Photoprotective Green Pharmacology: Challenges, Sources and Future Applications


Book Description

This book illustrates the role of photoprotective and radioprotective metabolites from natural sources. Various classes of radioprotective metabolites derived from cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and higher plants have been explained to reinforce the current knowledge in this field. In addition, the book elucidates the potential applications of these metabolites in pharmaceutics, cosmetics, and biomedical sciences that will help develop commercial products in modern anti-radiation therapeutics. Topics such as stress tolerance environmental strategies, evolutionary tendency, and biosynthetic route of radioprotective compounds for cost-effective large-scale industrial production of the metabolites are also covered in the book. This book will add to the understanding of radioprotective mechanisms and curative measures for various deleterious diseases leading to cancer development. This volume also offers the latest insights into current and upcoming issues that arise from solar and atomic radiations and their amelioration by inherent radioprotective mechanisms of green plants. This book benefits readers from academia, industry, colleges, and research students to better understand the impacts of various radiations and the development of radioprotective green compounds.




Natural Bioactive Compounds


Book Description

Natural Bioactive Compounds: Technological Advancements deals with the latest breakthroughs in the field of screening, characterization and novel applications of natural bioactive compounds from diverse group of organisms ranging from bacteria, viruses, cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, higher plants, sponges, corals and fishes. Written by some of the most reputed scientists in the field, this book introduces the reader to strategies and methods in the search for bioactive natural products. It is an essential read for researchers and students interested in bioactive natural products, their biological and pharmacological properties, their possible use as chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents, and other future potential applications. - Explores natural sources of bioactive compounds, including cyanobacteria, bacteria, viruses, fungi and higher plants - Discusses the potential applications of biological products, such as their use in medicine (antibiotics, cancer research, immunology), as food additives, supplements and technological substances - Analyzes the contributions of emerging or developing technologies for the study of bioactive natural compounds (characterization and purification)




Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives. September 2018


Book Description

This book contains the summaries of the "Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives" that took place in Salamanca (Spain) in September 2018. The early science of chemistry and microbiology were the source of most drugs until the revolution of genetic engineering in the mid 1970s. Then biotechnology made available novel protein agents such as interferons, blood factors and monoclonal antibodies that have changed the modern pharmacy. Over the past year, a new pharmacy of oligonucleotides has emerged from the science of gene expression such as RNA splicing and RNA interference. The ability to design therapeutic agents from genomic sequences will transform treatment for many diseases. The science that created this advance and its future promise will be discussed. Phillip Allen Sharp is an American geneticist and molecular biologist who co-discovered RNA splicing. He shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Richard J. Roberts for “the discovery that genes in eukaryotes are not contiguous strings but contain introns, and that the splicing of messenger RNA to delete those introns can occur in different ways, yielding different proteins from the same DNA sequence. He works in Institute Professor Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US. Este libro recoge los resúmenes de la «Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives» que tuvo lugar en Salamanca (España) en septiembre de 2018. La ciencia primitiva de la química y la microbiología fue la fuente de la mayoría de las drogas hasta la revolución de la ingeniería genética a mediados de la década de 1970. Luego, la biotecnología puso a disposición agentes proteínicos novedosos como interferones, factores sanguíneos y anticuerpos monoclonales que han cambiado la farmacia moderna. Durante el año pasado, surgió una nueva farmacia de oligonucleótidos a partir de la ciencia de la expresión génica, como el empalme de ARN y la interferencia de ARN. La capacidad de diseñar agentes terapéuticos a partir de secuencias genómicas transformará el tratamiento de muchas enfermedades. La ciencia que creó este avance y su promesa futura será discutida. Phillip Allen Sharp es un genetista y biólogo molecular estadounidense que co-descubrió el empalme de ARN. Compartió el Premio Nobel de 1993 en Fisiología o Medicina con Richard J. Roberts por "el descubrimiento de que los genes en eucariotas no son cadenas contiguas, sino que contienen intrones, y que el empalme del ARN mensajero para eliminar esos intrones puede ocurrir de diferentes maneras, produciendo diferentes proteínas de la misma secuencia de ADN. Trabaja en el Instituto Profesor Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts (MIT), Cambridge, MA, EE. UU.




