Biofilms in the Dairy Industry

Biofilms in the Dairy Industry

Author: Koon Hoong Teh

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-08-31

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 1118876210

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In recent years, the formation and impacts of biofilms on dairy manufacturing have been studied extensively, from the effects of microbial enzymes produced during transportation of raw milk to the mechanisms of biofilm formation by thermophilic spore-forming bacteria. The dairy industry now has a better understanding of biofilms and of approaches that may be adopted to reduce the impacts that biofilms have on manufacturing efficiencies and the quality of dairy products. Biofilms in the Dairy Industry provides a comprehensive overview of biofilm-related issues facing the dairy sector. The book is a cornerstone for a better understanding of the current science and of ways to reduce the occurrence of biofilms associated with dairy manufacturing. The introductory section covers the definition and basic concepts of biofilm formation and development, and provides an overview of problems caused by the occurrence of biofilms along the dairy manufacturing chain. The second section of the book focuses on specific biofilm-related issues, including the quality of raw milk influenced by biofilms, biofilm formation by thermoduric streptococci and thermophilic spore-forming bacteria in dairy manufacturing plants, the presence of pathogens in biofilms, and biofilms associated with dairy waste effluent. The final section of the book looks at the application of modelling approaches to control biofilms. Potential solutions for reducing contamination throughout the dairy manufacturing chain are also presented. Essential to professionals in the global dairy sector, Biofilms in the Dairy Industry will be of great interest to anyone in the food and beverage, academic and government sectors. This text is specifically targeted at dairy professionals who aim to improve the quality and consistency of dairy products and improve the efficiency of dairy product manufacture through optimizing the use of dairy manufacturing plant and reducing operating costs.


Book Synopsis Biofilms in the Dairy Industry by : Koon Hoong Teh

Download or read book Biofilms in the Dairy Industry written by Koon Hoong Teh and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-08-31 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, the formation and impacts of biofilms on dairy manufacturing have been studied extensively, from the effects of microbial enzymes produced during transportation of raw milk to the mechanisms of biofilm formation by thermophilic spore-forming bacteria. The dairy industry now has a better understanding of biofilms and of approaches that may be adopted to reduce the impacts that biofilms have on manufacturing efficiencies and the quality of dairy products. Biofilms in the Dairy Industry provides a comprehensive overview of biofilm-related issues facing the dairy sector. The book is a cornerstone for a better understanding of the current science and of ways to reduce the occurrence of biofilms associated with dairy manufacturing. The introductory section covers the definition and basic concepts of biofilm formation and development, and provides an overview of problems caused by the occurrence of biofilms along the dairy manufacturing chain. The second section of the book focuses on specific biofilm-related issues, including the quality of raw milk influenced by biofilms, biofilm formation by thermoduric streptococci and thermophilic spore-forming bacteria in dairy manufacturing plants, the presence of pathogens in biofilms, and biofilms associated with dairy waste effluent. The final section of the book looks at the application of modelling approaches to control biofilms. Potential solutions for reducing contamination throughout the dairy manufacturing chain are also presented. Essential to professionals in the global dairy sector, Biofilms in the Dairy Industry will be of great interest to anyone in the food and beverage, academic and government sectors. This text is specifically targeted at dairy professionals who aim to improve the quality and consistency of dairy products and improve the efficiency of dairy product manufacture through optimizing the use of dairy manufacturing plant and reducing operating costs.

