Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Wood and Wood Components

Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Wood and Wood Components
Author: Karl-Erik L. Eriksson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 414
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3642466877

The oil crisis during the 1970s turned interest towards the utilization of renewable resources and towards lignocellulosics in particular. The 1970s were also the cradle period of biotechnology, and the years when biotechnical utilization of lignocellulosic waste from agriculture and forestry gained priori ty. This was a logical conclusion since one of nature's most important biologi cal reactions is the conversion of wood and other lignocellulosic materials to carbon dioxide, water and humic substances. However, while biotechnology in other areas like medicine and pharmacology concerned production of expen sive products on a small scale, biotechnical utilization and conversion of ligno cellulosics meant production of inexpensive products on a large scale. Biotechnical utilization of lignocellulosic materials is therefore a very difficult task, and the commercial utilization of this technology has not progressed as rapidly as one would have desired. One reason for this was the lack of basic knowledge of enzyme mechanisms involved in the degradation and conversion of wood, other lignocellulosics and their individual components. There are also risks associated with initiating a technical development before a stable platform of knowledge is available. Several of the projects started with en thusiasm have therefore suffered some loss of interest. Also contributing to this failing interest is the fact that the oil crisis at the time was not a real one. At present, nobody predicts a rapid exhaustion of the oil resources and fuel production from lignocellulosics is no longer a high priority.

Soil Enzymology

Soil Enzymology
Author: Girish Shukla
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 392
Release: 2010-10-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642142257

Soil enzymes are one of the vital key mediators involved in nutrient recycling and the decomposition of organic matter and thereby in maintaining soil quality and fertility. This Soil Biology volume covers the various facets of soil enzymes, such as their functions, biochemical and microbiological properties and the factors affecting their activities. Enzymes in the rhizosphere, in forest soils, and in volcanic ash-derived soils are described. Soil enzymes covered include phosphohydrolases, lignocellulose-degrading enzymes, phenol oxidases, fungal oxidoreductases, keratinases, pectinases, xylanases, lipases and pectinases. Several chapters treat the soil enzymatic activities in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with pesticides and pollutants such as oil, chlorinated compounds, synthetic dyes and aromatic hydrocarbons. The role of soil enzymes as bioindicators is a further important topic addressed.

Lignocellulose Biotechnology

Lignocellulose Biotechnology
Author: Ramesh Chander Kuhad
Publisher: I. K. International Pvt Ltd
Total Pages: 401
Release: 2007
Genre: Science
ISBN: 8188237582

The agricultural and forestry processing wastes (lignocellulosics) are an important material resource and energy source. However, if untreated they can pose a danger to the environment and potentially valuable resources. Microorganisms contribute significantly to solving the problem of biomass degradation, its recycling and conservation. In the recent years, an increasing interest shown by the textile, food, feed & pulp, and paper industries in the microbial and enzymatic processes has triggered in-depth studies of lignocellulolytic microorganisms and their enzymes. Moreover, the advent of recombinant DNA technology in the late 1970s further paved the way for developing technologies based on lignocellulolytic microbes and enzymes. Lignocellulose Biotechnology presents a comprehensive review of the research directed towards environmentally friendly agricultural and forest by-products. The book comprises 22 chapters, divided in four sections. It deals with a wide range of topics including biodiversity of lignocellulose degrading microorganisms and their enzymes, molecular biology of biodegradation of lignin, characterization of lignocellulolytic enzymes, bioconversion of plant biomass to produce enzymes, animal feed, bioethanol and industrial applications of lignocellulolytic enzymes. The chapters dealing with industrial applications also address current biotechnological approaches in lignocellulose bioconversion to value added products. This book is essential for students, researchers, scientists, and engineers working in the fields of environmental microbiology, environmental biotechnology, life sciences, waste management, and biomaterials.

Applied Molecular Genetics of Filamentous Fungi

Applied Molecular Genetics of Filamentous Fungi
Author: J.R. Kinghorn
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 284
Release: 1992-08-31
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780751400588

The filamentous fungi are perhaps unique in the diversity of their metabolic activities. This includes biosynthetic as well as degradative activities, many is to provide an of which are of industrial interest. The objective of this text up-to-date and broad review which emphasizes the genetic and molecular biological contribution in the field of fungal biotechnology. This text begins with an overview of the tools and methodologies involved which, to a large extent, have been developed in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans and subsequently have been extended to commercially important fungi. This is followed by a chapter which provides a compilation of genes isolated from commercial fungi and their present status with respect to structure, function and regulation. Chapters 3 and 4 highlight the degradative powers of filamentous fungi. First, a discussion of what is known regarding the molecular genetics of fungi and the genes and enzymes involved in the beverage and food industries. This has an oriental flavour, reflecting the tremendous importance of fungi in traditional Chinese and Japanese food production. An account of lignocellulose degradation by filamentous fungi follows, illustrating the potential of fungi to utilize this substance as a renewable energy source. The ability of fungi to produce high-value foreign proteins is reviewed in chapters 5 and 6. Chymosin production, in particular, represents a good example of high-level yields being obtained, such as to warrant commercial production.

