The genus Cordyceps and allied species, such as entomopathogenic fungi, mainly parasitize insects and other arthropods and have been known since ancient times. They are a source of hundreds of metabolites of medicinal significance used in drug discovery and drug development. The book reviews the developments in cordyceps research and its applications. It covers areas such as diversity, distribution, taxonomy, phylogeny, genetics, bioactive potential, nutraceutical values, biotechnological prospects, plant protection, safety concerns, and marketed products. Further, the impact of human interference as well as climate change on the habitats of Cordyceps has been discussed. The book is meant for readers with an interest in mycology and allied areas. It is also invaluable to personnel carrying out research in disciplines like applied biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, ecology, entomology, environmental biology, field biology, forestry, and zoology.

This book highlights the latest international research on different aspects of medicinal plants and fungi. Studies over the last decade have demonstrated that bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal fungi have promising antitumor, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. In the light of these studies, the book includes chapters (mostly review articles) by eminent researchers from twelve countries across the globe working in different disciplines of medicinal plants and fungi. It discusses topics such as the prevention of major neurodegenerative and neurotoxic mechanisms by Centella asiatica; the medicinal properties and therapeutic applications of several mushrooms species found in different parts of the world; and fungal endophytes as a source of bioactive metabolites including anticancer and cardioprotective agents. There are also chapters on strategies for identifying bioactive secondary metabolites of fungal origin; the use of genomic information to explore the biotechnological potential of medicinal mushrooms; and solid state fermentation of agro-industrial and forestry residues for the production of medicinal mushrooms. It is a valuable resource for the researchers, professionals and students working in the area of medicinal plants and fungi.

Large scale cultivation of macrofungi is possible with fermentation, using easily accessible lignocellulosic agricultural residues applying economical methods to generate substantial biomass, food and biofuels. Bioconversion of lignocellulosic wastes by macrofungi generates value-added fungal nutritional biomass for humans and livestock. Besides commercial cultivation techniques, other topics covered in Advances in Macrofungi: Industrial Avenues and Prospects include: the healing potential of mushrooms, industrial opportunities, mycelium-based products, forest wild mushrooms and industrial applications of white rot fungi. This book reviews the industrial applications and uses of macrofungi. It encourages students and researchers to explore non-conventional sources of nutrition as well as bioactive metabolites to serve as nutraceuticals. It emphasizes the potential of macrofungi as a source of bioactive compounds to remedy human lifestyle diseases especially cancers and cardiovascular ailments along with immunostimulation potential by Cordyceps. This book emphasizes the role of on mushrooms as a source of cosmeceuticals, flavors, essence, scents and perfumes.

Selected, peer reviewed papers from the International Conference on Chemical, Material and Metallurgical Engineering (ICCMME 2011), December 23-25, 2011, Beihai, China

White biotechnology is industrial biotechnology dealing with various biotech products through applications of microbes. The main application of white biotechnology is commercial production of various useful organic substances, such as acetic acid, citric acid, acetone, glycerine, etc., and antibiotics like penicillin, streptomycin, mitomycin, etc., and value added product through the use of microorganisms especially fungi and bacteria. The value-added products included bioactive compounds, secondary metabolites, pigments and industrially important enzymes for potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine and allied sectors for human welfare. In the 21st century, techniques were developed to harness fungi to protect human health (through antibiotics, antimicrobial, immunosuppressive agents, value-added products etc.), which led to industrial scale production of enzymes, alkaloids, detergents, acids, biosurfactants. The first large-scale industrial applications of modern biotechnology have been made in the areas of food and animal feed production (agricultural/green biotechnology) and pharmaceuticals (medical/red biotechnology). In contrast, the production of bio-active compounds through fermentation or enzymatic conversion is known industrial or white biotechnology. The beneficial fungal strains may play important role in agriculture, industry and the medical sectors. The beneficial fungi play a significance role in plant growth promotion, and soil fertility using both, direct (solubilization of phosphorus, potassium and zinc; production of indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, cytokinin and siderophores) and indirect (production of hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, ammonia, hydrogen cyanides and antibiotics) mechanisms of plant growth promotion for sustainable agriculture. The fungal strains and their products (enzymes, bio-active compounds and secondary metabolites) are very useful for industry. The discovery of antibiotics is a milestone in the development of white biotechnology. Since then, white biotechnology has steadily developed and now plays a key role in several industrial sectors, providing both high valued nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products. The fungal strains and bio-active compounds also play important role in the environmental cleaning. This volume covers the latest research developments related to value-added products in white biotechnology through fungi.

Mononuclear Leukocytes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Mononuclear Leukocytes. The editors have built Mononuclear Leukocytes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Mononuclear Leukocytes in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Mononuclear Leukocytes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

This book presents various biotechnological applications of the fungal systems in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, textile industry, bioremediation, biofuel, and the production of biomolecules. It discusses the important role of fungal secondary metabolites in human welfare and nutrition. It explores fungi as the vital sources of novel substances with antidiabetic, antibiotic as well as prebiotic properties. The book further describes the natural and unique ability of fungi to biodegrade macro- and microplastics by using them as a source of carbon and energy. Notably, it presents the properties and applications of bioactive fungal polysaccharides and discusses the latest developments in utilizing these biopolymers in human nutrition. In addition, the book examines the production of biodegradable and sustainable natural colorants from fungal sources. This book is a valuable source for mycologists, biotechnologists, and microbiologists for understanding the important role of fungi in biotechnology.

Myeloid Cells—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Myeloid Cells. The editors have built Myeloid Cells—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Myeloid Cells in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Myeloid Cells—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

Glycans and Glycosaminoglycans as Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutics - Part B, Volume 163 in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, provides informative monographs on a variety of research topics related to Glycans and glycosaminoglycans as clinical biomarkers and therapeutics. Topics in this update include an Overview of Fugal Glycan-based Therapeutics, Heparin: An Essential Drug for Modern Medicine, Low Molecular Weight Heparins and Their Clinical Applications, The Clinical Use of Fondaparinux: A Synthetic Heparin Pentasaccharid, Heparinoids as Clinically Used Drugs, Marine Glycan-Derived Therapeutics in China, Efficacy of Heparinoid PSS in Treating Cardiovascular and other Diseases—30 Years Clinical Applications in China, and more. - Includes comprehensive coverage of molecular biology - Presents ample use of tables, diagrams, schemata and color figures to enhance the reader's ability to rapidly grasp the information provided - Contains contributions from renowned experts in the field