Preface

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms have a very diverse range of metabolism which makes them capable of existing and multiplying at the sites with extreme types of environment where other life forms usually do not exist. The miniscule organisms produce an array of metabolites in various facets of processes. These metabolites and processes find numerous commercial and industrial applications which involve the exploitation of the microorganisms for the production of the enzymes, antibiotics, organic acids, fermented foods, milk products, beverages, biofuels, animal feeds, biofertilizers, biopesticides, biopharmaceuticals, recombinant DNA products etc. Various technologies employed for waste treatment and pollution control also entail the use of microorganisms in various ways. Infact, microorganisms themselves are also used as food, food supplements, prebiotics, probiotics, vaccines etc. For all these purposes, microorganisms are isolated from diverse surroundings where they perform different physiological roles. These microbial strains are improved by employing various techniques of biotechnology to make them more effective as a candidate for commercial production. Many industrial productions involve the use of chemicals that pollute our environment in numerous ways and are precarious for the health of living organisms. Therefore now-a-days, the microbiologists are in great demand to explore the use of microorganisms to make these processes eco-friendly, safe and cost effective. However the selection and use of microorganisms in industry needs proper understanding of their physiology, metabolism and interactions with other organisms along with the recovery of the desired product economically.

With better perception of the biotechnological processes, improvement and utilization of modern techniques, the man is looking forward for a better future, through a sustainable industry based on microorganisms. Henceforth, the editors envisaged that there is a need to gather information from repertoire of scientists working in the field of industrial microbiology and bring together these scientists belonging to different thoughts of process on a single international platform. We have full confidence that this book ‘Microbes in Process’ with collection of articles on a wide variety of allied topics concerning modern society will be a valuable tool for researchers, teachers, students, policy makers and for those who are interested to work in the field of microbiology, microbial biotechnology, bioengineering and applied microbiology.

We would like to convey our sincere gratitude to all the subject experts and writers for their erudite contributions. Assistance rendered by our research scholars is thankfully viii Neelam Garg and Abhinav Aeron acknowledged. We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Carra Faegaiga of Nova Scientific Publishers, USA for her valuable support to facilitate the completion of this book.