Endophytes: Potential Source of Compounds of Commercial and Therapeutic Applications

This book describes the various therapeutic and commercial applications of compounds produced by endophytes. Endophytes are microorganisms that reside in the living internal tissues of plants without showing any apparent symptom of their presence. During their life cycle, they establish a symbiotic or parasitic relationship with the host plant. The book discusses different kinds of compounds that these endophytes produce, and their potential properties such as antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neutraceutical, immunomodulatory etc.  Other prospects of entophytic biology   such as fungi of wild and domesticated crop plants and their applications in sustainable agriculture have also been included. The book also provides details about various techniques used in endophyte research, metabolite detection and bioactivity-based assays to explore endophytes. Endophytes with phytohormones‐producing potential and their role in plant ―microbial interactions under stress are also discussed.  The book also highlights novel strategies to tap into the hidden potential of endophytic fungi for the production of novel biomolecules using an integrated approach.

These microorganisms have attracted a lot of scientific attention worldwide because of their huge potential for novel phytochemicals, pharmaceuticals and lead compounds. Hundreds of new novel endophytic fungi have been isolated, identified and systematically studied in last decade. However, this is the first of its kind, systematic compilation of potential biotechnological applications of endophytic compounds. Chapter contributions from groups across the globe make this book very up-to-date and informative.

 This book is very useful and interesting for students and researchers in the field of microbiology, plant sciences, mycology and pharmacology. It is also helpful for industry experts working on developing novel compounds.

Dr. Ravindra H. Patil is working as Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at R. C. Patel Arts, Commerce and Science College, Shirpur, MS, India. His areas of research are in microbial and plant secondary metabolites and endophyte derived natural products.   He has over fifteen years of teaching experience in microbiology and biotechnology for graduate students. He is also guiding four students for doctoral research. He has published over fifty research and review articles in national and international peer reviewed journals and authored three text books for undergraduate students. Dr. Patil has also received Young Scientist award from Govt. of India, Dept. of Science & Technology in the form of research grant. He has successfully handled several research projects funded by various federal funding agencies.

Dr. Vijay L. Maheshwari is Professor & Head, Dept of Biochemistry of School of Life Sciences at Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon. MS, India. He has teaching experience of over 27 years. His areas of research/expertise include protein biochemistry, plant tissue culture and secondary metabolites and their biological activities. Prof. Maheshwari has received "Young Scientist" award by IUBMB, India in 1994. He is also a recipient of the BOYSCAST fellowship of Govt. of India, Dept. of Science & Technology for post-doctoral research at the University of Virginia, USA. He was Norman E. Borlaug fellow of US Department of Agriculture, USA and undertook advanced training in Risk Assessment in Genetically Modified Food. He has published around one hundred research papers and review articles in the journals of national and international repute. He has authored three books and successfully handled several research projects and supervised 22 students for doctoral degree.