Microbiology Monographs – serie

Rhodococcus are metabolically versatile actinobacteria frequently found in the environment with potential applications in bioremediation, biotransformations and biocatalysis, among other biotechnological processes. These microorganisms are currently the subject of research in many countries of the world. The number of publications and patents on rhodococci has intensified significantly within the last years. In this context, the knowledge acquired during the last decade about basic aspects of Rhodococcus biology is significant and promising about their future prospects. Several genomic projects of Rhodococcus members are now available and in progress through public and private efforts due to the increasing interest in their use for biotechnology. The large Rhodococcus genomes containing a multiplicity of catabolic genes, a high genetic redundancy of biosynthetic pathways and a sophisticated regulatory network reflect the complexity of Rhodococcus biology. The combination of functional genomics studies with biochemical and physiological knowledge is providing new insights, which will enable the biotechnological use of rhodococci.  This Microbiology Monographs volume provides a thorough review of many aspects of biochemistry, physiology and genetics of Rhodococcus, in the context of new genomic information. Expert international scientists contributed with reviews on the extraordinary capability of Rhodococcus genus for biodegradation of diverse compounds and bioremediation, biosynthesis of lipids and biosurfactants, adaptation and tolerance to solvents, interaction with metals and biotechnological applications. Chapters dealing with taxonomy, genomes and plasmids, and oligotrophic and central metabolism are also included in this volume. Moreover, the book includes basic aspects of the phytopathogenic R. fascians.

The new edition focuses on the latest information on mitochondrion-derived organelles, particularly on hydrogenosomes and mitosomes. It has become more and more evident that hydrogenosomes and mitosomes are just two specific members of larger family of organelles derived to various extent from mitochondria due to adaptation to oxygen-poor environment and to the parasitic life style. Since the 1st edition, investigation of free-living protists and commensals has revealed that there is a continuous spectrum of mitochondria-derived organelles from typical aerobic mitochondria, mitochondria with stepwise loss of respiratory chain complexes and with concomitant gain of anaerobic pathways (particularly hydrogenase), via hydrogenosomes and mitosomes to the newly discovered organisms that completely lost mitochondria. Most of the experimental data collected relates to the human pathogens Trichomonas vaginalis harboring hydrogenosomes, and Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica with mitosoms. In principle, hydrogenosomes are hydrogen and ATP producing organelles, while the only known function in Giardia mitosomes is synthesis of iron-sulfur clusters, whereas mitosomes of E. histolytica possess the recently discovered sulfur activation pathway. Functions of other unusual mitochondria are mostly predicted based on transcriptomic/genomic analyses as corresponding organisms are not amenable to biochemical studies. Investigations on evolution and function of mitochondria-derived organelles substantially changed conventional views on mitochondrion from textbook models of an oxygen-consuming powerhouse of cells to a large family of organelles, variables in their structure and function in which hydrogenosomes and mitosome represent the most divergent anaerobic members.

