Enzyme Inhibitor from Marine Organisms


Book Description

Marine habitats are promising sources to identify novel organisms and compounds. A total of 70% of the planet’s surface is covered by ocean, and little is known about the biosphere within these habitats. In the last few years, numerous novel bioactive compounds or secondary metabolites from marine environments have been described. This is, and will be, a promising source of candidate compounds in pharma research and chemical biology. In recent years, a number of novel techniques have been introduced to the field and it has become easier to actually (bio-)prospect compounds such as enzyme inhibitors. Those novel compounds then need to be characterized and evaluated in comparison to well-known representatives. This Special Issue focuses on the description of novel enzyme inhibitors of marine origin, including bioprospecting, omic approaches, and structural and mechanistic aspects.







Fisheries Processing


Book Description

The fish processing industry is still far from the levels of scientific and technological development that characterize other food processing oper ations. It has also been slow in finding uses for by-products and processing wastes, compared with the meat and poultry industries. The utilization of fisheries by-products or wastes constitutes an area in which the application of modern techniques could potentially improve profitability. At present, increased attention is being focused on the application of new biotechnological methods to operations related to the seafood industry, with the objective of increasing its general efficiency. Because fish processing operations are commonly carried out in the vicinity of the sea, most of the resulting fish wastes have been disposed of by returning them to it. Pollution control measures and a better understanding of the valuable composition of the products extracted from the sea are expected to encourage their recovery and the develop ment of new products from them. In the past, fisheries wastes and species not used for food have been generally utilized through techno logical processes with a low level of sophistication, such as those for the production of animal feed and fertilizer. Limited economic success has accompanied the application of physi cal and chemical processes for the recovery of non-utilized fisheries biomass and for the production of quality products from them.




Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators


Book Description

Over the recent years, medicinal chemistry has become responsible for explaining interactions of chemical molecule processes such that many scientists in the life sciences from agronomy to medicine are engaged in medicinal research. This book contains an overview focusing on the research area of enzyme inhibitor and activator, enzyme-catalyzed biotransformation, usage of microbial enzymes, enzymes associated with programmed cell death, natural products as potential enzyme inhibitors, protease inhibitors from plants in insect pest management, peptidases, and renin-angiotensin system. The book provides an overview on basic issues and some of the recent developments in medicinal science and technology. Especially, emphasis is devoted to both experimental and theoretical aspect of modern medicine. The primary target audience for the book includes students, researchers, chemists, molecular biologists, medical doctors, pharmacologists, and professionals who are interested in associated areas. The textbook is written by international scientists with expertise in biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, and genetics, many of which are active in biochemical and pharmacological research. I would like to acknowledge the authors for their contribution to the book. We hope that the textbook will enhance the knowledge of scientists in the complexities of some medical approaches; it will stimulate both professionals and students to dedicate part of their future research in understanding relevant mechanisms and applications of pharmacology.




Marine Phenolics


Book Description

Phenolic compounds are an extremely diverse class of ubiquitous secondary metabolites produced by a variety of organisms playing different biological roles. They have numerous types of demonstrated bioactivities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, immunomodulator, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic activities. Marine organisms produce a vast collection of unique phenolic structures, some of them not found in terrestrial habitats. Progress in different aspects is rapidly advancing, and this Special Issue will provide updated information and recent studies on marine phenolics. Specially, this issue is focused on their chemical characterization, elucidation of their structures, evaluation of their biological properties and mechanisms of action, efficient extraction and purification technologies, development of value-added applications, as well as formulation of novel products.




Natural Products Targeting Clinically Relevant Enzymes


Book Description

The past decade has seen the reappearance of natural products as a valuable source of potent therapeutics. Here, experts on bioactive natural products cover the full spectrum of clinically relevant enzymes that are known to be targeted by natural products. Key enzymes include acetylcholine esterase, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme, cyclooxygenase, dihydrofolate reductase, phospholipase A2, respiratory complexes, and many more. By connecting the diversity of medicinal natural product sources with their potential clinical applications, this volume serves as a companion for the medicinal chemist looking for innovative small molecule compounds as well as for pharmacologist interested in the clinical effects and mode of action of herbal and traditional medicines.




