Putting forward an innovative approach to solving current technological problems faced by human society, this book encompasses a holistic way of perceiving the potential of natural systems. Nature has developed several materials and processes which both maintain an optimal performance and are also totally biodegradable, properties which can be used in civil engineering. Delivering the latest research findings to building industry professionals and other practitioners, as well as containing information useful to the public, ‘Biotechnologies and Biomimetics for Civil Engineering’ serves as an important tool to tackle the challenges of a more sustainable construction industry and the future of buildings.

This book presents the first comprehensive text on construction biomaterials and bioprocesses. It details aspects of construction biotechnology, a new interdisciplinary area involving applications of environmental and industrial microbiology and biotechnology in geotechnical and civil engineering. It also critically reviews all existing and potential construction biotechnology processes. It discusses a number of topics including the biotechnological production of new construction materials such as self-healing concrete, construction biocomposites, construction bioplastics, and biotechnological admixtures to cement. It also addresses construction-related processes like biocementation, bioclogging, soil surface fixation and biosealing, microbial cements and grouts, the biocoating of construction material surfaces, the microbiology and biosafety of the construction environment, the prevention of biocorrosion as well as biodeterioration and biofouling in civil engineering. Biomediated precipitation of calcium, magnesium, and iron compounds as carbonates, phosphates, sulphides, and silicate minerals in soil for its clogging and strengthening are considered from geotechnical, chemical, and microbiological points of view. It offers an overview of the basic microbiology that will enable civil engineers to perform the construction biogeochemical processes. Design principles and considerations for different field implementations are discussed from a practical point of view. The book can be used as a textbook for graduate and senior undergraduate students in biotechnology, civil engineering and environmental engineering as well as a reference book for researchers and practitioners working in this new interdisciplinary area.

Start-Up Creation: The Smart Eco-efficient Built Environment provides a state-of-the-art review on high-technology applications and explains how these can be applied to improve the eco-efficiency of the built environment. Divided into four main parts, the book explains the key factors behind successful startup companies that grow from university research, including the development of a business plan, the importance of intellectual property, necessary entrepreneurial skills, and innovative thinking. Part Two presents the latest research findings on nano and bio-based technologies and their application and use to the energy efficiency of the built environment. Part Three focuses on the use of genetic algorithms, Big Data, and the Internet of Things applications. Finally, the book ends with an entire section dedicated to App development using selected case studies that illustrate their application and use for monitoring building energy-efficiency. Presents a definitive guide for startups that arise from college and university research, and how the application of advanced technologies can be applied to the built environment Includes case studies on new advanced technologies and apps development Links startup creation to the eco-efficient built environment through software applications

Smart Biomimetic Coatings: Design, Properties and Biomedical Applications summarizes vital research in multifunctional (i.e., anti-corrosion, anti-fouling, and self-cleaning properties) surface coatings in various applications such as orthopedic and dental implants, tissue engineering, sensors and more. The book introduces biomimetic coatings, aiding understanding of highly complicated architectures in natural composites, along with discussions on the importance of proper mimicking to achieve composite materials with exceptional performance. The synthesis and unique properties of smart biomimetic coatings are detailed before a wide selection of biomedical applications is explored. This is an important reference of interest to researchers and R&D groups working in materials science, biomedical engineering, tissue engineering, and implant design. - Covers core principles, methods of synthesis, unique properties, and the pros and cons of biomimetic materials for coatings - Reviews a broad range of biomedical applications for biomimetic coatings, from drug delivery and sensors to anti-corrosion and orthopedics - Combines the principles of engineering, materials science, chemistry, and biology to provide an interdisciplinary overview of smart biomimetic coatings in biomedicine

Biomimicry for Materials, Design and Habitats: Innovations and Applications and is a survey of the recent work of recognized experts in a variety of fields who employ biomimicry and related paradigms to solve key problems of interest within design, science, technology, and society. Topics covered include innovations from biomimicry in materials, product design, architecture, and biological sciences. The book is a useful resource for educators, designers, researchers, engineers, and materials scientists, taking them from the theory behind biomimicry to real world applications. Living systems have evolved innovative solutions to challenges that humans face on a daily basis. Nonlinear multifunctional systems that have a symbiotic relationship with their environment are the domain of nature. Morphological solutions for buildings inspired by nature can be used for skins, surfaces, and structures to facilitate environmental adaptation of buildings to increase occupant comfort and reduce energy demands. Birds can teach us to produce novel structures, 3D printing can be informed by oysters and mussels, and mycelium may show us the way to fabricate new biocomposites in architecture. Therefore, it is in nature that we seek inspiration for the solutions to tomorrow's challenges. - Presents new directions in education and the various applications of biomimicry within industry, including bio-inspired entrepreneurship - Discusses the role of biomimicry in education, innovation, and product design - Covers applications in systems engineering and design, novel materials with applications in 3D printing, and bio-inspired architecture - Includes perspectives on sustainability detailing the role that bio-inspiration or biomimicry plays in sustainability