The new edition focuses on the latest information on mitochondrion-derived organelles, particularly on hydrogenosomes and mitosomes. It has become more and more evident that hydrogenosomes and mitosomes are just two specific members of larger family of organelles derived to various extent from mitochondria due to adaptation to oxygen-poor environment and to the parasitic life style. Since the 1st edition, investigation of free-living protists and commensals has revealed that there is a continuous spectrum of mitochondria-derived organelles from typical aerobic mitochondria, mitochondria with stepwise loss of respiratory chain complexes and with concomitant gain of anaerobic pathways (particularly hydrogenase), via hydrogenosomes and mitosomes to the newly discovered organisms that completely lost mitochondria. Most of the experimental data collected relates to the human pathogens Trichomonas vaginalis harboring hydrogenosomes, and Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica with mitosoms. In principle, hydrogenosomes are hydrogen and ATP producing organelles, while the only known function in Giardia mitosomes is synthesis of iron-sulfur clusters, whereas mitosomes of E. histolytica possess the recently discovered sulfur activation pathway. Functions of other unusual mitochondria are mostly predicted based on transcriptomic/genomic analyses as corresponding organisms are not amenable to biochemical studies. Investigations on evolution and function of mitochondria-derived organelles substantially changed conventional views on mitochondrion from textbook models of an oxygen-consuming powerhouse of cells to a large family of organelles, variables in their structure and function in which hydrogenosomes and mitosome represent the most divergent anaerobic members.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the microbiological fundamentals and biotechnological applications of methanotrophs: aerobic proteobacteria that can utilize methane as their sole carbon and energy source. It highlights methanotrophs’ pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, in which they remove methane generated geothermally and by methanogens. Readers will learn how methanotrophs have been employed as biocatalysts for mitigating methane gas and remediating halogenated hydrocarbons in soil and underground water. Recently, methane has also attracted considerable attention as a potential next-generation carbon feedstock for industrial biotechnology, because of its abundance and low price. Methanotrophs can be used as biocatalysts for the production of fuels, chemicals and biomaterials including methanobactin from methane under environmentally benign production conditions. Sharing these and other cutting-edge insights, the book offers a fascinating read forall scientists and students of microbiology and biotechnology.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the microbiological fundamentals and biotechnological applications of methanotrophs: aerobic proteobacteria that can utilize methane as their sole carbon and energy source. It highlights methanotrophs’ pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, in which they remove methane generated geothermally and by methanogens. Readers will learn how methanotrophs have been employed as biocatalysts for mitigating methane gas and remediating halogenated hydrocarbons in soil and underground water. Recently, methane has also attracted considerable attention as a potential next-generation carbon feedstock for industrial biotechnology, because of its abundance and low price. Methanotrophs can be used as biocatalysts for the production of fuels, chemicals and biomaterials including methanobactin from methane under environmentally benign production conditions. Sharing these and other cutting-edge insights, the book offers a fascinating read forall scientists and students of microbiology and biotechnology.

This updated second edition covers the molecular biology, genome engineering tools and comprehensive analysis techniques for Corynebacterium glutamicum. Aside from modern omics-based approaches, the authors also focus on cell physiology, including cell division, central carbon metabolic pathways, and the respiratory chain. Readers will learn how primary mechanisms like energy metabolism can be applied in processes like biorefinery. Newly added topics include cell envelope structures and aromatic compound metabolism in C. glutamicum. These chapters will be particularly useful for those interested in the microbial production of commodity chemicals, fuels, and proteins. Corynebacteriacea are already some of the most important industrial microorganisms. Understanding the cell physiology of C. glutamicum will help manufacturers to increase their product range and productivity through efficient metabolic engineering.

This updated second edition covers the molecular biology, genome engineering tools and comprehensive analysis techniques for Corynebacterium glutamicum. Aside from modern omics-based approaches, the authors also focus on cell physiology, including cell division, central carbon metabolic pathways, and the respiratory chain. Readers will learn how primary mechanisms like energy metabolism can be applied in processes like biorefinery. Newly added topics include cell envelope structures and aromatic compound metabolism in C. glutamicum. These chapters will be particularly useful for those interested in the microbial production of commodity chemicals, fuels, and proteins. Corynebacteriacea are already some of the most important industrial microorganisms. Understanding the cell physiology of C. glutamicum will help manufacturers to increase their product range and productivity through efficient metabolic engineering.

This Microbiology Monographs volume covers the latest advances in laccase applications in bioremediation and waste valorisation. The first three chapters provide a comprehensive introduction to fungal and bacterial laccases (the two most important enzyme groups from an application viewpoint) and their practical use in bioremediation and lignocellulosic waste valorisation. Subsequent chapters discuss possible combinations of laccases and further potentially collaborating enzymes, and offer in-depth insights into laccase immobilisation for wastewater treatment and environmental biosensor applications of laccases. Lastly, the book addresses the quest for enzymes with improved and better-fitting properties, covering laccase engineering by directed and computational evolution, and novel enzymes from extreme environments. As such, it is a fascinating read for microbiologists in both industry and academia.

This Microbiology Monographs volume covers the latest advances in laccase applications in bioremediation and waste valorisation. The first three chapters provide a comprehensive introduction to fungal and bacterial laccases (the two most important enzyme groups from an application viewpoint) and their practical use in bioremediation and lignocellulosic waste valorisation. Subsequent chapters discuss possible combinations of laccases and further potentially collaborating enzymes, and offer in-depth insights into laccase immobilisation for wastewater treatment and environmental biosensor applications of laccases. Lastly, the book addresses the quest for enzymes with improved and better-fitting properties, covering laccase engineering by directed and computational evolution, and novel enzymes from extreme environments. As such, it is a fascinating read for microbiologists in both industry and academia.

