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Several books and many papers have been published during the last decade on the design and the use of new nanomaterials in medicine and technology, which describe major concepts of nanotechnology. Meanwhile, a new promising type of nanomaterials-bacteriophages-emerged recently as a result of the evolution of phage display technique. Bacteriophages have a unique feature - completely the opposite of other nanomaterials -their structure and function are encrypted in their genomic DNA, which can be intentionally modified or even rewritten using routine genetic engineering techniques. In particular, a paradigm of landscape phage with multivalently displayed foreign peptides evolved, which allows constructing phage with unique surface architectures and emerged properties. Recently, phage, as a new kind of nanomaterials attracted the attention of specialists working in peripheral, and even very diverse areas from genetics and molecular biology, such as pharmaceutical science, material science, microelectronics, biosensors, detection, environmental sciences, etc. Penetration of the phage technology into these new disciplines required the development of a new instructive concept, which resulted in this publication. This comprehensive book, of value to researchers as well as scientists, introduces readers into this hot new area of phage nanobiotechnology. It summarises the existing data on the phage nanomaterials and discusses their use in different areas of medicine, science and technology. With contributions by top level experts and pioneers in phage display, the major goal of this book is to bring the phage display technique closer to specialists in these diverse areas of medicine, science and technology, where phage-derived nanomaterials can be most beneficial.

Proteins are an important nutrient and ingredient in food as well as in nutritional supplements. The application and take up of food proteins, especially plant proteins, has been limited due to their undesirable sensory properties, e.g. taste, odour, and chalky mouth feel. This will need to change if the availability of meat protein becomes scarcer. Documenting the latest research, this book is the first overview of the recent advances in flavour research of food proteins, with an emphasis on the major plant proteins, e.g. soy and pulse proteins. The topics to be covered include sensory and instrumental characterization of flavour compounds in food proteins, how flavour profiles in food proteins can be formed or altered, research advances of individual food proteins, the use of food protein products as flavouring ingredients, and future trends of flavouring food proteins. There is a growing interest in using plant proteins in food formulation and industrial applications, but no book has yet covered this systematically until now. Summarizing research advances in consumer studies and flavour chemistry that focus on food proteins, the book will discuss the flavour properties and problems in each major and novel food protein source for the academic and industry market.

Modern research in biology increasingly relies on multiple techniques for describing structures and mechanisms. This book provides an overview of the contemporary integrated biology approaches for solving structures and understanding mechanisms of complex biological systems. It includes several methodology chapters discussing the current developments in the areas of cryo-electron microscopy (EM) and cryo-electron tomography (ET), computational biophysics, solution NMR spectroscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), (photo-)chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP), X-ray crystallography and small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS). Several subsequent chapters demonstrate how these methods are used in synergy to address problems at the forefront of structural biology, with particular emphasis on examples where individual techniques are insufficient. Examples of biological systems include membrane proteins, viral protein assemblies, cytoskeleton protein assemblies, photosynthetic reaction centers, large enzyme complexes and whole cells. The book is targeted to both the current practitioners of structural biology and scientists who are interested in entering the fields of structural biology or biophysical chemistry.

Describing the importance of surfactants in electrochemical investigations related to biologically and environmentally vital chemicals, this book charts the progression of highly responsive electrochemical sensors using surfactants as a modifying agent in the sensor field. It provides contributed chapters from respected researchers on information concerning the activity of target molecules and electron transfer kinetics arising at the surface of the fabricated sensor materials. Surfactant-based electrochemical sensors are of great interest in the quest to find low-cost, fast and highly responsive sensing devices and one aim of this book is to help improve the competence and knowledge in this newly emerging interdisciplinary research area. Attracting an audience of students, academics, industrialists and engineers, it will interest researchers seeking to use non-toxic sensors in their detection challenges.

In the human body, there are millions of living microorganisms involved in protecting the body from invaders, helping digestion and regulating moods, but there are also harmful pathogens that cause infectious diseases. For instance, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused considerable loss of life since its outbreak. Comprehensive analysis and characterization of microbes is of significant importance to understand the function and role of microorganisms, and rapid detection and identification of unknown pathogens are essential in early diagnosis, treatment monitoring and personalized medicine. Mass spectrometry is a technique to ionize molecules and detect the mass-to-charge ratio of the generated ions. The technique is widely used in hospitals for pathogenic bacteria identification, as well as in environmental science and food science for biosafety control. This book summarizes the most recent development of mass spectrometry techniques in microbial analysis, including mass spectrometry-based microbial identification, bacterial antimicrobial resistance study, data mining algorithm development, omics for microbial research, applications in clinical diagnosis, environmental science and food science, and more. It will guide researchers in the field, and those who are about to enter the field, in the most appropriate methods to characterize microbes and enable their detection.

