Biotoxins: Biotechnological and Therapeutic Applications

This book covers biologically produced toxins, their chemistry, mode of action, and potential therapeutic applications. In the first part of the book, readers are introduced to the fundamental chemistry of biotoxins, their mechanisms of action, and possible antidotes, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their therapeutic potential. Subsequent chapters outline different types of biotoxins and their impact on food quality and safety, and their potential applications in agriculture and medicine. Particular attention is given to terrestrial and aquatic phytotoxins, bioactive metabolites produced by microorganisms and plants, mycotoxins, phycotoxins, cyanotoxins, neurotoxins of natural origin, bacterial toxins, insect toxins and marine toxins. An authoritative perspective on topics like bioterrorism and the military potential of biological toxins is also offered in this book.

The second part of the book presents an overview of cutting-edge detection techniques to identify emerging biotoxins in several matrices. Readers will find an authoritative overview of the recent developments in nanotechnology and microfluidics (nanomaterial-based systems), and biosensors (immunosensors, receptor-based biosensors, and cell-based biosensors). The book also covers other detection techniques applied to food such as fluorescent, colourimetric, electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, and electrochemiluminescent techniques.

Given its breadth, the book appeals to researchers, academics, and students interested in biotoxins, their pharmacological importance and their impact on agriculture and human health.