The authors of this contributed volume define various inclusions and supramolecular structures in prokaryotes as discrete bodies. Research on the biosynthesis, reutilization and physiological functions of the accumulated structures is still in progress, while the interest in these inclusions is still growing. Within this second edition, the new editor organized updates to the most important contributions of the original volume.   The chapters discuss the most prominent inclusion examples such as gas vesicles, inorganic inclusions (sulfur globules, magnetosomes, polyphosphatosomes), carbon-based inclusions (lipid bodies, carbonosomes, granulose, cyanophycin) as well as other organelle-like microcompartments (carboxysomes, anammoxosomes), thus making this volume a fascinating read for scientists with a keen interest in microbiology.

The authors of this contributed volume define various inclusions and supramolecular structures in prokaryotes as discrete bodies. Research on the biosynthesis, reutilization and physiological functions of the accumulated structures is still in progress, while the interest in these inclusions is still growing. Within this second edition, the new editor organized updates to the most important contributions of the original volume.   The chapters discuss the most prominent inclusion examples such as gas vesicles, inorganic inclusions (sulfur globules, magnetosomes, polyphosphatosomes), carbon-based inclusions (lipid bodies, carbonosomes, granulose, cyanophycin) as well as other organelle-like microcompartments (carboxysomes, anammoxosomes), thus making this volume a fascinating read for scientists with a keen interest in microbiology.

This volume covers the most important parasitic protists that are known to infect humans. The pathogens discussed cause diseases like toxoplasmosis, malaria, cryptosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis. Readers from microbiology will appreciate the special focus on protist cell biology. As demonstrated in several of the chapters, these parasites are characterized by peculiar structures and organelles that cannot be found in mammalian cells – even though both are eukaryotic.The book employs light and electron microscopy to display the changing morphology in various stages of parasitic development. In turn, the results are supplemented by transcriptome and proteome profiles that help to describe how these changes take place on a molecular level. Both researchers and clinicians from tropical medicine will find essential and practically applicable background information on these increasingly important pathogens.

This volume covers the most important parasitic protists that are known to infect humans. The pathogens discussed cause diseases like toxoplasmosis, malaria, cryptosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis. Readers from microbiology will appreciate the special focus on protist cell biology. As demonstrated in several of the chapters, these parasites are characterized by peculiar structures and organelles that cannot be found in mammalian cells – even though both are eukaryotic.The book employs light and electron microscopy to display the changing morphology in various stages of parasitic development. In turn, the results are supplemented by transcriptome and proteome profiles that help to describe how these changes take place on a molecular level. Both researchers and clinicians from tropical medicine will find essential and practically applicable background information on these increasingly important pathogens.

This book explains how microorganisms play a pivotal role in the formation of biominerals, including carbonates, silicate minerals and oxides. As readers will learn, these minerals may be produced either intracellularly or extracellularly in order to sustain microbial life. Experienced scientists from the field show that some of these biominerals can be produced in an active form, which involves direct enzymatic intervention to form precipitates. In addition, passive mineral formation can be mediated by the presence of dead cells.Readers from Microbiology and Biochemistry will appreciate the thorough coverage on various types of microbial mineral formation and their roles in microbial domains. Furthermore, they will benefit from the authors’ first-hand knowledge regarding common techniques for studying biomineral-producing microorganisms, factors affecting biomineralization, and the use of this process in biotechnological applications.

This book explains how microorganisms play a pivotal role in the formation of biominerals, including carbonates, silicate minerals and oxides. As readers will learn, these minerals may be produced either intracellularly or extracellularly in order to sustain microbial life. Experienced scientists from the field show that some of these biominerals can be produced in an active form, which involves direct enzymatic intervention to form precipitates. In addition, passive mineral formation can be mediated by the presence of dead cells.Readers from Microbiology and Biochemistry will appreciate the thorough coverage on various types of microbial mineral formation and their roles in microbial domains. Furthermore, they will benefit from the authors’ first-hand knowledge regarding common techniques for studying biomineral-producing microorganisms, factors affecting biomineralization, and the use of this process in biotechnological applications.

