Model Organisms in Biological Research
Description
This book delivers authoritative insights into the strategic use of model organisms across microbiology, medicine, and environmental sciences. By presenting microbial systems, conventional animal models, and alternative organisms side by side, it equips researchers with a clear understanding of how each contributes to discovery, testing, and translational applications. From E. coli and S. cerevisiae to primates, nematodes, flies, and zebrafish, the chapters highlight practical strengths and limitations, enabling readers to make informed choices about the most effective platforms for their work.
Beyond established models, the volume showcases innovative approaches that are redefining research practice. Humanized animals, 3D printing, and organ-on-chip technologies are examined alongside ethical and regulatory considerations, offering a multidimensional perspective that bridges biology, pharmacy, toxicology, and applied sciences. Specialists will find in this collection not only a comprehensive reference but also a forward-looking resource that enhances their ability to design impactful studies while navigating evolving scientific and regulatory landscapes.
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Prasun Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India. He is presently working as an Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India. Earlier, he was working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, and Republic of Korea. He has over seven years of experience in applied microbiological research including about 2 years of experience in industrial R&D. His main areas of research are bioinformatics, medical microbiology, microbial biodiversity, bioenergy, microbial biofilms, quorum sensing, quorum quenching, and genomics. His present research is oriented toward valorizing lignocellulosic biowastes into value-added products such as biopolymer, 2G ethanol, bioenergy, and antibiofilm compounds. To his credit, there are over 35 articles in SCI journals, 7 books, and 18 chapters with international publishers. He has been serving the scientific society by reviewing articles for several SCI journals and delivering guest lectures. Publons awarded him the peer review award in the year 2018. He also serves as the editorial board member of a few international journals.
Dr. Vijay Kothari is a distinguished microbiologist and faculty member at the Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India, with over two decades of experience in teaching and research. His research interests include Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Validation of Traditional Medicine, and the intriguing field of microbial response to sonic stimulation. Dr. Kothari has authored over 100 publications and edited five books. His contributions to the scientific community have been recognized with numerous accolades, such as the Sentinel of Science Award (2016) by Publons in recognition of his voluminous contribution as a peer-reviewer, the Artificial Intelligence Molecular Screen (AIMS) Award from Atomwise Inc. (2019), and the ASM Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship (2023-27) by the American Society for Microbiology. A central pillar of his work is the extensive use of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a versatile in vivo model to study host-pathogen interactions, and evaluate the efficacy of potential nutraceuticals and adaptogens. By leveraging this nematode model, Dr. Kothari has significantly advanced the understanding of how natural products and sonic stimulation can modulate microbial virulence and host immunity.
Content
Part I. Microbes as model organisms in biological research.- Chapter 1 E. coli as a model for bacteriological research.- Chapter 2 S. cerevisiae as a platform for research in alcohol production.- Chapter 3 C. albicans as a model of pathogenic yeasts.- Chapter 4 M. smegmatis as a model for tuberculosis research.- Chapter 5 Chromobacterium violaceum as a model for quorum sensing in bacteria.-Chapter 6 D. radiodurans as a model for radioactivity studies.- Chapter 7 Archaea: Who can be the model for each of their unique metabolic category?.- Part II. Conventional animal models for research in health and medicine.- Chapter 8 Rat as a biological model.- Chapter 9 Mice as a biological model.- Chapter 10 Guinea pigs in biological research.- Chapter 11 Primates in biological research.-Chapter 12 Humanized animals in biological research.-Part III. Alternative model organisms for research in health and medicine.- Chapter 13 Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for neurological research.- Chapter 14 C. elegans as a model host for pathogenic bacteria and yeast.- Chapter 15 C. elegans as a model worm for anthelmintic research.- Chapter 16 C. elegans as a model for longevity and ageing.- Chapter 17 C. elegans as a model for diabetes research.-Chapter 18 C. elegans as a model for wound-healing.- Chapter 19 D. melanogaster in genetics research.- Chapter 20 D. melanogaster in developmental biology.- Chapter 21 Zebrafish in biomedical research.-Part IV. Novel approaches to reduce use of animals in research.-Chapter 22 Ethical concerns associated with use of animals in research, and practical challenges while trying to reduce their use.-Chapter 23 Alternatives to animal testing: "3Rs alternatives" for replacement, reduction, and refinement of animals used in research, teaching, and testing.- Chapter 24 3D-Printing and Organ-on-Chip in biomedical research.