Biomarkers in Medicine is a comprehensive guide to understanding the current and future status of biomarkers. The book features 27 chapters focusing on disease biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac diseases, metabolic conditions and much more. This book supplies readers with the unique insight of experts in multiple specialties in medicine and life sciences who have extensive experience in diagnostics and clinical laboratories. The book includes case studies and practical examples from different classes of biomarkers on different platforms, including new data for biomarkers in different therapeutic indications. In addition to presenting biomarker information, each chapter covers the relevant pathology and also emphasizes on preclinical and clinical manifestation of the disease process. Clinicians managing patients or clinical trials, clinical researchers, clinical laboratories, diagnostic companies, regulatory agencies, medical school graduate students, academic students, and the general public involved in healthcare delivery will all benefit from information presented in this book.

Bio-based polymers are materials that are produced from renewable resources. Their biodegradable properties are the driver of worldwide interest among researchers and manufacturers in recent years due to the demand and need for alternatives to fossil fuel based polymers. The use of biodegradable polymers creates a sustainable industry. In contrast, the raw materials for synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals will eventually deplete and most of them are non-biodegradable. Despite these advantages, bio-based polymers account for only a tiny fraction of the total global plastic market. Non-biodegradability issues of synthetic pharmaceutical inactive ingredients strongly emphasized innovators towards the development of biopolymers. Recently natural biodegradable excipients gained significant attention due to their sustainability and engineered applications. Innovative technologies to transform these materials into value-added chemicals via novel graft-polymerization or co-processing techniques for the production of high-performance multifunctional and low-cost polymers with tunable structures are key parts of its sustainable development. Biopolymers Towards Green and Sustainable Development elaborates on important issues that surround bio-based polymers. It gives the reader an overview of biopolymers, the impact of non-biodegradable polymers on the environment and health, emerging sources of biodegradable polymers, structural and morphological characterization techniques, thermomechanical properties, biodegradable plastics from biopolymers, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and textile applications, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. with a brief on bibliometric. Moreover, a brief bibliometric meta-analysis on bio-based pharmaceutical excipients provides an update about teams involved in the development of polymeric research that may be of interest to anyone who wants to work on sustainable biopolymer projects. Key Features - provides an updated summary on recently discovered natural polymeric materials - gives a thorough breakdown of the vast range of biopolymer applications including fabrication of conventional and novel drug delivery, polymeric scaffolds, composites, microneedles, and green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, -summarizes pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the inactive pharmaceutical ingredient and excipients - presents a bibliometric meta-analysis indicating potential collaboration between country, organization, institution, and authors with a view on recent ongoing trends with biopolymers.

Intensive use of fossil-based energy sources causes significant environmental problems on a global scale. Researchers have been working for several decades to find alternative energy solutions to fossil fuels. Algae are a renewable energy source, with high potential for increasing scarce resources and reducing environmental problems caused by fossil fuel use. Algal Biotechnology for Fuel Applications gives the reader a comprehensive picture of the industrial use of algae for generating power. This book informs readers about the existence of alternative species to the currently used algae species for biofuel production, while also explaining the methods and current concepts in sustainable biofuel production. Key Features - Fifteen chapters covering topics on commercial algae species and algal biofuel production. - Covers anaerobic biotechnology and basic biofuel production from thermal liquefaction - Covers biodiesel production and algal biofuel characterization - Introduces the reader to applied microbial fuel cell technology and algae cultivation methods - Provides concepts about ecological engineering - Covers microalgae culture and biofuel production techniques - Explains the importance of catalysts - Explains the economic evaluation of algae fuel production technology This reference is essential reading for students and academics involved in environmental science, biotechnology, chemical engineering and sustainability education programs. It also serves as a reference for general readers who want to understand the ins and outs of algal biofuel technology.

The Wax Moth: A Problem or a Solution? Covers the biology, development, morphometric characters, pheromones, mating and reproduction of the greater wax moth, which is a major pest in bee colonies. It also gives tips to beekeeping enthusiasts and professionals on how to manage wax moth infestations. Finally, it elucidates the involvement of wax moths in plastic degradation. Key Features · A complete overview of the basic biology of the greater wax moth · A quick guide on wax moth pest control · Tips for beekeepers to enhance colony growth for sustainable apiculture · Information for researchers on the wax moth’s involvement in plastic degradation · Simple text for readers of all levels · References for additional reading The Wax Moth: A Problem or a Solution? Is a comprehensive yet quick reference that is ideal for entomology and agriculture students, researchers, academicians and beekeepers (both professional and hobbyist).

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is one of the most abundant sulfur-containing amino acids in the human body. It is found in the heart, brain, retina, and skeletal muscles, and is synthesized in the pancreas. Studies have revealed that taurine is of high physiological importance: it protects against pathologies associated with mitochondrial diseases, and linked processes like aging, metabolic syndrome, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. It is also used as a nutritional supplement. Taurine and the Mitochondrion: Applications in the Pharmacotherapy of Human Diseases explores the significance of taurine in the biology of mitochondria. It also explains its role as a pharmacological agent for treating different diseases. Readers will gain an insight into the crucial role it plays in human physiology and the benefits of taurine supplements. Topics covered in this reference include - Synthesis of taurine and its dietary sources - The Role of taurine in mitochondrial health - Taurine as a neurotransmitter - Beneficial effects of taurine in physiological systems such as the reproductive system, renal system, and the gastrointestinal tract - Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of taurine - The anti-aging promise of taurine supplementation - Role of taurine supplementation in obesity