Looking to prevent future outbreaks of deadly pathogens by early detection? Infectious diseases continue to be a challenge that necessitates increased precision in detection and integration to achieve accurate diagnosis at the point of care (PoC). Field-effect transistors (FETs) have been investigated widely as biosensors for pathogen detection, with advantages such as label-free and real-time detection capabilities. These biosensors have: a high level of sensitivity, a remarkable capacity for miniaturization, a molecular minimum limit of detection (LoD), and seamless integration with semiconductor technologyIn this title, we have invited expert scientific researchers to share their experience in this field. This book focuses on the application and possibility of FETs as biosensors, for rapid and real time detection of pathogens that affect human life. The lack of commercially available efficient devices that can be deployed for this task resulted in the recent global spread of the SARS-CoV-19 virus. The book is an attempt to keep interested parties up to date. Aimed at scientists and engineers (researchers, academics, and postgraduate students) who are interested in developing and using BioFET based sensors, the information in this book is crucial to help prevent future outbreaks of pathogens which bring with them significant impacts on human health and wellbeing.

In recent years, consumers have been concentrating on the health benefits and nutrition from food to preserve a healthy lifestyle. They are looking for colorants derived from natural sources to enhance the nutritional and antioxidant value of foods. Coloured cereals (wheat, rice, barley, oat, maize, sorghum, and millets) contain many phytochemicals, including anthocyanins and carotenoids associated with numerous health benefits. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the bioactive potential, food applications, and health benefits of coloured cereal grains. Novel approaches to the integration of coloured grain into food in the food processing industries are included, reviewing high-value pigments in the bran layer which can easily be extracted and utilized as functional foods and natural colorants. Aimed at researchers carrying out innovative studies, food regulatory and safety authorities and food processing industries who are trying to minimize synthetic food colorants and dyes, this book provides a novel approach to the use of substitute synthetic dyes which can improve the nutritional value, appearance, texture, flavour, and storage properties of food products.

The Capsicum genus comprises the botanic species known as chili peppers, the most widely consumed natural product by humankind. Their usage is diverse and varies from food additives to defensive devices and medicines. Providing a comprehensive overview of the great popularization and socioeconomic importance of Capsicum, this book includes a holistic description of the properties of Capsicum and how this correlates with the chemical profile. Several of their specialized metabolites, such as capsaicinoids and carotenoids, are in fact responsible for peppers characterization as a functional food as they provide pungency, deterrent properties and outstanding biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and chemopreventive. This book shows the big picture behind peppers featuring as functional foods using a biochemistry background to elucidate how the chemical composition of this genus can affect its unique bioactivity and sensorial characteristics. In addition, the state-of-art regarding Capsicum exploitation is also emphasized. Intended for all types of audiences, it is a resource for those curious about peppers pungency, for graduate students aiming to improve their skills and professional who need to update their knowledge regarding peppers chemistry and pharmacology.

The importance of processing and packaging food items so that they are safe for the consumer cannot be underestimated. Sensors have an important role to play in this, and sensing technologies have attracted the attention of the scientific community in view of increasing environmental and societal concerns. This edited volume presents a collection of ten chapters discussing the current trends of bio- and nano-sensing technologies for processing and packaging of food items. Starting with an overview chapter which introduces the field, the book goes on to discuss novel applications related to preservation, authenticity and safety of foods. Intelligent food packaging and nano-based sensing are covered, and the book finishes with a look towards the pros and cons of how this will revolutionise sensing throughout the food sector. It will be of benefit to scientists and practising professionals conducting research in the areas of food processing, contamination and food safety, and academic researchers and graduate students studying food technology or food engineering.

The area of research on the health benefits of berries, their bioactive compounds and their related metabolites has exploded in the last 20 years resulting in new knowledge in the understanding of their metabolism, molecular mode of action as well as their clinical significance in promoting health and preventing chronic disease. Berries and Berry Bioactive Compounds in Promoting Health, reviews state-of-the-art research findings on this exponentially growing area. This comprehensive book brings together international experts in their corresponding fields with cutting-edge reviews. Exploring the effects and mechanisms of action of berry bioactive compounds and their metabolites on different body systems and chronic diseases, including their role on gut microbiota and eventual effect on health is the focus of this book. Unique topics covered, include the chemistry and analytical methods of detection of berry bioactive compounds, bioavailability, metabolism and factors that affect them including individual variability, their interaction with the gut microbiome, and their role and mechanism(s) of action on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity-induced inflammation, and cancer as well as neuroprotection and wound healing. It will be of benefit to scientists conducting research in the area of berries and their bioactive compounds on health and disease and for health care professionals, nutritionists, dietitians and clinical researchers, nutraceutical and natural food product developers (industry) and food regulators.

