The work is a source of modern knowledge on biomineralization, biomimetics and bioinspired materials science with respect to marine invertebrates. The author gives the most coherent analysis of the nature, origin and evolution of biocomposites and biopolymers isolated from and observed in the broad diversity of marine invertebrate organisms and within their unusual structural formations. The basic format is that of a major review article, with liberal use of references to original literature. There is a wealth of new and newly synthesized information, including dozens of previously unpublished images of unique marine creatures and structures from nano- to microscale including high-resolution scanning and transmission electron micrographs. The material is organized effectively along both biological (phyla) and functional lines. The classification of biological materials of marine origin is proposed and discussed. Much of the pertinent data is organized into tables, and extensive use is made of electron micrographs and line drawings. Several modern topics e.g. “biomineralization- demineralization-remineralization phenomena”, or “phenomenon of multiphase biomineralization”, are discussed in details. Traditionally, such current concepts as hierarchical organization of biocomposites and skeletal structures, structural bioscaffolds, biosculpturing, biomimetism and bioinspiration as tools for the design of innovative materials are critically analyzed from both biological and materials science point of view using numerous unique examples of marine origin. This monograph reviews the most relevant advances in the marine biomaterials research field, pointing out several approaches being introduced and explored by distinct laboratories.

This is the second monograph by the author on biological materials of marine origin. The initial book is dedicated to the biological materials of marine invertebrates. This work is a source of modern knowledge on biomineralization, biomimetics and materials science with respect to marine vertebrates. For the first time in scientific literature the author gives the most coherent analysis of the nature, origin and evolution of biocomposites and biopolymers isolated from and observed in the broad variety of marine vertebrate organisms (fish, reptilian, birds and mammals) and within their unique hierarchically organized structural formations. There is a wealth of new and newly synthesized information, including dozens of previously unpublished images of unique marine creatures including extinct, extant and living taxa and their biocomposite-based structures from nano- to micro – and macroscale. This monograph reviews the most relevant advances in the marine biological materials research field, pointing out several approaches being introduced and explored by distinct modern laboratories.

This text is the first ever to offer a coherent analysis of the nature, origin and evolution of biocomposites and biopolymers found within the broad variety of marine invertebrate organisms and their unusual structural formations. It is an interdisciplinary look at the biomineralization, biomimetics and materials science unique to marine invertebrates. In this seminal work, Hermann Ehrlich, for the first time, proposes the classification, "biological materials of marine origin." He uses numerous unique examples of marine origin to critically analyze many current relevant concepts from both the biological and materials science perspectives, including hierarchical organization of biocomposites and skeletal structures, structural bioscaffolds, biosculpturing, and biomimetism. In addition, he covers many modern topics never before available in textbook format, such as phenomenon of multiphase biomineralization, biomineralization-demineralization-remineralization phenomena, and silica-collagen and silica-chitin biocomposites. And he reviews the most relevant advances in the marine biomaterials research field, detailing the applications of biomaterials science in modern technology and medicine. Complete with tables, electron micrographs, line drawings, and dozens of previously unpublished images of unique marine structures, Biological Materials of Marine Origin is aimed at scientists and students concerned with the world of marine biological materials.

Biological substances appeared in marine environments at the dawn of evolution. At that moment, the ?rst organisms acquired the ability to synthesize polymer chains which were the basis, in their turn, for the formation of the building blocks that fueled the so-called self-assembling process. They, in their turn, produced more complicated structures. The phenomenon of three main organic structural and sc- folding polymers (chitin, cellulose, and collagen) probably determined the further development and evolution of bioorganic structures and, of course, the organisms themselves. Allthethreebiopolymers,notwithstandingtheirdifferencesinchemical composition, have the common principles in their organization: nano?brils with the diameter 1. 5–2 nm, the ability to self-assemble, production of ?brillar and ?ber-like structures with hierarchical organization from nano—up to macrolevels, the ability to perform both the role of scaffolds and the templates for biomineralization and formation of the rigid skeletal structures. Chitin and collagen in particular played the determining role in the formation of skeletal structure in marine invertebrate organisms. These two biopolymers possess all the qualities needed to refer to them simul- neously as biological materials and biomaterials, the latter thanks to their successful application in biomedicine. The fact that modern science ?nds chitin and collagen both in unicellular and in multicellular invertebrates in fossil and modern species con?rms beyond a doubt the success of these biological materials in the evolution of biological species during millions of years. I realize that this success should be consolidated at genetic level and the detection of corresponding conserved genes must be the main priority.