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), have the property of absorbing ultraviolet rays, and are widely used as active ingredients in cosmetics such as sunscreens. They also have many bioactive properties that make them an attractive ingredient for pharmaceuticals and functional food. This book summarizes information about the molecular structures, activities and applications of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). It aims to be an introductory book for undergraduate and graduate students in applied sciences, or as a handbook for researchers in pharmaceutical chemistry and cosmetics. Key features - 11 structured chapters covering the biochemistry of MAAs - Introduces readers to biochemical and synthetic pathways of MAAs - Presents information on many bioactive properties of MAAs including helioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-collagenase effects - Simple, clear explanations for learners - Academic and scholarly references for advanced readers - Illustrated appendices

Increased industrial and agricultural activity has led to the contamination of the earth's soil and groundwater resources with hazardous chemicals. The presence of heavy metals, dyes, fluorides, dissolved solids, and many other pollutants used in industry and agriculture are responsible for hazardous levels of water pollution. The removal of these pollutants in water resources is challenging. Bioremediation is a new technique that employs living organisms, usually bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from soil and water, preferably in situ. This approach is more cost-effective than traditional techniques, such as incineration of soils and carbon filtration of water. It requires understanding how organisms consume and transform polluting chemicals, survive in polluted environments, and how they should be employed in the field. Bioremediation for Environmental Pollutants discusses the latest research in green chemistry and practices and principles involved in quality improvement of water by remediation. It covers different aspects of environmental problems and their remedies with up-to-date developments in the field of bioremediation of industrial/environmental pollutants. Volume 1 focuses on the bioremediation of heavy metals, pesticides, textile dyes removal, petroleum hydrocarbon, microplastics and plastics.

Increased industrial and agricultural activity has led to the contamination of the earth's soil and groundwater resources with hazardous chemicals. The presence of heavy metals, dyes, fluorides, dissolved solids, and many other pollutants used in industry and agriculture are responsible for hazardous levels of water pollution. The removal of these pollutants in water resources is challenging. Bioremediation is a new technique that employs living organisms, usually bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from soil and water, preferably in situ. This approach is more cost-effective than traditional techniques, such as the incineration of soils and carbon filtration of water. It requires understanding how organisms consume and transform polluting chemicals, survive in polluted environments, and how they should be employed in the field. Bioremediation for Environmental Pollutants discusses the latest research in green chemistry and practices and principles involved in the quality improvement of water by remediation. It covers different aspects of environmental problems and their remedies with up-to-date developments in the field of bioremediation of industrial/environmental pollutants. Volume 2 explains the methods used to control the remediation processes making it cost-effectively and feasible. It elaborates on the application of microbial enzymes, microalgae, and genetically engineered microorganisms in the bioremediation of significant pollutants, food wastes, distillery wastewater, and pharmaceutical wastes.

Steroids are an important class of biomolecules with diverse roles and functions. Besides being important as structural and signaling molecules, these molecules hold promise against numerous disorders, including cardiovascular conditions, cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Many investigations have demonstrated that steroidal frameworks may provide lipid solubility, receptor selectivity or membrane binding properties to non-steroidal pharmacophores. However, the therapeutic use of steroids can be dangerous when they're used incorrectly. Additionally, misconceptions about steroids among athletes or recreational users can lead to steroid abuse and poor health outcomes. Steroids and their Medicinal Potential discusses the classification, distribution, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and semi-synthesis of different steroids. The medicinal potential of each class is exhaustively discussed in different chapters. The latest advances and developments in steroid-based drug discovery are also discussed thoroughly. The book aims to address general questions and concerns about steroids, providing readers a useful resource on the subject. Key Features -Provides comprehensive coverage on all aspects of steroids including steroid chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal potential, drug discovery and advances in target-binding interactions of steroid-based drugs -Includes chapters dedicated to anabolic steroids and their abuse -Designed as an accessible source of information for understanding steroidal drugs with structured chapters -Includes references for advanced readers

Fungal Lipid Biochemistry explores the intricate biochemistry of fungal and microbial lipids. The book focuses on recent advances in our knowledge about the distribution, classification, and biochemistry of fungal lipids. The book is divided into four sections, starting with an introduction to fungal lipids which includes definition, classification, nomenclature, and some historical aspects of fungal lipid research. This is followed by an overview of fungal lipids, and environmental and nutritional cultural conditions affecting lipid production. The second section contains four chapters that explain the metabolism of fatty acids, their biosynthetic pathways together with their storage mainly in the form of triacylglycerols. The latter includes a key description of the recently discovered lipid droplet acting as a highly specific cellular compartment for the storage of neutral lipids. The third section contains five chapters concerned with the relatively recent interpretation of other major lipid classes which include glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, sterols, carotenoids, and polyprenols and their occurrence and biosynthesis. The final section covers lipid metabolism during fungal development and sporulation. Key features - Extensive coverage of fungal lipid biochemistry, with a focus on recent knowledge - Includes chapters for specific lipid classes with notes on their metabolism - Gives knowledge about the role of lipids in fungal growth and development - Provides references for further reading This book is a comprehensive reference for academics, scientific researchers, and industrial scientists (in biotechnology, food science and nutritional health) who require information about fungal lipid composition and biochemistry.