Bio-Nanoimaging: Protein Misfolding & Aggregation provides a unique introduction to both novel and established nanoimaging techniques for visualization and characterization of misfolded and aggregated protein species. The book is divided into three sections covering: - Nanotechnology and nanoimaging technology, including cryoelectron microscopy of beta(2)-microglobulin, studying amyloidogensis by FRET; and scanning tunneling microscopy of protein deposits - Polymorphisms of protein misfolded and aggregated species, including fibrillar polymorphism, amyloid-like protofibrils, and insulin oligomers - Polymorphisms of misfolding and aggregation processes, including multiple pathways of lysozyme aggregation, misfolded intermediate of a PDZ domain, and micelle formation by human islet amyloid polypeptide Protein misfolding and aggregation is a fast-growing frontier in molecular medicine and protein chemistry. Related disorders include cataracts, arthritis, cystic fibrosis, late-onset diabetes mellitus, and numerous neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nanoimaging technology has proved crucial in understanding protein-misfolding pathologies and in potential drug design aimed at the inhibition or reversal of protein aggregation. Using these technologies, researchers can monitor the aggregation process, visualize protein aggregates and analyze their properties. - Provides practical examples of nanoimaging research from leading molecular biology, cell biology, protein chemistry, biotechnology, genetics, and pharmaceutical labs - Includes over 200 color images to illustrate the power of various nanoimaging technologies - Focuses on nanoimaging techniques applied to protein misfolding and aggregation in molecular medicine

Neurophotonics and Biomedical Spectroscopy addresses the novel state-of-the-art work in non-invasive optical spectroscopic methods that detect the onset and progression of diseases and other conditions, including pre-malignancy, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, tissue and cell response to therapeutic intervention, unintended injury and laser energy deposition. The book then highlights research in neurophotonics that investigates single and multi-photon excitation optical signatures of normal/diseased nerve tissues and in the brain, providing a better understanding of the underlying biochemical and structural changes of tissues and cells that are responsible for the observed spectroscopic signatures. Topics cover a wide array of well-established UV, visible, NIR and IR optical and spectroscopic techniques and novel approaches to diagnose tissue changes, including: label free in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence spectroscopy, Stoke shift spectroscopy, spectral imaging, Resonance Raman spectroscopy, multiphoton two Photon excitation, and more. - Provides an overview of the spectroscopic properties of tissue and tissue-light interaction, describing techniques to exploit these properties in imaging - Explores the potential and significance of molecule-specific imaging and its capacity to reveal vital new information on nanoscale structures - Offers a concise overview of different spectroscopic methods and their potential benefits for solving diagnostic and therapeutic problems

Peptide Self-Assembly and Engineering State-of-the-art research in peptide self-assembly, with coverage of fundamental aspects of how peptides self-assemble and an extensive number of applications Peptide Self-Assembly and Engineering: Fundamentals, Structures, and Applications (2V set) covers the latest progresses in the field of peptide self-assembly and engineering, including the fundamental principles of peptide self-assembly, new theory of nucleation and growth, thermodynamics and kinetics, materials design rules, and precisely controlled structures and unique functions. The broad contents from this book enable readers to obtain a systematical and comprehensive knowledge in the field of peptide self-assembly and engineering. Contributed by the leading scientists and edited by a highly qualified academic and an authority in the field, Peptide Self-Assembly and Engineering includes information on: Emerging areas in peptide assembly, such as immune agents, bioelectronics, energy conversion, flexible sensors, biomimetic catalysis, and more Existing applications in biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and photoelectronics, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensing devices History of peptide self-assembly for design of functional materials and peptides’ unique mechanical, optical, electronic, and biological properties Various solvent conditions, such as pH, ionic strength, and polarity, that can affect the structure and stability of peptide assemblies A very comprehensive reference covering the latest progresses in the field of peptide self-assembly and engineering, Peptide Self-Assembly and Engineering is an essential resource for all scientists performing research intersecting with the subject, including biochemists, biotechnologists, pharmaceutical chemists, protein chemists, materials scientists, and medicinal chemists.

Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. In order to find neuroprotective strategies, a clear understanding of the mechanisms involved in the dopaminergic death of cells that progresses the disease is needed. Oxidative stress can be defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive species and the ability to detoxify them and their intermediates or by-products. Oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA has been detected in autopsies from individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and so links can be made between oxidative stress and Parkinson’s Disease pathogenesis. This book provides a thorough review of the mechanisms by which oxidative stress and redox signalling mediate Parkinson’s Disease. Opening chapters bring readers up to speed on basic knowledge regarding oxidative stress and redox signalling, Parkinson’s Disease, and neurodegeneration before the latest advances in this field are explored in detail. Topics covered in the following chapters include the role of mitochondria, dopamine metabolism, metal homeostasis, inflammation, DNA-damage and thiol-signalling. The role of genetics and gene-environment interactions are also explored before final chapters discuss the identification of potential biomarkers for diagnosis and disease progression and the future of redox/antioxidant based therapeutics. Written by recognized experts in the field, this book will be a valuable source of information for postgraduate students and academics, clinicians, toxicologists and risk assessment groups. Importantly, it presents the current research that might later lead to redox or antioxidant – based therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease.

Materials Science and Engineering in Food Product Development A comprehensive and accessible guide to the food development applications of cutting-edge materials science In Materials Science and Engineering in Food Product Development, distinguished researcher Wing-Fu Lai delivers an authoritative exploration of the roles played by materials science and engineering in food product development. In the book, the authors employ a practical, industrial perspective to illustrate how food products, especially functional foods, can benefit from the incorporation of materials science technologies. The book includes helpful glossary sections in each chapter, as well as important notes to highlight information useful to food manufacturers engaged in the real-world development and manufacture of foods. This book is appropriate for both early and advanced researchers interested in the design, improvement, and engineering of food products using the most current advances in food materials science. Readers will also find: A thorough overview of the most critical advances in food materials science Comprehensive explorations of a materials science approach to food product design and discussions of techniques for the characterization of food materials and products Practical discussions of the design and use of hydrogels, polymers, and lipid-based systems for food component encapsulation Comprehensive treatments of the optimization of pasting and textural properties of food products by rheological manipulation Perfect for students, researchers, and scholars in the fields of nutritional science, materials engineering, food science, food engineering, and nanotechnology, Materials Science and Engineering in Food Product Development will also benefit food manufacturing professionals during food product development.

This book provides the latest information on bioplastics and biodegradable plastics. The initial chapters introduce readers to the various sources and substrates for the synthesis of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics, and explain their general structure, physio-chemical properties and classification. In turn, the book discusses innovative methods for the production of bioplastics at the industrial level and for the microbial production of bioplastics. It highlights the processes that are involved in the conversion of agro-industrial waste into bioplastics, while also summarizing the mechanisms of biodegradation in bioplastics. The book addresses a range of biotechnological applications of bioplastics such as in agriculture, food packaging and pharmaceutical industry, as well as biomedical applications.

Research studies demonstrate diet and proper nutrition in conjunction with cognitive, mental, social, and physical activities can significantly help in improving brain health with advancing age, and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline. These studies of phytopharmaceuticals and medicinal plants, demonstrate the efficacy of Huperzine A, berry anthocyanins, trans-resveratrol, Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monniera, Centella asiatica, tocotrienols, and palm oil in boosting brain health and physical well-being. In addition, consumption of marine fishes and general seafood is recommended for long-term nutritional intervention to preserve mental health, hinder neurodegenerative processes, and sustain cognitive capacities in humans. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-3/n-6 PUFAs, flavonoids, and antioxidants prevent the initiation and progression of many neurological disorders. This book is a comprehensive review of phytopharmaceuticals impacting brain health with emphasis on diverse applications in food and nutrition sciences, biomedicine, neurology and other scientific and medical fields. It details available methods and contains numerous references making this the perfect guide for scientists who want to explore the fascinating world of phytopharmaceuticals with relation to brain health. Phytopharmaceuticals for Brain Health appeals to a diverse range of readers in industry, medical doctors, research and academia, including biologists, biochemists, food scientists, nutritionists and health professionals. Overall, this book brings a classic scenario of neurological problems to possible amelioration using novel nutraceuticals and functional foods.

The book focuses on the applications of ion exchange resins in processes such as the separation and purification of proteins and vitamins, the selective separation of toxic metals and the separation and purification of bioactive molecules. Specific topics include drug delivery, clinical applications, water softening and sustained drug delivery. Keywords: Ion Exchange Resins, Protein Separation and Purification, Partition and Purgation of Vitamins, Toxic Heavy Metal Ions, Bioactive Molecules, Sustained Drug Release, Ion-Exchange Chromatography, Clinical Applications, Electrodialysis, Ultrasound, Water Softening.

This book reviews current research on the important processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) and the peptides and proteins involved in the amyloidogenic processes. It covers the design and developments of anti-amyloid inhibitors, and gives readers a fundamental understanding of the underlying oligomerization and aggregation processes of these diseases from both computational and experimental points of view.