Over the last decade, the use of ion mobility separation in combination with mass spectrometry analysis has developed significantly. This technique adds a unique extra dimension enabling the in-depth analysis of a wide range of complex samples in the areas of the chemical and biological sciences. Providing a comprehensive guide to the technique, each chapter is written by an internationally recognised expert and with numerous different commercial platforms to choose from, this book will help the end users understand the practicalities of using different instruments for different ion mobility purposes. The first section provides a detailed account of the fundamentals behind the technique and the current range of available instrumentation. The second section focusses on the wide range of applications that have benefitted from ion mobility – mass spectrometry and includes topics taken from current research in the pharmaceutical, metabolomics, glycomics, and structural molecular biology fields. The book is primarily aimed at researchers, appealing to practising chemists and biochemists, as well as those in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.

The efficient analysis of polar and charged metabolites in biological samples remains a huge challenge in the field of metabolomics. Over the past years, novel mass spectrometry-based analytical tools have been developed to enable the sensitive and efficient profiling of polar ionogenic metabolites in various biological samples. This book gives the reader a comprehensive overview of these recent technological developments. Topics covered include the use of chemical labelling strategies for allowing the analysis of polar metabolites using reversed-phase liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (RPLC-MS) and the latest methodological developments in RPLC-MS, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-MS and ion-pair LC-MS approaches. Attention is also paid to developments in nano-LC-MS and capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry methods specifically for profiling polar metabolites in small volume biological samples. The utility of ion-mobility MS and NMR spectroscopy will also be outlined. Sample preparation is the key part in the analytical workflow employed for metabolomics. Therefore, ample emphasis will be given on recent solid-phase extraction and solid-phase micro-extraction methods. Finally, analytical techniques for chiral metabolic profiling will also be considered. Discussing the state-of-the-art of the proposed topics in one single book for probing the polar metabolome, using relevant examples, is unique and needed in the metabolomics field. This book has relevance and appeal to an international audience of analytical and biomedical researchers in industry and academia.

As analysis, in terms of detection limits and technological innovation, in chemical and biological fields has developed so computational techniques have advanced enabling greater understanding of the data. Indeed, it is now possible to simulate spectral data to an excellent level of accuracy, allowing chemists and biologists access to robust and reliable analytical methodologies both experimentally and theoretically. This work will serve as a definitive overview of the field of computational simulation as applied to analytical chemistry and biology, drawing on recent advances as well as describing essential, established theory. Computational approaches provide additional depth to biochemical problems, as well as offering alternative explanations to atomic scale phenomena. Highlighting the innovative and wide-ranging breakthroughs made by leaders in computational spectrum prediction and the application of computational methodologies to analytical science, this book is for graduates and postgraduate researchers showing how computational analytical methods have become accessible across disciplines. Contributed chapters originate from a group of internationally-recognised leaders in the field, each applying computational techniques to develop our understanding of and supplement the data obtained from experimental analytical science.

Nutraceuticals is a broad umbrella term used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. This book is a comprehensive look at two themes in the area: technical and biological considerations. Technical considerations include an in-depth look at the process of bioactive identification and extraction and factors controlling bioactive concentrations in food. It also includes details of how these products are regulated and the steps necessary to utilize these products in human populations. Biological considerations include looking at how these products can be used in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, and a discussion on the process of formulations and how these influence bioavailability. This will be the first book to comprehensively examine the entire process of nutraceutical development from food to supplement creation and all the important considerations in between. This serves as an excellent and up-to-date reference for food scientists, food chemists, researchers in nutraceuticals and human nutrition.

In-cell NMR spectroscopy is a relatively new field. Despite its short history, recent in-cell NMR-related publications in major journals indicate that this method is receiving significant general attention. This book provides the first informative work specifically focused on in-cell NMR. It details the historical background of in-cell NMR, host cells for in-cell NMR studies, methods for in-cell biological techniques and NMR spectroscopy, applications, and future perspectives. Researchers in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology as well as NMR analysts interested in biological applications will all find this book valuable reading.