Advances in Microbial Physiology

Advances in Microbial Physiology
Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 387
Release: 1995-10-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080579973

Praise for the Serial"This series has consistently presented a well-balanced account if progress in microbial physiology...Invaluable for teaching purposes."- AMERICAN SCIENTISTAdvances in Microbial Physiology was first published in 1967, and under the pioneering editorship of Professor Tony Rose, with the collaboration at various times of John Wilkinson, Gareth Morris and Dave Tempest, the series has become immensely successful and influential. The editors have always striven to interpret microbial physiology in the broadest possible context and have never restricted the contents to "traditional" views of whole cell physiology.Robert Poole was appointed as the new editor following the untimely death of Tony Rose. Under Professor Poole's editorship, Advances in Microbial Physiology continues to publish topical and important reviews, and to interpret physiology as widely as in the past by including all material that contributes to the understanding of how microorganisms and their component parts work. This continues to be the real challenge of microbial physiology.

Biodegradation Technology of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants

Biodegradation Technology of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants
Author: Kassio Ferreira Mendes
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 496
Release: 2022-04-20
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1839688955

Bioremediation technologies for environments contaminated by organic and inorganic pollutants are a major focus of researchers and scientists worldwide. The chemical control of agricultural pests and advocacy for sustainable agriculture have led to the development of new paradigms in environmental remediation. This book covers recent advances in the bioremediation technology of organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment.

Uhlig's Corrosion Handbook

Uhlig's Corrosion Handbook
Author: R. Winston Revie
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 1299
Release: 2011-04-12
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0470080329

This book serves as a reference for engineers, scientists, and students concerned with the use of materials in applications where reliability and resistance to corrosion are important. It updates the coverage of its predecessor, including coverage of: corrosion rates of steel in major river systems and atmospheric corrosion rates, the corrosion behavior of materials such as weathering steels and newer stainless alloys, and the corrosion behavior and engineering approaches to corrosion control for nonmetallic materials. New chapters include: high-temperature oxidation of metals and alloys, nanomaterials, and dental materials, anodic protection. Also featured are chapters dealing with standards for corrosion testing, microbiological corrosion, and electrochemical noise.

Microbial Diversity in Ecosystem Sustainability and Biotechnological Applications

Microbial Diversity in Ecosystem Sustainability and Biotechnological Applications
Author: Tulasi Satyanarayana
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 625
Release: 2019-09-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9811384878

This volume comprehensively reviews recent advances in our understanding of the diversity of microbes in various types of terrestrial ecosystems, such as caves, deserts and cultivated fields. It is written by leading experts, and highlights the culturable microbes identified using conventional approaches, as well as non-culturable ones unveiled with metagenomic and microbiomic approaches. It discusses the role of microbes in ecosystem sustainability and their potential biotechnological applications. The book further discusses the diversity and utility of ectomycorrhizal and entomopathogenic fungi and yeasts that dwell on grapes, it examines the biotechnological applications of specific microbes such as lichens, xylan- and cellulose-saccharifying bacteria and archaea, chitinolytic bacteria, methanogenic archaea and pathogenic yeasts.

Applications of PCR in Mycology

Applications of PCR in Mycology
Author: P. D. Bridge
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 384
Release: 1998-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0851992331

Since the initial report of the amplification of specific DNA fragments using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 1985, this technique has revolutionized molecular biology. It enables the production of large quantities of DNA from minute amounts of sample material, which can then be readily analyzed. This facility has had an enormous influence on the way both fundamental and diagnostic questions are approached and its use is now considered essential for molecular work in all branches of biology. The purpose of this book is to highlight the wide-ranging applications of PCR in pure and applied mycology and to increase understanding of its potential benefits. After a brief overview, a group of internationally-renowned mycologists give definitive descriptions of the use of PCR in their own specialized fields. These include fungal gene expression and cloning, taxonomy and speciation, fungal mycobionts, mycorrhizal fungi, entomopathogenic fungi, mycotoxin-producing fungi, diagnosis of fungal infections in animals, seed-borne diseases, fungal/plant interactions and applications with industrially-important fungi. Finally, potential future directions for PCR work in mycology are discussed.

Forest Products Biotechnology

Forest Products Biotechnology
Author: Alan Bruce
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2002-09-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0203482972

Industries are developing radical, new biotechnology processes to expand and develop their range of products that originate from the world's forests. As a result of the growing understanding of the process involved, biotechnology is also helping reduce any adverse impact on the environment.; This book presents a review of specialist research directed towards efficient and environmentally sensitive use of forests. An introductory chapter explaining the structure and anatomy of wood is followed by a chapter-by-chapter review of the most current developments on individual topics associated with a wide range of forest products such as timber, trees, pulp and paper, drugs and valuable chemicals. In addition, chapters focus on the ways of resolving some of the environmental problems faced by these industries.