Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece, Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vass. Constantinou Avenue, 116 35 Athens, Greece, Institut de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, UPR9021 CNRS, Immunologie et Chimie Therapeutiques, 67084 Strasbourg, France, and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita di Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy

Chemistry of Carbon Nanotubes

6. Rehybridization of the Acceptor (RICT) 3908 7. Planarization of the Molecule (PICT) 3909 III. Fluorescence Spectroscopy 3909 A. Solvent Effects and the Model Compounds 3909 1. Solvent Effects on the Spectra 3909 2. Steric Effects and Model Compounds 3911 3. Bandwidths 3913 4. Isoemissive Points 3914 B. Dipole Moments 3915 C. Radiative Rates and Transition Moments 3916 1. Quantum Yields and Radiationless Deactivation Processes 3916

Structural Changes Accompanying Intramolecular Electron Transfer: Focus on Twisted Intramolecular Charge-Transfer States and Structures

This critical review provides a survey illustrated by recent references of different strategies to achieve a sustainable conversion of biomass to bioproducts. Because of the huge number of chemical products that can be potentially manufactured, a selection of starting materials and targeted chemicals has been done. Also, thermochemical conversion processes such as biomass pyrolysis or gasification as well as the synthesis of biofuels were not considered. The synthesis of chemicals by conversion of platform molecules obtained by depolymerisation and fermentation of biopolymers is presently the most widely envisioned approach. Successful catalytic conversion of these building blocks into intermediates, specialties and fine chemicals will be examined. However, the platform molecule value chain is in competition with well-optimised, cost-effective synthesis routes from fossil resources to produce chemicals that have already a market. The literature covering alternative value chains whereby biopolymers are converted in one or few steps to functional materials will be analysed. This approach which does not require the use of isolated, pure chemicals is well adapted to produce high tonnage products, such as paper additives, paints, resins, foams, surfactants, lubricants, and plasticisers. Another objective of the review was to examine critically the green character of conversion processes because using renewables as raw materials does not exempt from abiding by green chemistry principles (368 references).

Conversion of biomass to selected chemical products

Recent developments in polysaccharide-based materials used as adsorbents in wastewater treatment

Cyclodextrins as pharmaceutical solubilizers.

Probiotics, bacteria from the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and yeast, Saccharomyces, as well as prebiotics belonging to the group of dietary fiber (inulin with low degree of polymerization, fructose-derived oligosaccharides, and resistant starch) are natural factors useful in prophylaxis and therapy of several common diseases including some types of cancer. They are available commercially and can be introduced to produce so-called functional food. Probiotics and prebiotics can be utilized either separately or jointly (as synbiotics or eubiotics). Mechanisms of both biotics are discussed. The role of cereals in probiosis is considered. Possibilities for extension of the uses of the original Chinese probiotic, chaw tofu, are also considered.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Chemical modification of starch.

Complexes of Starch with Inorganic Guests

This fourth volume in the Chemical and Functional Properties of Food Components series focuses on saccharides as food constituents Written by an international group of experts, it provides an up-to-date review of a wide spectrum of issues, focusing on the current research and literature on the properties of compounds, their mechanisms of action, and effects on the quality of foods It also explores some non-nutritional applications of saccharides, including biodegradable materials and polysaccharide waste as a source of energy This unique reference will serve as a valuable resource and guide for researchers, professionals, and graduate students 

Chemical and functional properties of food saccharides

This article surveys methods for the enzymatic conversion of starch, involving hydrolases and nonhydrolyzing enzymes, as well as the role of microorganisms producing such enzymes. The sources of the most common enzymes are listed. These starch conversions are also presented in relation to their applications in the food, pharmaceutical, pulp, textile, and other branches of industry. Some sections are devoted to the fermentation of starch to ethanol and other products, and to the production of cyclodextrins, along with the properties of these products. Light is also shed on the enzymes involved in the digestion of starch in human and animal organisms. Enzymatic processes acting on starch are useful in structural studies of the substrates and in understanding the characteristics of digesting enzymes. One section presents the application of enzymes to these problems. The information that is included covers the period from the early 19th century up to 2009.

Piotr Tomasik

Papers

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Chemical modification of starch.

Complexes of Starch with Inorganic Guests

Chemical and functional properties of food saccharides

Enzymatic conversions of starch.