A precise analysis of biogenic amines is important as an indicator of food freshness or spoilage that can cause serious toxicity. This book provides comprehensive background information on biogenic amines and their occurrence in various foods and drinks such as fermented and non-fermented sausages and fish products, cheeses, vegetables and beverages, e.g. beer, cider and wine. It gives a detailed description of both the established analytical methods and the emerging technologies for the analysis of them. As the first book on the detection of biogenic amines in all types of food, it provides help to get a better understanding of the risks associated with biogenic amines and how to avoid them. It serves as an excellent and up-to-date reference for food scientists, food chemists and food safety professionals.

Lipidomics is one of the emerging ‘omics'techniques with growing importance in bioscience. Discussing interesting standard and non-standard techniques relevant to the measurement and analysis of lipids by mass spectrometry, this book will provide a guide to the possibilities of the techniques. It will introduce the reader to exciting new methods that allow isomer differentiation, improve sensitivity, allow spatial location and go beyond annotation of simply matching a mass to a database entry. The book is written and edited by the some of the world leaders in the field of lipid mass spectrometry and will have international appeal in industry and academia for analytical chemists, biochemists and biotechnologists. Furthermore, it will provide a useful resource for anyone interested in lipid structure characterization particularly for graduates and postgraduates who require a starting point for their projects.

Genomics and genome technology is having, and continues to have, a major impact on all areas of bioscience research providing insights into the key area of molecular mechanisms of cells in health and disease. This is causing a profound effect on biomedical science and is accelerating the development of new diagnostic applications. This book provides a timely, graduate level introduction to the fast-paced area of genomics and clinical diagnostic technologies and introduces the concept of applications based on this area. The initial chapters focus on principal molecular technologies that underpin the information in the later chapters. In addition to introductory areas of nucleic acids and techniques in molecular biology, bioinformatics and proteomics, other key diagnostic areas such as the use of immunological reagents are covered. The later chapters provide more specialised examples of currently used diagnostic technologies and insights into selected key diagnostic challenges including specific examples of molecular microbial diagnostics and molecular biomarkers in oncology. The running themes through the chapters provides an insight into current and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field.

Concerns about the adverse health effects of chemicals and radiation present in the environment and at workplaces have created the need for better detection systems to assess their potential to cause DNA damage in humans and other organisms across ecosystems. The Micronucleus Assay in Toxicology is the first comprehensive volume concerning the use of micronucleus assays in genetic toxicology. It succinctly explains the mechanisms by which genotoxins cause micronucleus formation and its relation to diseases. Furthermore, it describes the methods which are currently used for the analyses of micronuclei in different types of cells in human in vivo biomonitoring studies, routine in vivo tests with rodents, in vitro studies with human and mammalian cells, environmental monitoring with invertebrates and vertebrates such as molluscs, fish and, also, in plant bioassays. Moreover, this book also focuses on the use of the micronucleus technique in other research areas, including the detection of DNA damage caused by important groups of genotoxic carcinogens (heavy metals, industrial chemicals, cytotoxic drugs, pesticides, ionising radiation, etc.) as well as study designs, statistical analyses, international regulatory guidelines, and the development of automated scoring devices for this assay. This book will serve as both, a reference and a guide to students, and investigators in biomedical, biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences interested in gaining a better understanding of the biology of micronuclei and their application in measuring DNA damage caused by natural or man-made genotoxins.

Carotenoids are found in some food plants, flowers and animals, in free form and also esterified with fatty acids. Recent research has concentrated on the extent of carotenoid esters in these sources, how to assess their presence and the amount available for potential health effects. Focusing on the occurrence and assembly in foods, biosynthesis, analytical methods for identification and quantification, dietary intake and metabolism, the most recent research is represented and a balanced overview of what is known about carotenoid esters is provided. As the first book to address this topic in a comprehensive way, it ensures a better understanding of the importance of carotenoid esters to both food and health, and provides one source for researchers in food science, nutrition, natural products and the food and pharmaceutical industries. Carotenoid Esters in Foods will be a valued addition to the literature, specifically for those conducting research into carotenoids and carotenoid esters in foods. It is a unique contribution and a must-have source for those in this community.