This edited volume emphasizes how microorganisms have become a reliable pillar of biotechnology. The authors discuss advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering that have made it possible to reprogram the microbial cellular capabilities. This enables an economically viable production of high-value products at an industrial level.The first part of the book provides an overview of synthetic biology and genome editing tools for engineering microbial cell factories in modern fermentation. Readers also learn how high-throughput bioprocessing methods are used to recover and purify microbial products.The remaining parts of this book explore the implementation and challenges of these upstream and downstream processing techniques for manufacturing high-value products. Cost-effectiveness and quality-control are key factors, when discussing the production of low-molecular-weight products, biopharmaceuticals, biopolymers and protein-based nanoparticles.This book is a valuable resource for biotechnologists both in the industry and in academia.

This edited volume emphasizes how microorganisms have become a reliable pillar of biotechnology. The authors discuss advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering that have made it possible to reprogram the microbial cellular capabilities. This enables an economically viable production of high-value products at an industrial level.The first part of the book provides an overview of synthetic biology and genome editing tools for engineering microbial cell factories in modern fermentation. Readers also learn how high-throughput bioprocessing methods are used to recover and purify microbial products.The remaining parts of this book explore the implementation and challenges of these upstream and downstream processing techniques for manufacturing high-value products. Cost-effectiveness and quality-control are key factors, when discussing the production of low-molecular-weight products, biopharmaceuticals, biopolymers and protein-based nanoparticles.This book is a valuable resource for biotechnologists both in the industry and in academia.

This book discusses the use of microorganisms for improving nutrient quality and producing healthier foods. Conventional roles of microbes in food preservation and in producing more readily digestible nutrients via natural fermentation processes are also examined.Individual chapters explore topics such as bio-preservation, incorporation of lactic acid bacteria, traditional fermented Mongolian foods, fermented fish products of Sudan, probiotics in China, fermented soymilk, food colorants, and the effect of food on gut microbiota. Readers will gain insights into current trends and future prospects of functional foods and nutraceuticals. This volume will be of particular interest to scientists working in the fields of food sciences, microbiology, agriculture and public health.

This book focuses on the use of microorganisms in relation to agriculture, aquaculture and related fields, ranging from biofertilizers to poultry production. The latest innovations are also included to provide insights into the unlimited potentials of microorganisms in these areas.Individual chapters explore topics such as probiotics in poultry, biopurification of wastewater, converting agrowastes into value-added applications and products, rice cultivation, surfactants and bacteriocin as biopreservatives, bioplastics, crop productivity, biofloc, and the production of natural antibiotics. This volume will be of particular interest to scientists, policymakers and industrial practitioners working in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture and public health.

This volume is devoted to the application of microorganisms in medical treatment and health protection. Topics discussed include the role of probiotics in immune modulation, in prevention of influenza, and in atopic dermatitis. Further chapters cover aspects such as the relation of the gut microbiome and stress, the immune system, the regulation of inflammation, the benefits of Bifidobacterium for infants, and bacteriocin in medical applications, as well as the use of in vitro models of the gastrointestinal tract, omics approaches for targeting microbial health potential and the production of hepatitis B vaccines.This volume will be of particular interest to scientists working in the fields of clinical medicine, applied microbiology, pharmacy and public health.

This Microbiology Monographs volume covers the current and most recent advances in genomics and genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of C. reinhardtii. Expert international scientists contribute with reviews on the genome, post-genomic techniques, the genetic toolbox development as well as new insights in regulation of photosynthesis and acclimation strategies towards environmental stresses and other structural and genetic aspects, including applicable aspects in biotechnology and biomedicine. Advancement in Chlamydomonas biology allowed new understandings in biotechnological and biomedical related aspects.

This Microbiology Monographs volume covers the current and most recent advances in genomics and genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of C. reinhardtii. Expert international scientists contribute with reviews on the genome, post-genomic techniques, the genetic toolbox development as well as new insights in regulation of photosynthesis and acclimation strategies towards environmental stresses and other structural and genetic aspects, including applicable aspects in biotechnology and biomedicine. Powerful new strategies in functional genomic and genetics combined with biochemical and physiological analyses revealed new insights into Chlamydomonas biology.

