versatile group of polyesters produced by nature as prokaryotic storage materials. PHAs can be produced through sustainable bioprocess engineering and have displayed remarkable flexibility in their physical and chemical properties. PHAs are the subject of several scientific papers and numerous PHA patents have also been filed, generating significant interest in the plastic production industry.

To develop overall sustainable and efficient production processes, all bioprocess steps need to be thoroughly understood and accounted for. These processes start with the selection of suitable inexpensive raw materials (microbes and enzymes), optimizing the process engineering and process regime, and conclude with the enhancement of product recovery in terms of time, energy, and material input.

Microbial Biopolyester Production, Performance and Processing: Microbiology, Feedstocks, and Metabolism encompasses eight chapters that cover aspects of the microbiology and biotechnology of producing biodegradable plastics. The contents focus on the selection of powerful archaeal and eubacterial production strains, genetic engineering as a tool for optimized PHA production and inexpensive carbon sources for microbial cultures. The volume is a useful resource for bioprocess engineers, microbiologists, biotechnologists and chemical engineers interested in the basics of biodegradable plastic production.

Recent Advances in Biotechnology is a book series comprising of peer-reviewed reference works and monographs that compile the latest developments in the field of biotechnology. Each volume has a thematic focus and features topical reviews written by experts. The series will highlight multidisciplinary perspectives to interested readers (biotechnologists, microbiologists, bioprocess engineers, agronomists, medical professionals, sustainability researchers etc.)

Microbiology for ICAR NET: A Comprehensive Exam Preparation Guide is a valuable resource tailored for students preparing for the ICAR NET exam in Microbiology. This guide offers an in-depth overview of key microbiological topics, including microbial physiology, soil microbiology, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology. Organized into eight comprehensive chapters, the book covers foundational concepts such as the scope of microbiology, prokaryotes, and microscopy, while aligning closely with the ICAR NET syllabus.

Ideal for ICAR NET aspirants, this guide also serves as a solid review tool for microbiology students, researchers, and professionals.

Key Features:

- Includes multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions for active learning.

- Detailed answer key for self-assessment and concept reinforcement.

- Comprehensive coverage of topics essential for ICAR NET Microbiology exam preparation.

- Covers a wide range of microbiology topics.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Soils and Plants highlights the problems caused by micronutrient deficiencies in vegetative production. This eBook emphasizes on the necessary requirements for plant growth micronutrients, the vital deficiency symptoms of micronutrients and their crucial role in plant metabolism.

The scope of this eBook covers a range of topics including micronutrient deficiency, the availability of micronutrient in soils, plant metabolism and micronutrient solubility.

The contents of this eBook include chapters on micronutrient solubility and availability in soils, the role of micronutrients in plant metabolism and growth and diagnostic tools to assess deficiencies of iron, zinc, copper and other micro-nutrients.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Soils and Plants is a valuable resource for MSc and PhD students, academic personnel and researchers seeking updated and critically important information on major nutritional problems in agricultural soils and crops.