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by Evans and Bishop as an essential micronutrient for reproduction in rats. The active substance was isolated in 1936 by Evans and was named tocopherol, although the tocopherols and tocotrienols are actually a group of eight isomeric molecules that are characterized by a chromanol ring structure and a side chain. Providing an overview of the state-of-the-art of the chemistry of vitamin E, this book reflects the issues stemming from the complexity of the role and actions in vivo as well as in vitro. It summarizes information on the properties and function of vitamin E, the current understanding of the advantages and limitations of it, and also its application in promotion of health and prevention of diseases. Based on sound, solid scientific evidence, this is a timely addition to the literature as the centennial anniversary of the discovery of this important vitamin approaches.

The popularity of the plant Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) has risen due to increasing use and interest in its sweet constituents called steviol glycosides. In recent years, these have been approved all over the world as food additives in the category of sweetener, hence they have received more attention and their use in food formulations has increased significantly. New techniques in growing stevia have resulted in new varieties with interesting steviol glycoside profiles. Also, new techniques to analyse the content of sweeteners in different matrices and the detection of new steviol glycosides with very pleasant sensory profiles has followed. The aim of this book is to present novel uses and manufacturing developments as well as to gather together up-to-date information across the whole developing area of steviol glycosides research.

Polyphenols and carotenoids are abundant in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, and beverages, such as tea, cocoa and wine providing health-related benefits and antioxidant properties. Focusing on non-extractable polyphenols and carotenoids that are present in the diet, this book will improve our knowledge of dietary intakes and physiological properties ensuring a better understanding of their potential health effects. With global appeal, this will be the first book dedicated to raising the profile of this important area. Summarising the current knowledge in the field, the book will direct further research for food chemists, scientists and nutritionists looking for new perspectives.

The identification and quantification of material present and collected at a crime scene are critical requirements in investigative analyses. Forensic analysts use a variety of tools and techniques to achieve this, many of which use light. Light is not always the forensic analyst's friend however, as light can degrade samples and alter results. This book details the analysis of a range of molecular systems by light-based techniques relevant to forensic science, as well as the negative effects of light in the degradation of forensic evidence, such as the breakage of DNA linkages during DNA profiling. The introductory chapters explain how chemiluminescence and fluorescence can be used to visualise samples and the advantages and limitations of available technologies. They also discuss the limitations of our knowledge about how light could alter the physical nature of materials, for example by breaking DNA linkages during DNA profiling or by modifying molecular structures of polymers and illicit drugs. The book then explains how to detect, analyse and interpret evidence from materials such as illicit drugs, agents of bioterrorism, and textiles, using light-based techniques from microscopy to surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Edited by active photobiological and forensic scientists, this book will be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of photochemistry, photobiology, toxicology and forensic science.

Capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE-MS) has become a very useful analytical technique for the profiling of highly polar and charged metabolites in biological samples. In this book, the unique features of CE-MS for metabolomics studies are highlighted including CE separation modes, capillary coatings and practical aspects of CE-MS coupling alongside a comprehensive overview of recent technological developments and applications. CE-MS can be considered a relatively new technique in the field of metabolomics and it is therefore important to inform the scientific community about the possibilities of advanced CE-MS approaches for metabolomics studies. This book outlines the potential of this technique for researchers working in metabolomics, bioanalytics and biomarker analysis.

Protein crystallography has become vital to further understanding the structure and function of many complex biological systems. In recent years, structure determination has progressed tremendously however the quality of crystals and data sets can prevent the best results from being obtained. With contributions from world leading researchers whose software are used worldwide, this book provides a coherent approach on how to handle difficult crystallographic data and how to assess its quality. The chapters will cover all key aspects of protein crystallography, from instrumentation and data processing through to model building. This book also addresses challenges that protein crystallographers will face such as dealing with data from microcrystals and multi protein complexes. This book is ideal for both academics and researchers in industry looking for a comprehensive guide to protein crystallography.

Paramagnetic NMR is a growing technique that represents an increasingly important tool for the investigation of biomolecules. This book presents an update and overview of the paramagnetic NMR phenomena and effects as well as guidelines for practical implementation of state-of-the-art experiments. All experiments are supported by a solid theoretical foundation. Areas mentioned are the development of solid state NMR, the use of paramagnetic tags providing information on the structure and mobility of the investigated systems, and dynamic nuclear polarization to increase sensitivity. Compiled by experts in the field, this book has international appeal for researchers as well as students interested in magnetic resonance and structural biology who require experimental support and accessible information.

Significant progress has been made in recent years in quenched-phosphorescence oxygen sensing, particularly in the materials and applications of this detection technology that are open to commercialization, like uses in brain imaging and food packaging. Prompted by this, the editors have delivered a dedicated book that brings together these developments, provides a comprehensive overview of the different detection methodologies, and representative examples and applications. This book is intended to attract new researchers from various disciplines such as chemistry, physics, biology and medicine, stimulate further progress in the field and assist in developing new applications. Providing a concise summary at the cutting edge, this practical guide for current experts and new potential users will increase awareness of this versatile sensing technology.

