Gary Williamson – författare

Polyphenols make a vital contribution to the colour, tanning, taste and astringency of so many of society's favourites - from the unique taste of the British cup of tea to a glass of red wine. Found widely in many foods of plant origin, polyphenols are also becoming increasingly recognised as antioxidants in the body, with action on long-term health and reduction in the risk of chronic disease. Due to the importance of polyphenols, it is vital to conduct accurate and sensitive analysis. Providing detailed state-of-the-art research, presented in a practical and effective way, Methods in Polyphenol Analysis looks at the latest techniques in this developing field and includes, among others: New modern techniques, such as LC-MS, LC-NMR and LC-coulometric detection; Chemical and enzymatic synthesis of polyphenol conjugates; and Characterization of oligomeric and polymeric tannins and complex polyphenols. This timely publication is written by highly experienced practitioners in this field and will be invaluable to all academics and industrialists involved in phytochemistry, biochemistry and food science.

This book is principally concerned with the relatively complex small molecules produced by plants, which are important as drugs, fine chemicals, fragrances, flavours and biologically-active dietary constituents. In a wide-ranging series of thematic essays, it covers key aspects of their role in plant ecology, their metabolism in the plant, their discovery, characterisation and use and their significance in the diet. Biotechnology, including prospects for the genetic engineering of metabolic pathways, for biotransformations and also for the production of biologically-active proteins, is the focus of the final section of the book. The overall aim of the volume is to provide, in each of the selected subject areas, a personal critique which is readily accessible to the advanced undergraduate student and to the non-specialist research worker alike.