Biofilms in the Food and Beverage Industries

Biofilms in the Food and Beverage Industries

Author: P M Fratamico

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2009-09-22

Total Pages: 601

ISBN-13: 1845697162

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When bacteria attach to and colonise the surfaces of food processing equipment and foods products themselves, there is a risk that biofilms may form. Human pathogens in biofilms can be harder to remove than free microorganisms and may therefore pose a more significant food safety risk. Biofilms in the food and beverage industries reviews the formation of biofilms in these sectors and best practices for their control. The first part of the book considers fundamental aspects such as molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation by food-associated bacteria and methods for biofilm imaging, quantification and monitoring. Part two then reviews biofilm formation by different microorganisms. Chapters in Part three focus on significant issues related to biofilm prevention and removal. Contributions on biofilms in particular food industry sectors, such as dairy and red meat processing and fresh produce, complete the collection. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Biofilms in the food and beverage industries is a highly beneficial reference for microbiologists and those in industry responsible for food safety. Considers fundamental aspects concerning the ecology and characteristics of biofilms and considers methods for their detection Examines biofilm formation by different micro-organisms such as samonella and food spoilage Discusses specific issues related to biofilm prevention and removal, such as cleaning and sanitation of food contact surfaces and food processing equipment


Book Synopsis Biofilms in the Food and Beverage Industries by : P M Fratamico

Download or read book Biofilms in the Food and Beverage Industries written by P M Fratamico and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2009-09-22 with total page 601 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When bacteria attach to and colonise the surfaces of food processing equipment and foods products themselves, there is a risk that biofilms may form. Human pathogens in biofilms can be harder to remove than free microorganisms and may therefore pose a more significant food safety risk. Biofilms in the food and beverage industries reviews the formation of biofilms in these sectors and best practices for their control. The first part of the book considers fundamental aspects such as molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation by food-associated bacteria and methods for biofilm imaging, quantification and monitoring. Part two then reviews biofilm formation by different microorganisms. Chapters in Part three focus on significant issues related to biofilm prevention and removal. Contributions on biofilms in particular food industry sectors, such as dairy and red meat processing and fresh produce, complete the collection. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Biofilms in the food and beverage industries is a highly beneficial reference for microbiologists and those in industry responsible for food safety. Considers fundamental aspects concerning the ecology and characteristics of biofilms and considers methods for their detection Examines biofilm formation by different micro-organisms such as samonella and food spoilage Discusses specific issues related to biofilm prevention and removal, such as cleaning and sanitation of food contact surfaces and food processing equipment

Biofilms in the Food Environment

Biofilms in the Food Environment

Author: Anthony L. Pometto III

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-11-02

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 111886414X

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In nature, microorganisms are generally found attached to surfaces as biofilms such as dust, insects, plants, animals and rocks, rather than suspended in solution. Once a biofilm is developed, other microorganisms are free to attach and benefit from this microbial community. The food industry, which has a rich supply of nutrients, solid surfaces, and raw materials constantly entering and moving through the facility, is an ideal environment for biofilm development, which can potentially protect food pathogens from sanitizers and result in the spread of foodborne illness. Biofilms in the Food Environment is designed to provide researchers in academia, federal research labs, and industry with an understanding of the impact, control, and hurdles of biofilms in the food environment. Key to biofilm control is an understanding of its development. The goal of this 2nd edition is to expand and complement the topics presented in the original book. Readers will find: The first comprehensive review of biofilm development by Campylobacter jejuni An up-date on the resistance of Listeria monocytogenes to sanitizing agents, which continues to be a major concern to the food industry An account of biofilms associated with various food groups such as dairy, meat, vegetables and fruit is of global concern A description of two novel methods to control biofilms in the food environment: bio-nanoparticle technology and bacteriophage Biofilms are not always a problem: sometimes they even desirable. In the human gut they are essential to our survival and provide access to some key nutrients from the food we consume. The authors provide up-date information on the use of biofilms for the production of value-added products via microbial fermentations. Biofilms cannot be ignored when addressing a foodborne outbreak. All the authors for each chapter are experts in their field of research. The Editors hope is that this second edition will provide the bases and understanding for much needed future research in the critical area of Biofilm in Food Environment.