Cyclic peptides are increasingly employed as chemical tools in biology and drug discovery. They have gained a lot of interest as alternative sources of new drugs to traditional small molecules. This book introduces cyclic peptides and provides a thorough overview of biosynthetic and fully synthetic approaches to their preparation. Following an introduction to cyclic peptides, biosynthetic and traditional chemical routes to cyclic peptides are reviewed. Due to their size, their synthesis is not trivial. Recent advances in the incorporation of novel structural units are presented in addition to how synthesis and biological methods can be combined. The chemical analysis of this molecular class is also discussed. Furthermore, chapters detail the progression of cyclic peptides as tools in biology and as potential drugs, providing a future vision of their importance.In total, this book provides the reader with a comprehensive view of the state-of-the-art of cyclic peptides, from construction to possible clinical utility. This book will be an essential resource for students, researchers and scientists within industry in medicinal, bioorganic, natural product and analytical chemistry fields.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) plays a dominant role in real-time interaction sensing of biomolecular binding events and with the biosensor field expanding more applications are being found. In response to the market, an update to the original title which was published in 2008 is now appropriate. With over fifty percent of the material being updated, this book provides a total system description including optics, fluidics and sensor surfaces. Spanning theory, instrumentation and applications, it covers all the relevant issues for the practicing researcher. Unlocking the potential for SPR by showing highly exciting and unique opportunities for unraveling the functional relationships of complex biological processes, it is intended for a wide audience. A comprehensive and accessible source it contains expanded tutorial details to inspire students and guide them in this technology.

Biosensors are increasingly being used to replace traditional methods of analyte detection in the food industry. They offer a much quicker, more reliable and more versatile method for the detection of toxins, allergens, hormones, microorganisms, pesticides and other related compounds. This book, therefore, showcases the latest biosensor development in a single resource. Edited by Minhaz Uddin Ahmed, Mohammed Zourob and Eiichi Tamilya and with contributors from a list of world renowned scientists, this book covers the fabrication of biosensors, the development of miniatursied devices as well as the latest applications in the food industry. Several case studies of recent European food scandals emphasise the need for the development of reliable and affordable food monitoring devices. Up to date information on the current issues facing food biosensor development is presented in this key resource for food biotechnologists, food chemists and biosensor related students and researchers all over the world.

This volume focuses on solution and solid-state NMR of carbohydrates, glycoproteins, glyco-technologies, biomass and related topics. It is estimated that at least 80% of all proteins are glycoproteins. Because of the complexity, heterogeneity and flexibility of the sugar chains, the structural biology approaches for glycoconjugates have been generally avoided. NMR techniques although well established for structural analyses of proteins and nucleic acids, cannot be simply applied to this complex class of biomolecules. Nonetheless, recently developed NMR techniques for carbohydrates open the door to conformational studies of a variety of sugar chains of biological interest. NMR studies on glycans will have significant impact on the development of vaccines, adjuvants, therapeutics, biomarkers and on biomass regeneration. In this volume, the Editors have collected the most up-to-date NMR applications from experts in the field of carbohydrate NMR spectroscopy. Timely and useful, not only for NMR specialists, it will appeal to researchers in the general field of structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics, molecular and cellular biology and material science.

Mass spectrometry is one of the most widespread technologies in chemistry and has been increasingly used in biology with the rise of omics sciences. This book summarizes some important methodological approaches in mass spectrometry and applications in the field of chemical biology. The core chapters build on basic concepts introduced in the opening chapter and explore established fields such as high throughput screening, proteomics and metabolomics. Emerging applications of mass spectrometry in elucidating biosynthetic pathways, enzyme mechanisms and protein-protein interactions are then presented. Connections between these diverse research fields are highlighted throughout. The book concludes with a discussion of databases and future perspectives. This book will be a useful tool to early chemical biology researchers wishing to incorporate mass spectrometry as a tool in their research.

This unique book describes the latest information in the fundamental understanding of the biophysics and biochemistry of articular cartilage using the state-of-the-art practices in NMR and MRI. This is the first book of its kind, written by physicists and chemists on this important tissue, whose degradation contributes to osteoarthritis and related joint diseases. Connecting the fundamental science with the clinical imaging applications, the experts Editors provide an authoritative addition to the literature. Ideal for practising physical scientists and radiologists with an interest in the fundamental science as well as instrument manufacturers and clinical researchers working with articular cartilage.

