Knowledge in microbiology is growing exponentially through the determination of genomic sequences of hundreds of microorganisms and the invention of new technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, to deal with this avalanche of information.

These genomic data are now exploited in thousands of applications, ranging from those in medicine, agriculture, organic chemistry, public health, biomass conversion, to biomining. Microbial Biotechnology. Fundamentals of Applied Microbiology focuses on uses of major societal importance, enabling an in-depth analysis of these critically important applications. Some, such as wastewater treatment, have changed only modestly over time, others, such as directed molecular evolution, or ‘green’ chemistry, are as current as today's headlines.

This fully revised second edition provides an exciting interdisciplinary journey through the rapidly changing landscape of discovery in microbial biotechnology. An ideal text for courses in applied microbiology and biotechnology courses, this book will also serve as an invaluable overview of recent advances in this field for professional life scientists and for the diverse community of other professionals with interests in biotechnology.

Table of Contents

1 Microbial Diversity

2 Microbial Biotechnology: Scope, Techniques, Examples

3 Production of Proteins in Bacteria and Yeast

4 The World of “Omics”: Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics

5 Recombinant and Synthetic Vaccines

6 Plant–Microbe Interactions

7 Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Toxins: Microbial Insecticides

8 Microbial Polysaccharides and Polyesters

9 Primary Metabolites: Organic Acids and Amino Acids

10 Secondary Metabolites: Antibiotics and More

11 Biocatalysis in Organic Chemistry

12 Biomass

13 Ethanol

14 Environmental Applications

About the Authors

Alexander N. Glazer is professor of the graduate school in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.

Hiroshi Nikaido is professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.