Book Synopsis Biofilms in the Food Environment by : Anthony L. Pometto III

Download or read book Biofilms in the Food Environment written by Anthony L. Pometto III and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-11-02 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In nature, microorganisms are generally found attached to surfaces as biofilms such as dust, insects, plants, animals and rocks, rather than suspended in solution. Once a biofilm is developed, other microorganisms are free to attach and benefit from this microbial community. The food industry, which has a rich supply of nutrients, solid surfaces, and raw materials constantly entering and moving through the facility, is an ideal environment for biofilm development, which can potentially protect food pathogens from sanitizers and result in the spread of foodborne illness. Biofilms in the Food Environment is designed to provide researchers in academia, federal research labs, and industry with an understanding of the impact, control, and hurdles of biofilms in the food environment. Key to biofilm control is an understanding of its development. The goal of this 2nd edition is to expand and complement the topics presented in the original book. Readers will find: The first comprehensive review of biofilm development by Campylobacter jejuni An up-date on the resistance of Listeria monocytogenes to sanitizing agents, which continues to be a major concern to the food industry An account of biofilms associated with various food groups such as dairy, meat, vegetables and fruit is of global concern A description of two novel methods to control biofilms in the food environment: bio-nanoparticle technology and bacteriophage Biofilms are not always a problem: sometimes they even desirable. In the human gut they are essential to our survival and provide access to some key nutrients from the food we consume. The authors provide up-date information on the use of biofilms for the production of value-added products via microbial fermentations. Biofilms cannot be ignored when addressing a foodborne outbreak. All the authors for each chapter are experts in their field of research. The Editors hope is that this second edition will provide the bases and understanding for much needed future research in the critical area of Biofilm in Food Environment.

Good Hygiene Practices and Their Prevention of Biofilms in the Food Industry

Good Hygiene Practices and Their Prevention of Biofilms in the Food Industry

Author: Roy Fink

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Published: 2019-07-12

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13: 1527536777

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This book highlights the importance of hygiene in the food industry with regard to biofilms, which can be found on the contact materials of various food production facilities, including bakery, brewing, seafood processing, and dairy and meat processing. Good hygiene practices in such facilities can prevent microbial niches and harbourage sites, facilitate cleaning and disinfection, maintain or increase product shelf-life, and improve food safety. This book provides essential information on the updated information on biofilm growth conditions, detection methods, and prevention and control strategies.


Book Synopsis Good Hygiene Practices and Their Prevention of Biofilms in the Food Industry by : Roy Fink

Download or read book Good Hygiene Practices and Their Prevention of Biofilms in the Food Industry written by Roy Fink and published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. This book was released on 2019-07-12 with total page 167 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book highlights the importance of hygiene in the food industry with regard to biofilms, which can be found on the contact materials of various food production facilities, including bakery, brewing, seafood processing, and dairy and meat processing. Good hygiene practices in such facilities can prevent microbial niches and harbourage sites, facilitate cleaning and disinfection, maintain or increase product shelf-life, and improve food safety. This book provides essential information on the updated information on biofilm growth conditions, detection methods, and prevention and control strategies.

Microbiology in Dairy Processing

Microbiology in Dairy Processing

Author: Palmiro Poltronieri

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2017-11-29

Total Pages: 345

ISBN-13: 1119114802

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An authoritative guide to microbiological solutions to common challenges encountered in the industrial processing of milk and the production of milk products Microbiology in Dairy Processing offers a comprehensive introduction to the most current knowledge and research in dairy technologies and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and dairy associated species in the fermentation of dairy products. The text deals with the industrial processing of milk, the problems solved in the industry, and those still affecting the processes. The authors explore culture methods and species selective growth media, to grow, separate, and characterize LAB and dairy associated species, molecular methods for species identification and strains characterization, Next Generation Sequencing for genome characterization, comparative genomics, phenotyping, and current applications in dairy and non-dairy productions. In addition, Microbiology in Dairy Processing covers the Lactic Acid Bacteria and dairy associated species (the beneficial microorganisms used in food fermentation processes): culture methods, phenotyping, and proven applications in dairy and non-dairy productions. The text also reviews the potential future exploitation of the culture of novel strains with useful traits such as probiotics, fermentation of sugars, metabolites produced, bacteriocins. This important resource: Offers solutions both established and novel to the numerous challenges commonly encountered in the industrial processing of milk and the production of milk products Takes a highly practical approach, tackling the problems faced in the workplace by dairy technologists Covers the whole chain of dairy processing from milk collection and storage though processing and the production of various cheese types Written for laboratory technicians and researchers, students learning the protocols for LAB isolation and characterisation, Microbiology in Dairy Processing is the authoritative reference for professionals and students.