This book provides an overview on the basics in insect molecular biology and presents the most recent developments in several fields such as insect genomics and proteomics, insect pathology and applications of insect derived compounds in modern research. The book aims to provide a common platform for the molecular entomologist to stimulate further research in insect molecular biology and biotechnology. Insects are one of the most versatile groups of the animal kingdom. Due to their large population sizes and adaptability since long they attract researchers’ interest as efficient resource for agricultural and biotechnological purposes. Several economically important insects such as Silkworms, Honey Bee, Lac and Drosophila or Termites were established as invertebrate model organisms. Starting with the era of genetic engineering, a broad range of molecular and genetic tools have been developed to study the molecular biology of these insects in detail and thus opened up a new horizon for multidisciplinary research. Nowadays, insect derived products are widely used in biomedical and biotechnology industries. The book targets researchers from both academia and industry, professors and graduate students working in molecular biology, biotechnology and entomology.

Bio-based Materials and Biotechnologies for Eco-efficient Construction fills a gap in the published literature, discussing bio-based materials and biotechnologies that are crucial for a more sustainable construction industry. With comprehensive coverage and contributions from leading experts in the field, the book includes sections on Bio-based materials and biotechnologies for infrastructure applications, Bio-based materials and biotechnologies for building energy efficiency, and other applications, such as using biotechnology to reduce indoor air pollution, for water treatment, and in soil decontamination. The book will be an essential reference resource for academic researchers, civil engineers, contractors working in construction works, postgraduate students and other professionals. - Focuses on sustainability and green concepts in construction - Discusses recent trends on bio-based materials and biotechnologies for eco-efficient construction - Covers many important aspects, including infrastructure applications, energy efficiency for building construction, and air, water and soil related problems

People have been finding inspiration in nature in solving their problems, from the very beginning of their existence. In the most general sense, biomimicry, defined as "inspire from the nature," has brought together the engineers and designers nowadays. This collaboration creates innovative and creative outcomes that encourage people with their interdisciplinary relationships. Accordingly, the aim of this book is to bring together different works or developments on biomimetics in interdisciplinary relationship between different areas, especially biomimicry, engineering, and design. The twenty-first century has conceived many new and amazing designs. The book in your hands will surely be an important guide to take a quick look at the future possibilities.

Insights and Innovations in Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation comprises 360 papers that were presented at the Sixth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation (SEMC 2016, Cape Town, South Africa, 5-7 September 2016). The papers reflect the broad scope of the SEMC conferences, and cover a wide range of engineering structures (buildings, bridges, towers, roofs, foundations, offshore structures, tunnels, dams, vessels, vehicles and machinery) and engineering materials (steel, aluminium, concrete, masonry, timber, glass, polymers, composites, laminates, smart materials). Some contributions present the latest insights and new understanding on (i) the mechanics of structures and systems (dynamics, vibration, seismic response, instability, buckling, soil-structure interaction), and (ii) the mechanics of materials and fluids (elasticity, plasticity, fluid-structure interaction, flow through porous media, biomechanics, fracture, fatigue, bond, creep, shrinkage). Other contributions report on (iii) recent advances in computational modelling and testing (numerical simulations, finite-element modeling, experimental testing), and (iv) developments and innovations in structural engineering (planning, analysis, design, construction, assembly, maintenance, repair and retrofitting of structures). Insights and Innovations in Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation is particularly of interest to civil, structural, mechanical, marine and aerospace engineers. Researchers, developers, practitioners and academics in these disciplines will find the content useful. Short versions of the papers, intended to be concise but self-contained summaries of the full papers, are collected in the book, while the full versions of the papers are on the accompanying CD.

This is the first book to present the idea of using Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing in the microalgae industry for environmental biotechnology. It provides the latest developments on microalgae for use in environmental biotechnology, explains process analysis from an engineering point of view, and discusses the transition to smart manufacturing and how state of the art technologies can be incorporated. It covers applications, technologies, challenges, and future perspectives. • Showcases how Industry 4.0 can be applied in algae industry • Covers new ideas generated from Industry 4.0 for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) • Demonstrates new technologies invented to cater to Industry 4.0 in microalgae • Features worked examples related to biological systems Aimed at chemical engineers, bioengineers, and environmental engineers, this is an essential resource for researchers, academics, and industry professionals in the microalgae biotechnology field.