Quorum Sensing vs Quorum Quenching: A Battle with No End in Sight


Book Description

Microbial relationships with all life forms can be as free living, symbiotic or pathogenic. Human beings harbor 10 times more microbial cells than their own. Bacteria are found on the skin surface, in the gut and other body parts. Bacteria causing diseases are the most worrisome. Most of the infectious diseases are caused by bacterial pathogens with an ability to form biofilm. Bacteria within the biofilm are up to 1000 times more resistant to antibiotics. This has taken a more serious turn with the evolution of multiple drug resistant bacteria. Health Departments are making efforts to reduce high mortality and morbidity in man caused by them. Bacterial Quorum sensing (QS), a cell density dependent phenomenon is responsible for a wide range of expressions such as pathogenesis, biofilm formation, competence, sporulation, nitrogen fixation, etc. Majority of these organisms that are important for medical, agriculture, aquaculture, water treatment and remediation, archaeological departments are: Aeromonas, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Clostridia, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Vibrio and Yersinia spp. Biosensors and models have been developed to detect QS systems. Strategies for inhibiting QS system through natural and synthetic compounds have been presented here. The biotechnological applications of QS inhibitors (QSIs) in diverse areas have also been dealt with. Although QSIs do not affect growth and are less likely to impose selective pressure on bacteria, however, a few reports have raised doubts on the fate of QSIs. This book addresses a few questions. Will bacteria develop mechanisms to evade QSIs? Are we watching yet another defeat at the hands of bacteria? Or will we be acting intelligently and survive the onslaughts of this Never Ending battle?




Bioactive Peptides


Book Description

Bioactive peptides have been receiving attention recently due to their applications as health-promoting agents. Derived from food proteins and other natural sources, they exhibit various beneficial effects such as preventing diseases or modulating physiological systems once absorbed. As the market for nutraceuticals and functional foods continues to expand, consumer interest has also grown and there are many common foods that have shown an abundance of bioactive peptides, including dairy products, cereal, legumes, meat, and numerous other sources. In this newest addition to the series Nutraceuticals: Basic Research and Clinical Applications, Bioactive Peptides: Production, Bioavailability, Health Potential, and Regulatory Issues provides a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge in the field of food protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides, their food sources, bioavailability, production, applications, functionalities, health potentials, and regulatory issues governing their use. Features Discusses different methodologies employed for scaling up bioactive peptides commercially Provides information on optimizing the production process Explains various bioactive properties exerted by different types of bioactive peptides Explores the application of metabolomics to the study of bioactive peptides With over 20 chapters written by established subject matter experts in their field, this book provides timely information and discusses the latest developments of bioactive peptides. It will be useful for researchers, academics, and industry experts, and can serve as an excellent resource for anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge in the field of bioactive peptides.




Enzymatic Technologies for Marine Polysaccharides


Book Description

The bioactivity potential of marine polysaccharides has long been considered an underexploited aspect. These molecules found in seaweed, microalgae, bacteria, and animal fish (shellfish, mollusks, etc.) and the derived oligosaccharides need to be explored thoroughly with an interdisciplinary approach. They are an extraordinary source of chemical diversity, and the literature highlights many applicative fields, including the food industry, cosmetics, biomedicine, agriculture, environmental protection, wastewater management, etc. More recently, a new challenge has emerged: the exploitation of marine biomass as the source of sustainable energy to participate in the future replacement of fossil resources. Enzymatic Technologies for Marine Polysaccharides provides insight into the recent research developments of marine polysaccharides and their current and potential applications. The first section of the book explores the diversity of marine polysaccharides from various angles, including a description of the chemical complexity and current applications and new perspectives in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and biomaterials offered by recent research. Efficient valorization of the marine polysaccharide biomass requires a rigorous analysis of the polysaccharides structure and their biological properties. The second section of the book concerns the development of extraction techniques and the improvement of the methods aimed at the characterization of their structure and function. Finally, the third and last section of the book articulates the enzymatic technologies from the discovery of novel enzymes to their production pipelines related to the fields of biorefinery, food, pharmaceutics, and other fine chemicals. Presents the latest research in marine oligosaccharides and polysaccharides Written by world-class researchers in marine enzyme technology Discusses the latest developments in extraction methods Presents a detailed overview of enzymatic routes for modification, production, and synthesis of marine oligosaccharides Contains extensive references at the end of each chapter to enhance further study




Practical Handbook of Marine Science, Third Edition


Book Description

As a practicing professional in the field of marine science you need easily accessible, accurate and up-to-date information at your fingertips. Practical Handbook of Marine Science, Third Edition provides a comprehensive reference containing the critical information necessary to meet the multidisciplinary research needs of all marine scientists, researchers, and anyone involved in managing marine resources. Consisting of a user-friendly multi-sectional format, this single volume databook offers extensive, illustrative, and tabular reference material covering all the major disciplines related to the sea. What's new in the New Edition Presented in an easy-to-use, logically arranged format Practical Handbook of Marine Science, Third Edition serves as a quick reference to all disciplines of marine science. While building on the strong base provided by the previous editions, this is a completely updated version that includes: Completely revised text to reflect the latest knowledge in marine science Extensive references from recent sources (1995-2000) Current tables A wealth of new illustrations and tables Highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of marine science, this handbook covers a wide range of topics and is a quick and easy reference to a multitude of marine science subjects. Although this state-of-the art reference has been designed for marine scientists; administrators and other professionals who deal with the management of marine resources - and the investigation of anthropogenic impacts on marine systems - will find the information accessible and useful. The Practical Handbook of Marine Science, Third Edition is your first resource when you need current, concise, and detailed data.