Ambient ionization has emerged as one of the hottest and fastest growing topics in mass spectrometry enabling sample analysis with minimal sample preparation. Introducing the subject and explaining the basic concepts and terminology, this book will provide a comprehensive, unique treatise devoted to the subject. Written by acknowledged experts, there are full descriptions on how new ionization techniques work, with an overview of their strengths, weaknesses and applications. This title will bring the reader right up to date, with both applications and theory, and will be suitable as a tutorial text for those starting in the field from a variety of disciplines.

Peroxynitrite is a powerful oxidiser which can damage a wide array of molecules within cells, including DNA and proteins, leading to apoptosis, inflammation or cancer. Peroxynitrite detection and quantification provides critical information in understanding its biological implications. Attempts to investigate the behavior of peroxynitrite in vivo and in vitro have been hampered by the difficulty in detecting this highly reactive oxygen species. This book presents the current state of the art in this research field with contributions from scientific leaders in the field. The chapters make clear the associated challenges and development for selective and sensitive detection of peroxynitrite. This book is a timely addition to the literature, as the first in the field, dedicated to detecting this molecule in vivo. It will be welcomed by the community particularly medicinal and analytical chemists, developers of sensors and probes and analytical equipment manufacturers.

Nucleic acids are the fundamental building blocks of life and are found in all living things. In recent years, their functions have been shown to extend beyond the Watson-Crick base pair recognition of complementary strands. Molecules (known as aptamers) consisting of 40-50 nucleotides have been isolated that are able to bind a broad range of molecules with high affinity and specificity. The molecules recognized by aptamers range from small organic molecules to proteins, cells and even intact viral particles. Catalytic DNA molecules called NAzymes (RNAzyme or DNAzyme) have also been shown to exist and, when combined with aptamers, are known as aptazymes. These biomolecules can be used to develop smart and innovative biosensors for environmental analysis. Monitoring of contaminants in the air, water and soil is a key component in understanding and managing risks to human health and ecosystems. This, in conjunction with the time and cost involved in traditional chemical analysis, means there is a growing need for simple, rapid, cost-effective and portable screening methods. Biosensors are compact devices which complement current field screening and monitoring methods. This book demonstrates the incredible opportunities that nucleic acids can offer to environmental analytical chemistry. The chapters: show how nucleic acids have a pivotal role in the development of smart biosensors for environmental monitoring; describe the development of biosensors based on aptamers and NAzymes for the detection of organic and inorganic pollutants; deal with the use of nucleic acid based biosensors for environmental toxicity screening, and detail the use of nanomaterials, as well as miniaturization and lab-on-a-chip technologies, for nucleic acid based biosensing systems.

Nuclear analytical techniques have many advantages over other techniques, such as high sensitivity and precision. They couple powerful selective separation with sensitive element-specific detection. The uses of metalloproteomics studies are restricted to the fields of analytical and nuclear chemistry. They also have great potential to elucidate the origins of certain diseases and assist in their diagnosis and treatment via the development of new drugs. Nuclear Analytical Techniques for Metallomics and Metalloproteomics provides readers with a comprehensive view of this relatively new and exciting area of bioanalytical and inorganic chemistry. It contains contributions from experts in disciplines as diverse as analytical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, environmental science, molecular biology and medicinal chemistry. Various nuclear analytical techniques are covered including neutron activation analysis, X-ray fluorescence, isotope tracer, M÷ssbauer spectrometry, X-ray absorption spectrometry, and neutron scattering and diffraction. They provide useful information both for chemical speciation analysis and structural characterization of metalloproteins and metals in biological systems. Consequently, the book is not only relevant for chemists involved in nuclear techniques and speciation, but also environmental, nutritional and clinical researchers and drug developers.

Since the conceptualization of the electromagnetic spectrum and development of the magnetron, microwave energy has been utilized in many aspects and disciplines of science. Although adopted by multiple industries over the past quarter of a century, it is only within the past few years that microwave irradiation has been evaluated as a useful tool for the biochemical and chemical preparation of proteins and other bio-molecules for proteomics and in particular mass spectrometric analysis. This book is an introduction to microwave-assisted bio-analytical methods with an emphasis on sample preparation for proteomic analyses. Its objective is to provide a history and background for the methods described and the book summarizes the development and application of these protocols from both the literature in this field as well as from the experiences of a variety of laboratories conducting microwave-assisted protocols. It describes the evolution and integration of microwave energy into the biosciences with particular emphasis on the proteomic arena and an in depth evaluation of a variety of techniques within the field of proteomics which benefit from microwave-irradiation is given. In addition to describing the evolution of the microwave-assisted methodologies, the book also offers a concise protocol section with practical advice on how to implement these methods in any laboratory. Mechanisms of action as well as an overview of the types of instrumentation available are described to help the reader develop the best experimental design for their own budget and experimental aims. Microwave-assisted proteomics is a rapidly evolving field and this book captures the main areas that fall under this emerging arena.