Book Synopsis Microbiology in Dairy Processing by : Palmiro Poltronieri

Download or read book Microbiology in Dairy Processing written by Palmiro Poltronieri and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2017-11-29 with total page 345 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An authoritative guide to microbiological solutions to common challenges encountered in the industrial processing of milk and the production of milk products Microbiology in Dairy Processing offers a comprehensive introduction to the most current knowledge and research in dairy technologies and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and dairy associated species in the fermentation of dairy products. The text deals with the industrial processing of milk, the problems solved in the industry, and those still affecting the processes. The authors explore culture methods and species selective growth media, to grow, separate, and characterize LAB and dairy associated species, molecular methods for species identification and strains characterization, Next Generation Sequencing for genome characterization, comparative genomics, phenotyping, and current applications in dairy and non-dairy productions. In addition, Microbiology in Dairy Processing covers the Lactic Acid Bacteria and dairy associated species (the beneficial microorganisms used in food fermentation processes): culture methods, phenotyping, and proven applications in dairy and non-dairy productions. The text also reviews the potential future exploitation of the culture of novel strains with useful traits such as probiotics, fermentation of sugars, metabolites produced, bacteriocins. This important resource: Offers solutions both established and novel to the numerous challenges commonly encountered in the industrial processing of milk and the production of milk products Takes a highly practical approach, tackling the problems faced in the workplace by dairy technologists Covers the whole chain of dairy processing from milk collection and storage though processing and the production of various cheese types Written for laboratory technicians and researchers, students learning the protocols for LAB isolation and characterisation, Microbiology in Dairy Processing is the authoritative reference for professionals and students.

Biofilms in the Food Environment

Biofilms in the Food Environment

Author: Anthony L. Pometto III

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-08-24

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 1118864131

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In nature, microorganisms are generally found attached to surfaces as biofilms such as dust, insects, plants, animals and rocks, rather than suspended in solution. Once a biofilm is developed, other microorganisms are free to attach and benefit from this microbial community. The food industry, which has a rich supply of nutrients, solid surfaces, and raw materials constantly entering and moving through the facility, is an ideal environment for biofilm development, which can potentially protect food pathogens from sanitizers and result in the spread of foodborne illness. Biofilms in the Food Environment is designed to provide researchers in academia, federal research labs, and industry with an understanding of the impact, control, and hurdles of biofilms in the food environment. Key to biofilm control is an understanding of its development. The goal of this 2nd edition is to expand and complement the topics presented in the original book. Readers will find: The first comprehensive review of biofilm development by Campylobacter jejuni An up-date on the resistance of Listeria monocytogenes to sanitizing agents, which continues to be a major concern to the food industry An account of biofilms associated with various food groups such as dairy, meat, vegetables and fruit is of global concern A description of two novel methods to control biofilms in the food environment: bio-nanoparticle technology and bacteriophage Biofilms are not always a problem: sometimes they even desirable. In the human gut they are essential to our survival and provide access to some key nutrients from the food we consume. The authors provide up-date information on the use of biofilms for the production of value-added products via microbial fermentations. Biofilms cannot be ignored when addressing a foodborne outbreak. All the authors for each chapter are experts in their field of research. The Editors hope is that this second edition will provide the bases and understanding for much needed future research in the critical area of Biofilm in Food Environment.


