Overview
- Editors:
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Charles G. Gebelein
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Department of Chemistry, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, USA
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Table of contents (27 chapters)
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Protein and Enzyme Based Systems
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- Divakar Masilamani, Ina Goldberg, Anthony J. Salerno, Mary A. Oleksiuk, Peter D. Unger, Deborah A. Piascik et al.
Pages 245-264
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- D. W. Urry, J. Jaggard, K. U. Prasad, T. Parker, R. D. Harris
Pages 265-274
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- I. V. Yannas, A. S. Chang, S. Perutz, C. Krarup, T. V. Norregaard, N. T. Zervas
Pages 275-279
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- Shu-Tung Li, Simon J. Archibald, Christian Krarup, Roger D. Madison
Pages 281-293
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- Danute E. Nitecki, Lois Aldwin
Pages 295-299
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- David E. Albert, Mary B. Douglas, Marcia A. Hintz, Christopher S. Youngen, Melvin H. Keyes
Pages 301-313
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- Zhen-Ping Wu, Donald Hilvert
Pages 315-320
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- Toshio Hayashi, Yoshito Ikada
Pages 321-332
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Back Matter
Pages 333-351
About this book
The term biotechnology has emerged on the contemporary scene fairly recently, but the basic concept of utilizing natural materials, either directly or in modified versions, dates back to antiquity. If we search the ancient literature, such as the Bible, we find hundreds of examples wherein people employed, or modified, natural materials for a variety of important uses. As far back as the days of Noah we find pitch, a natural material, being used as a caulk. Clothing was made from animal skins and the products of several plants. Today, we would consider these things as important biotechnological developments. Likewise, the human use of polymeric materials also has a long his tory. In fact, many of the original materials used by mankind were poly mers derived from nature, such as wood, flax, cotton, wool and animal skins, which were used for shelter and clothing. In recent years, however, the concept of biotechnology has taken on a new and renewed role in our society. This is due to a combination of factors, including an increased interest in environmental concerns and the desire to break free from the stranglehold that petrochemicals have placed on our society. If we can manufacture some of our polymers from renewable resources, then we can expect to prepare them for many more years into the future than we might if we could only depend on the petro chemical resources.
Editors and Affiliations
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Department of Chemistry, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, USA
Charles G. Gebelein