This volume is based on prec'entations at the conference on Culture of Marine Invertebrate Animals which was held in Green port, New York in October, 1972. The conference was sponsored by the Middle Atlantic Natural Sciences Council, Inc., a non profit educational corporation, together with the Marine Science Centers of Adelphi University, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Long Island University, Suffolk County Community College, and the Shelter Island Oyster Company. The purpose of the conference was to provide a needed ex change of knowledge among scientists of various specialties whose information would be invaluable to others confronted with similar problems, even with different marine animals. Part I considers supportive techniques -- general isolation and culture methods, problems of disease and feeding. Specific techniques employed in the culture of a wide range of invertebrate organisms is covered in Part II. We want to thank the contributors for their cooperation in preparing the manuscripts based on their conference presentations. Walter L. Smith Matoira H. Chanley v Contents PART I Recirculating System Culture Methods for Marine Organisms .............•.

"More than seventy percent of the earth's surface is covered by the ocean which is home to a staggering and sometimes overwhelming diversity of organisms, the majority of which reside in pelagic form. Marine invertebrate larvae are an integral component of this pelagic diversity and have stimulated the curiosity of researchers for centuries. This accessible, upper-level text provides an important and timely update on the topic of larval evolution and ecology, representing the first major synthesis of this interdisciplinary field for more than 20 years. The content is structured around four major areas: evolutionary origins and transitions in developmental mode; functional morphology and ecology of larval forms; larval transport, settlement, and metamorphosis; larval ecology in extreme and changing environments. This novel synthesis integrates traditional larval ecology with life history theory, evolutionary developmental biology, and modern genomics research to provide a research and teaching tool for decades to come." -- from the rear cover.

Dynamic soft materials that have the ability to expand and contract, change stiffness, self-heal or dissolve in response to environmental changes, are of great interest in applications ranging from biosensing and drug delivery to soft robotics and tissue engineering. This book covers the state-of-the-art and current trends in the very active and exciting field of bioinspired soft matter, its fundamentals and comprehension from the structural-property point of view, as well as materials and cutting-edge technologies that enable their design, fabrication, advanced characterization and underpin their biomedical applications. The book contents are supported by illustrated examples, schemes, and figures, offering a comprehensive and thorough overview of key aspects of soft matter. The book will provide a trusted resource for undergraduate and graduate students and will extensively benefit researchers and professionals working across the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science and engineering, nanosciences, nanotechnologies, nanomedicine, biomedical engineering and medical sciences.

Atlas of Marine Invertebrate Larvae, Second Edition covers the origins and history of marine larval science, contemporary state-of-the-art approaches to larval development and biology, and the highest-quality images and schematics showing the broadest diversity of marine larvae in the animal tree of life. This book illustrates larval body plans, the anatomy of their organ systems (muscular, sensory, digestive), including distinct ciliation patterns that facilitate swimming, and the complex metamorphic changes they undergo between different larval and growth stages. Each chapter contains in-text references that direct readers to both historical and contemporary research on the forms, functions, behaviors and biogeographical distributions of marine larvae. This book is a valuable and foundational resource for biologists across various disciplines, including biodiversity, biogeography, and developmental biology. Ecologists, taxonomists, oceanographers, and environmental scientists also benefit from the complete coverage of marine larval forms offered by this book. Additionally, the broad scope and phyletic coverage of marine biodiversity presented in this atlas is ideal for students in oceanography and marine biology, animal development, biological oceanography and invertebrate zoology.

Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Molluscs is the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to molluscs. The taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 275 species of marine molluscs are given in this comprehensive work, with accompanying illustrations. Bioactive substances isolated from marine invertebrates such as poriferans, coelenterates, molluscs, echinoderms, bryozoans and tunicates have been reported to possess antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal, antihelmintic and anticancer activities. Among the marine invertebrates, marine molluscs have significant commercial applications; for instance, as a source of food, ornaments and production of lime. A few species of molluscs have also been reported to act as scavengers in cleaning the environment and pollution indicators. Recently, many molluscan species have been identified as a potential source of secondary metabolites, having a wide range of pharmaceutical applications. This should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Pharmacy, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, as well as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine molluscs.

The first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pharmaceutical cnidarians, answering a need for more knowledge about the identification, biology, natural products and bioactivities of these living resources. Contributed by scientists of both marine biology and pharmacy disciplines. Identifies the correct marine species, shows the ecological parameters of that species, and explores its biological values with particular attention to primary and secondary metabolites or bioactive constituents. A useful supplementary text on Marine Biology and Pharmacology courses. Nearly 200 illustrations are produced in full color, providing a high-quality reference. This book provides the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features, and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 200 species of marine cnidarians along with nearly 200 detailed illustrations in glorious color. The phylum Cnidaria (formerly Coelenterata) is a large, diverse, and ecologically important group of marine invertebrates which make up 40 percent of the biomass of the oceans. Marine invertebrates are the richest source of marine natural products with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, and it has been reported that over 3000 bioactive compounds have been described from this phylum alone, mostly in the last decade.