Book Synopsis Biofilms in the Food Environment by : Anthony L. Pometto III

Download or read book Biofilms in the Food Environment written by Anthony L. Pometto III and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-08-24 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In nature, microorganisms are generally found attached to surfaces as biofilms such as dust, insects, plants, animals and rocks, rather than suspended in solution. Once a biofilm is developed, other microorganisms are free to attach and benefit from this microbial community. The food industry, which has a rich supply of nutrients, solid surfaces, and raw materials constantly entering and moving through the facility, is an ideal environment for biofilm development, which can potentially protect food pathogens from sanitizers and result in the spread of foodborne illness. Biofilms in the Food Environment is designed to provide researchers in academia, federal research labs, and industry with an understanding of the impact, control, and hurdles of biofilms in the food environment. Key to biofilm control is an understanding of its development. The goal of this 2nd edition is to expand and complement the topics presented in the original book. Readers will find: The first comprehensive review of biofilm development by Campylobacter jejuni An up-date on the resistance of Listeria monocytogenes to sanitizing agents, which continues to be a major concern to the food industry An account of biofilms associated with various food groups such as dairy, meat, vegetables and fruit is of global concern A description of two novel methods to control biofilms in the food environment: bio-nanoparticle technology and bacteriophage Biofilms are not always a problem: sometimes they even desirable. In the human gut they are essential to our survival and provide access to some key nutrients from the food we consume. The authors provide up-date information on the use of biofilms for the production of value-added products via microbial fermentations. Biofilms cannot be ignored when addressing a foodborne outbreak. All the authors for each chapter are experts in their field of research. The Editors hope is that this second edition will provide the bases and understanding for much needed future research in the critical area of Biofilm in Food Environment.

Milk Quality

Milk Quality

Author: F. Harding

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-12-14

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 1461521955

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Milk has played a major contribution to the human diet in many different countries across the world since the dawn of time. The dairy cow was domesticated over 6000 years ago, she was the object of worship in the Middle East 2000 years before Christ, and milk and milk products are mentioned more than 50 times in the Bible. Milk and dairy products have become a major part of the human diet in many countries. It is not surprising therefore, that over many years considerable attention has been paid to improving the quality of milk. We have worked to improve the yield, the compositional quality and the hygienic quality, and have striven to minimise the level of contaminants which can find access to this, perhaps our most natural, unrefined and highly nutritious foodstuff. The chain of people involved in the milk industry extends from milk production-farmers, veterinarians and farm advisors-through transport to processing-quality controllers, manufacturers-and on to retailers, legislators, nutritionists, dairy educators and consumers. All will be interested in the quality parameters of milk which are reg ularly measured for commercial reasons, for trade, for legal requirements and for reasons of nutrition.


Book Synopsis Milk Quality by : F. Harding

Download or read book Milk Quality written by F. Harding and published by Springer. This book was released on 2013-12-14 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Milk has played a major contribution to the human diet in many different countries across the world since the dawn of time. The dairy cow was domesticated over 6000 years ago, she was the object of worship in the Middle East 2000 years before Christ, and milk and milk products are mentioned more than 50 times in the Bible. Milk and dairy products have become a major part of the human diet in many countries. It is not surprising therefore, that over many years considerable attention has been paid to improving the quality of milk. We have worked to improve the yield, the compositional quality and the hygienic quality, and have striven to minimise the level of contaminants which can find access to this, perhaps our most natural, unrefined and highly nutritious foodstuff. The chain of people involved in the milk industry extends from milk production-farmers, veterinarians and farm advisors-through transport to processing-quality controllers, manufacturers-and on to retailers, legislators, nutritionists, dairy educators and consumers. All will be interested in the quality parameters of milk which are reg ularly measured for commercial reasons, for trade, for legal requirements and for reasons of nutrition.