This book discusses the use of microorganisms for improving nutrient quality and producing healthier foods. Conventional roles of microbes in food preservation and in producing more readily digestible nutrients via natural fermentation processes are also examined.Individual chapters explore topics such as bio-preservation, incorporation of lactic acid bacteria, traditional fermented Mongolian foods, fermented fish products of Sudan, probiotics in China, fermented soymilk, food colorants, and the effect of food on gut microbiota. Readers will gain insights into current trends and future prospects of functional foods and nutraceuticals. This volume will be of particular interest to scientists working in the fields of food sciences, microbiology, agriculture and public health.

This book focuses on the use of microorganisms in relation to agriculture, aquaculture and related fields, ranging from biofertilizers to poultry production. The latest innovations are also included to provide insights into the unlimited potentials of microorganisms in these areas.Individual chapters explore topics such as probiotics in poultry, biopurification of wastewater, converting agrowastes into value-added applications and products, rice cultivation, surfactants and bacteriocin as biopreservatives, bioplastics, crop productivity, biofloc, and the production of natural antibiotics. This volume will be of particular interest to scientists, policymakers and industrial practitioners working in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture and public health.

This volume is devoted to the application of microorganisms in medical treatment and health protection. Topics discussed include the role of probiotics in immune modulation, in prevention of influenza, and in atopic dermatitis. Further chapters cover aspects such as the relation of the gut microbiome and stress, the immune system, the regulation of inflammation, the benefits of Bifidobacterium for infants, and bacteriocin in medical applications, as well as the use of in vitro models of the gastrointestinal tract, omics approaches for targeting microbial health potential and the production of hepatitis B vaccines.This volume will be of particular interest to scientists working in the fields of clinical medicine, applied microbiology, pharmacy and public health.

This Microbiology Monographs volume covers the current and most recent advances in genomics and genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of C. reinhardtii. Expert international scientists contribute with reviews on the genome, post-genomic techniques, the genetic toolbox development as well as new insights in regulation of photosynthesis and acclimation strategies towards environmental stresses and other structural and genetic aspects, including applicable aspects in biotechnology and biomedicine. Advancement in Chlamydomonas biology allowed new understandings in biotechnological and biomedical related aspects.

This Microbiology Monographs volume covers the current and most recent advances in genomics and genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of C. reinhardtii. Expert international scientists contribute with reviews on the genome, post-genomic techniques, the genetic toolbox development as well as new insights in regulation of photosynthesis and acclimation strategies towards environmental stresses and other structural and genetic aspects, including applicable aspects in biotechnology and biomedicine. Powerful new strategies in functional genomic and genetics combined with biochemical and physiological analyses revealed new insights into Chlamydomonas biology.

This updated monograph deals with methanogenic endosymbionts of anaerobic protists, in particular ciliates and termite flagellates, and with methanogens in the gastrointestinal tracts of vertebrates and arthropods. Further chapters discuss the genomic consequences of living together in symbiotic associations, the role of methanogens in syntrophic degradation, and the function and evolution of hydrogenosomes, hydrogen-producing organelles of certain anaerobic protists.Methanogens are prokaryotic microorganisms that produce methane as an end-product of a complex biochemical pathway. They are strictly anaerobic archaea and occupy a wide variety of anoxic environments. Methanogens also thrive in the cytoplasm of anaerobic unicellular eukaryotes and in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans. The symbiotic methanogens in the gastrointestinal tracts of ruminants and other “methanogenic” mammals contribute significantly to the global methane budget; especially therumen hosts an impressive diversity of methanogens.This makes this updated volume an interesting read for scientists and students in Microbiology and Physiology.

The new series "Microbiology Monographs" begins with two volumes on intracellular components in prokaryotes. In this first volume, "Inclusions in Prokaryotes", the components, labelled inclusions, are defined as discrete bodies resulting from synthesis of a metabolic product. Research on the biosynthesis and reutilization of the accumulated materials is still in progress, and interest in the inclusions is growing. "Inclusions in Prokaryotes" provides historical background and comprehensive reviews of eight well-known prokaryotic inclusions: sulfur globules, polyphosphate granules and acidicalcisomes, glycogen, polyhydroxyalkonate granules, wax ester and triacylglycerol inclusions, cyanophycin, insecticidal protein crystals, and protein inclusion bodies of recombinant bacteria. In addition, cameos of selected less-studied inclusions are presented to generate renewed and continuing interest.