Advances in Enzyme Biotechnology

Enzyme Technology is one the most promising disciplines in modern biotechnology. In this book, the applications of a wide variety of enzymes are highlighted. Current studies in enzyme technology are focused towards the discovery of novel enzymes (termed 'bio-discovery' or 'bio-prospecting') and the identification and elucidation of novel pathways of these novel enzymes with emphasis on their industrial relevance. With the development of molecular techniques and other bioinformatics tools, the time to integrate this subject with other fields in the life sciences has arrived. A rapid expansion of the knowledge base in the field of enzyme biotechnology has occurred over the past few years. Much of this expansion has been driven by the bio-discovery of many new enzymes from a wide range of environments, some extreme in nature, followed by subsequent protein (enzyme) engineering. These enzymes have found a wide range of applications, ranging from bioremediation, bio-monitoring, biosensor development, bioconversion to biofuels and other biotechnologically important value-added products. Hydrolases constitute a major component of the global annual revenue generated by industrial enzymes and the emphasis has therefore been placed on these enzymes and their applications. With the immense interest of researchers active in this area, this book will serve to provide information on current aspects in this field of study. In the current edition, the contributions of many diversified topics towards establishing new directions of research in the area of enzyme biotechnology are described. This book serves to provide a unique source of information to undergraduates, post graduates and doctoral courses in microbiology and biotechnology along with allied life sciences. The present edition of the book covers all important areas of enzyme biotechnology i.e. the wide variety of enzymes in the field of enzyme biotechnology and their industrial applications, new methods and state-of-the-art information on modern methods of enzyme discovery. This book will act as good resource on most of the current facets of enzyme technology for all students engaged in bioengineering and biotechnology.

Dr. P. Shukla is working as Head, Department of Microbiology at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India. His research interests are in the fields of enzyme technology, protein bioinformatics and microbial biotechnology. He has more than 12 years research & teaching experience in well reputed universities of India and abroad. He has wrote 4 book chapters, one patent, Edited 3Biotech (Springer Journal), published more than 30 peer reviewed international papers in highly reputed international journals and more than 60 conference technical papers in biotechnology related fields, and served as the technique committee member in some international and national conferences. He has successfully carried out 04 (Four) R & D project as Principal investigator and/or Co-investigator.He received several awards, including Received 'Prof. S.B. Saksena, F.N.A., Award' in life sciences (1999), Best presentation Award (Senior Category-2006) by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) India, NRF-DUT Post Doctoral Fellowship Award in Enzyme Biotechnology (2008), Danisco India Award in Probiotics & Enzyme Technology (2010), Selected as Scientist in Southern Ocean Antarctica Expedition (2011), DST-FAST TRACK Young Scientist (2012) etc.

Prof Brett I. Pletschke is currently a Professor and Head of Biochemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. Prof Pletschke has served as the Vice-President and President of SASBMB (South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and is currently the Immediate Past President of the SASBMB. In this capacity, he has acted as a voting member for the SASBMB at IUBMB on occasions. Prof Pletschke's research interest is focused on the phenomenon of enzyme-enzyme synergy, using lignocellulose as a suitable model substrate. He was awarded a Rhodes University Alty Teaching Award in 2006 and was nominated for the Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award in 2008. He has delivered several plenary talks at international conferences, published more than 50 papers in peer-reviewed international journals or books and has supervised or graduated 29 MSc/PhD students.