The Role of Biofilms in the Development and Dissemination of Microbial Resistance within the Food Industry

The Role of Biofilms in the Development and Dissemination of Microbial Resistance within the Food Industry

Author: Efstathios Giaouris

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2020-12-15

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13: 3039435515

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Biofilms are multicellular sessile microbial communities embedded in hydrated extracellular polymeric matrices. Their formation is common in microbial life in most environments, whereas those formed on food-processing surfaces are of considerable interest in the context of food hygiene. Biofilm cells express properties that are distinct from planktonic ones, in particular, due to their notorious resistance to antimicrobial agents. Thus, a special feature of biofilms is that once they have developed, they are hard to eradicate, even when careful sanitization procedures are regularly applied. A large amount of ongoing research has investigated how and why surface-attached microbial communities develop such resistance, and several mechanisms can be acknowledged, such as heterogeneous metabolic activity, cell adaptive responses, diffusion limitations, genetic and functional diversification, and microbial interactions. The articles contained in this Special Issue deal with biofilms of some important food-related bacteria (including common pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as spoilage-causing spore-forming bacilli), providing novel insights into their resistance mechanisms and implications, together with novel methods (e.g., use of protective biofilms formed by beneficial bacteria, enzymes) that could be used to overcome resistance and thus improve the safety of our food supply and protect public health.


Book Synopsis The Role of Biofilms in the Development and Dissemination of Microbial Resistance within the Food Industry by : Efstathios Giaouris

Download or read book The Role of Biofilms in the Development and Dissemination of Microbial Resistance within the Food Industry written by Efstathios Giaouris and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2020-12-15 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biofilms are multicellular sessile microbial communities embedded in hydrated extracellular polymeric matrices. Their formation is common in microbial life in most environments, whereas those formed on food-processing surfaces are of considerable interest in the context of food hygiene. Biofilm cells express properties that are distinct from planktonic ones, in particular, due to their notorious resistance to antimicrobial agents. Thus, a special feature of biofilms is that once they have developed, they are hard to eradicate, even when careful sanitization procedures are regularly applied. A large amount of ongoing research has investigated how and why surface-attached microbial communities develop such resistance, and several mechanisms can be acknowledged, such as heterogeneous metabolic activity, cell adaptive responses, diffusion limitations, genetic and functional diversification, and microbial interactions. The articles contained in this Special Issue deal with biofilms of some important food-related bacteria (including common pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as spoilage-causing spore-forming bacilli), providing novel insights into their resistance mechanisms and implications, together with novel methods (e.g., use of protective biofilms formed by beneficial bacteria, enzymes) that could be used to overcome resistance and thus improve the safety of our food supply and protect public health.

Heat Transfer Equipment Design

Heat Transfer Equipment Design

Author: R. K. Shah

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1988-07-01

Total Pages: 1104

ISBN-13: 9780891167297

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Book Synopsis Heat Transfer Equipment Design by : R. K. Shah

Download or read book Heat Transfer Equipment Design written by R. K. Shah and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 1988-07-01 with total page 1104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology

Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology

Author: Moselio Schaechter

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2003-12-11

Total Pages: 1152

ISBN-13: 9780080472461

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The Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology aims to provide an affordable and ready access to a large variety of microbiological topics within one set of covers. This handy desk-top reference brings together an outstanding collection of work by the top scientists in the field. Covering topics ranging from the basic science of microbiology to the current "hot" topics in the field. * Provides a broad, easily accessible perspective on a wide range of microbiological topics * A synthesis of the broadest topics from the comprehensive and multi-volumed Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Second Edition * Helpful resource in preparing for lectures, writing reports, or drafting grant applications


Book Synopsis Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology by : Moselio Schaechter

Download or read book Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology written by Moselio Schaechter and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2003-12-11 with total page 1152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology aims to provide an affordable and ready access to a large variety of microbiological topics within one set of covers. This handy desk-top reference brings together an outstanding collection of work by the top scientists in the field. Covering topics ranging from the basic science of microbiology to the current "hot" topics in the field. * Provides a broad, easily accessible perspective on a wide range of microbiological topics * A synthesis of the broadest topics from the comprehensive and multi-volumed Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Second Edition * Helpful resource in preparing for lectures, writing reports, or drafting grant applications