The interfacing of man-made electronics with redox proteins and enzymes not only tells us a great deal about the levels of sophistication active in biology, but also paves the way to using it in derived sensory devices. Some of these have already had a profound impact on both clinical diagnostics and the quality of life enjoyed by those unfortunate enough to live with disease. Though much remains to be learnt about controlling and optimising these interfacial interactions, their potential uses are, if anything, growing. Written by leaders in the field, this is the only book to focus on the generation of biosensing interfaces with analyses and control at the molecular level. Some of these are enzyme based, others associated with the generation of surfaces for protein-protein recognition. Summaries of state-of-the-art investigations into the interfacing of structurally complex molecular species with electrode surfaces are included along with their design, analysis and potential application. Studies into the'wiring'of biomolecules to man-made surfaces through the use of delocalised'molecular wires'or carbon nanotubes are detailed as are the application of surface chemical and genetic engineering methods to the construction of robust, orientated biomolecular monolayers.

The 9/11 attack on US soil has inadvertently heightened the need for preparation for other potential means of terrorist attack. In particular, both biological and chemical warfare have been at the top of the priority list for most governmental agencies as these reagents can be covertly prepared and disseminated to result in both widespread fear and casualty. Among many others, one primary preventive step in preparing for the above attacks is to establish a network for efficient surveillance and rapid detection such that an appropriate response to such attacks can be timely and effective. Over the years, primarily due to technological advances, both chemical and biological agents that are able to inflict mass destructions are becoming more diverse and complex. Subsequently, improvement of sensing devices for rapid and sensitive detection should also be made to keep pace with these engineered or emerging threat agents. Of particular interest, the ability to encompass advances in micro and nanofabrication techniques to enable sensing devices are especially of interest as they have been shown to offer desired advantages such as improved and enhanced functionality, increased efficiency and speed in their readout, reduction in their fabrication cost, and also reduced reagent consumption. Numerous innovative and exciting reports which took advantage of these techniques for both chemical and biological sensing have appeared over the last decade. This unique book is the only current publication that provides readers with a brief, yet concise, collection of the latest advances in chemical and biological agent detection and/or their surveillance. It compiles and gives in-depth detail on several detection schemes so that the reader can be provided with a general sense of these micro and nanoscale sensing systems and platforms. The book covers both well established and'next-generation'micro- and nano-scale sensors and/or sensing platforms. Sensors or sensing platforms covered range from the novel utilization of nanotubes, cantilevers, nano and/or microsized pores, engineered whole cell, to polymeric transistors for sensing purposes. As a result of these advances there has been a synergistic marriage of a myriad of techniques, ranging from chemical, engineering and biological, for the development of sensors, which was once traditionally thought to be reserved for the immunologists. The enabling of these new technologies will result in a much improved sensing network for the detection and surveillance of both chemical and biological warfare agents.The book also contains chapters from leading experts in the field of chemical and biological sensing platforms and will be invaluable reading for anybody in this field.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) plays a dominant role in real-time interaction sensing of biomolecular binding events. This book focuses on a total system description including optics, fluidics and sensor surfaces. It covers all commercial SPR systems in the market. It is the first of its kind and fills a gap in the technical literature as no other handbook on SPR is currently available. The final chapter discussed new trends and a vision is given for future developments and needs of the SPR market. This excellent handbook provides comprehensive information with easy to use, stand-alone chapters and will be of great use to anyone one working with or affiliated to the technology.

Analytical ultracentrifugation has become an increasingly important technique for monitoring the size and shape of biological macromolecules. Analytical Ultracentrifugation: Techniques and Methods contains contributions from experts in the field, bringing together the multitude of developments that have taken place in instrumentation and analysis over the past decade into a single volume. This book covers the latest methods in analysis along with an extensive introduction for the novice user. Analysis methods in both sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium are discussed at length. Protein, protein/DNA, membrane proteins and polymer systems are also explored, along with software developments and non-ideality.