Microbes : A Source of Energy for 21 Century

Contents Foreword. Message. Preface. 1. Introduction and fundamentals of microbiology. 2. Applications and commercial uses of microorganisms. 3. Microbial ecology and pollution management. 4. Microbial metabolism energy release and conservation. 5. Biomass a source of renewable energy. 6. Microbes alternate energy sources. 7. Microbes and ethanol production. 8. Microbes and biodiesel production. 9. Microbes and methane production. 10. Microbes and hydrogen production. 11. Microbes and electricity generation. 12. Biotechnology for developing novel microbes. 13. Patenting of biotechnological inventions. Index. Microorganisms are ubiquitous and indispensable for the existence of mankind. They show diversity in size shape metabolism and the range of positive functions they perform for sustaining the life on this planet. Bacteria have been exploited by the society since times immemorial for the production of various foods and enzymes. They reveal several types of metabolic reactions which are absent in eukaryotic organisms. The scientific understanding of metabolic diversity in microorganisms has made it possible to exploit the selected strains of microbes for the commercial production of enormous useful commodities including alternative biofuels which are the focus of research world over due to depleting fossil fuels. The present book Microbes A Source of Energy for 21 Century highlights the potential of microorganisms in solving the global energy crisis. This volume has been organized in 13 chapters which have been prepared to provide the readers with both an in depth study and a broad perspective of microorganisms for sustainability of mankind and making the world energy independent. The book provides the fundamental knowledge about different types of microorganisms including their various applications and commercial uses. Further it makes the readers familiar with the diversity in energy generating pathways among different groups of microbes and various possibilities which can be exploited for converting global biomass resources in to alternate biofuels. A great effort has been made to provide the readers a comprehensive knowledge about different alternative fuels from microbes for the 21 century. It is hoped that this volume will prove useful to the students and professionals who are pursuing their career in microbiology biotechnology biochemistry environmental sciences and energy studies related to the alternate biofuels to achieve energy independence during the 21 century. 574 pp.…