Beyond Oil and Gas


Book Description

The world is currently consuming about 85 million barrels of oil a day, and about two-thirds as much natural gas equivalent, both derived from non-renewable natural sources. In the foreseeable future, our energy needs will come from any available alternate source. Methanol is one such viable alternative, and also offers a convenient solution for efficient energy storage on a large scale. In this updated and enlarged edition, renowned chemists discuss in a clear and readily accessible manner the pros and cons of humankind's current main energy sources, while providing new ways to overcome obstacles. Following an introduction, the authors look at the interrelationship of fuels and energy, and at the extent of our non-renewable fossil fuels. They also discuss the hydrogen economy and its significant shortcomings. The main focus is on the conversion of CO2 from industrial as well as natural sources into liquid methanol and related DME, a diesel fuel substitute that can replace LNG and LPG. The book is rounded off with an optimistic look at future possibilities. A forward-looking and inspiring work that vividly illustrates potential solutions to our energy and environmental problems.




Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing


Book Description

Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing A comprehensive review of algae as novel and sustainable sources of algal ingredients, their extraction and processing This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues surrounding the consumption, economics, composition, processing and health effects of algae. With contributions from an international team of experts, the book explores the application of conventional and emerging technologies for algal processing. The book includes recent developments such as drying and milling technologies along with advancements in sustainable greener techniques. The text also highlights individual groups of compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids and fibres from algae. The authors provide insightful reviews of the traditional and more recent applications of algae/algal extracts in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. Offering a holistic view of the various applications, the book looks at the economic feasibility, market trends and considerations, and health hazards associated with algae for industrial applications. This important book: Provides a comprehensive overview of algal biomolecules and the role of emerging processing technologies Explores the potential biological and health benefits of algae and their applications in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products Includes a current review of algal bioactives and processing technologies for food and ingredient manufacturers Contains contributions from leading academic and industrial experts Written for food scientists, allied researchers and professional food technologists, Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing: Food and Health Perspectives offers a guide to the novel processing and extraction techniques for exploring and harnessing the immense potential of algae.




Sensing the Environment: Regulation of Local and Global Homeostasis by the Skin's Neuroendocrine System


Book Description

The skin, the body’s largest organ, is strategically located at the interface with the external environment where it detects, integrates and responds to a diverse range of stressors, including solar radiation. It has already been established that the skin is an important peripheral neuroendocrine-immune organ that is closely networked with central regulatory systems. These capabilities contribute to the maintenance of peripheral homeostasis. Specifically, epidermal and dermal cells produce and respond to classical stress neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones, production which is stimulated by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), biological factors (infectious and non-infectious) and other physical and chemical agents. Examples of local biologically active products are cytokines, biogenic amines (catecholamines, histamine, serotonin and N-acetyl-serotonin), melatonin, acetylocholine, neuropeptides including pituitary (proopiomelanocortin-derived ACTH, b-endorphin or MSH peptides, thyroid stimulating hormone) and hypothalamic (corticotropin-releasing factor and related urocortins, thyroid-releasing hormone) hormones, as well as enkephalins and dynorphins, thyroid hormones, steroids (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones, 7-δ steroids), secosteroids, opioids and endocannabinoids. The production of these molecules is hierarchical, organized along the algorithms of classical neuroendocrine axes such as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA), hypothalamic-thyroid axis (HPT), serotoninergic, melatoninergic, catecholaminergic, cholinergic, steroid/secosteroidogenic, opioid and endocannabinoid systems. Disruptions of these axes or of communication between them may lead to skin and/or systemic diseases. These local neuroendocrine networks also serve to limit the effect of noxious environmental agents to preserve local and consequently global homeostasis. Moreover, the skin-derived factors/systems can also activate cutaneous nerve endings to alert the brain to changes in the epidermal or dermal environments, or alternatively to activate other coordinating centers by direct (spinal cord) neurotransmission without brain involvement. Furthermore, rapid and reciprocal communications between epidermal and dermal and adnexal compartments are also mediated by neurotransmission including antidromic modes of conduction. Lastly, skin cells and the skin as an organ coordinate and/or regulate not only peripheral but also global homeostasis.




