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This book uncovers the basic principles of microbial photosynthesis and the latest technological interventions of this crucial phenomenon. In the recent past, the basic principles of microbial photosynthesis were technologically articulated to engineer several cell factories that can utilize waste resources and generate different groups of industrially valuable products. Also, the list of model organisms for specific usage have been increasing enormously. This volume covers the material in four sections; each of the part dealing with the basic principles of microbial photosynthesis in an applied orientation focusing on waste valorization and circular bioeconomy. Furthermore, the following chapters deal with the very recent advancements in metabolic engineering and artificial photosynthesis with respect to value addition. Not only will this book be available for graduate and postgraduate students in microbiology, biotechnology, plant sciences, environmental sciences, energy engineering, and renewable energy, it is also an excellent material for researchers needing a multidisciplinary approach.

Reaction Centers of Photosynthetic Bacteria is an updated record on the most recent insight into the struc- ture/function relationship of reaction centers from photosynthetic bacteria. It addresses in particular, interactions and dynamics which determine the ultra-high quantum yield of photoinduced charge separation in these energy-transforming molecular machines. Of particular interest is the still controversial issue of the primary charge separation mechanism as well as the effects of well-defined modifications, introduced either by mutagenic replacements in the protein matrix or by chemical exchange of reaction center pigments. Also described are the methods used for the characterization of interactions and dynamics important for electron transfer processes in the reaction center.

ISPP2009, the 13th International Symposium on Phototrophic Prokaryotes, was held in Montreal, Canada, from August 9 to August 14. This was only the second time that the ISPP series was in North America. ISPP2009 was well attended with about 280 registered participants from over 30 countries. A stimulating and inf- mative program showcased the recent developments in this ever-evolving eld. This is always one of my favourite conference series to attend because not only does it inform my speci c research passions, it broadly educates me in ways that improve my teaching and increase my breadth of understanding in a variety of outside areas. Indeed, the ISPP series brings together a broad spectrum of interests, techniques, and disciplines. Both established researchers and newcomers to this eld gave oral presentations in a large number (80) of plenary and parallel symposia sessions which proved to have active audience participation and lively discussions. A large number of excellent poster presentations supplemented the oral program. I think that the high quality of the scienti c presentations, as well as the enjoyable social events, was widely appreciated. Things ran very smoothly, from the original registration to the closing ceremony, thanks to Isabel Stengler and her team at IS Event Solutions.

The Purple Phototrophic Bacteria is a comprehensive survey of all aspects of these fascinating bacteria, the metabolically most versatile organisms on Earth. This volume is organized into the following sections: Physiology, Evolution and Ecology; Biosynthesis of Pigments, Cofactors and Lipids; Antenna Complexes: Structure, Function and Organization; Reaction Center Structure and Function; Cyclic Electron Transfer Components and Energy Coupling Reactions; Metabolic Processes; Genomics, Regulation and Signaling; and New Applications and Techniques. This book is a compilation of 48 authoritative chapters, written by leading experts who highlight the huge progress made in spectroscopic, structural and genetic studies of these bacteria since 1995, when the last book on this topic was published i.e.Anoxygenic Photosynthetic Bacteria, Volume 2 in the Series, edited by Robert E. Blankenship, Michael T. Madigan and Carl E. Bauer. This new volume is similarly intended to be the definitive text on these bacteria for many years to come, and it will be a valuable resource for experienced researchers, doctoral & masters students, as well as advanced undergraduates in the fields of ecology, microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, integrative biology, and molecular & cell biology. Scientists interested in future applications of these bacteria which could harness their potential for nanotechnology, solar energy research, bioremediation, or as cell factories, will also find this book useful.