Oxidative Damage to Plants


Book Description

With contributions that review research on this topic throughout the world, Oxidative Damage to Plants covers key areas of discovery, from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), their mechanisms, quenching of these ROSs through enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and detailed aspects of such antioxidants as SOD and CAT. Environmental stress is responsible for the generation of oxidative stress, which causes oxidative damage to biomolecules and hence reduces crop yield. To cope up with these problems, scientists have to fully understand the generation of reactive oxygen species, its impact on plants and how plants will be able to withstand these stresses. - Provides invaluable information about the role of antioxidants in alleviating oxidative stress - Examines both the negative effects (senescence, impaired photosynthesis and necrosis) and positive effects (crucial role that superoxide plays against invading microbes) of ROS on plants - Features contributors from a variety of regions globally




Photosynthetic Microorganisms


Book Description

This book provides a cohesive overview of carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) of photosynthetic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria and microalgae. This unique mechanism is by far the most spectacular physiological process in algal growth and productivity. Due to this fact, the study of CCM has captivated phycologists, algal molecular and cellular biologists, botanists, agriculturalists, crop growers, and most recently algal biofuel researchers, around the world. In the brief, the authors draw a contextual in-depth overview, on the basis of the latest findings, to develop an account of the core concepts regarding state-of-the-art of CCM. Subsequent chapters use this account to explore carbon concentrating mechanism of cyanobacteria and microalgae. They highlight the concise summaries of cutting-edge research and integrated industrial applications of photosynthetic microorganism based CO2 mitigation system, across a wide spectrum of energy and environment. The brief also presents sustainable perspectives of carbon concentrating mechanism in the context of current global energy and environmental challenges.




Bioprospecting of Microorganism-Based Industrial Molecules


Book Description

Discover a comprehensive and current overview of microbial bioprospecting written by leading voices in the field In Bioprospecting of Microorganism-Based Industrial Molecules, distinguished researchers and authors Sudhir P. Singh and Santosh Kumar Upadhyay deliver global perspectives of bioprospecting of biodiversity. The book covers diverse aspects of bioprospecting of microorganisms demonstrating biomass value of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and bioenergetic importance. The authors present an amalgamation of translational research on bioresource utilization and ecological sustainability that will further the reader’s knowledge of the applications of different microbial diversity and reveal new avenues of research investigation. Readers will also benefit from: A thorough introduction to microbial biodiversity and bioprospecting An exploration of anti-ageing and skin lightening microbial products and microbial production of anti-cancerous biomolecules A treatment of UV protective compounds from algal biodiversity and polysaccharides from marine microalgal sources Discussions of microbial sources of insect toxic proteins and the role of microbes in bio-surfactants production Perfect for academics, scientists, researchers, graduate and post-graduate students working and studying in the areas of microbiology, food biotechnology, industrial microbiology, plant biotechnology, and microbial biotechnology, Bioprospecting of Microorganism-Based Industrial Molecules is an indispensable guide for anyone looking for a comprehensive overview of the subject.




Herbal Principles in Cosmetics


Book Description

Interest in the molecular and mechanistic aspects of cosmetic research has grown exponentially during the past decade. Herbal Principles in Cosmetics: Properties and Mechanisms of Action critically examines the botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and molecular aspects of botanical active ingredients used in cosmetics. Along with dermato