In an era where scientific advancement is skyrocketing, the role of sophisticated tools and techniques becomes paramount. This book is a comprehensive textbook designed to bridge this knowledge gap for students and educators in the life sciences. With an emphasis on the instruments and methods integral to biological and molecular biology research, this book is a response to the growing inclusion of bioinstrumentation in the curriculum of many Indian universities.
Spanning eighteen chapters, the book begins with foundational topics like laboratory safety and measurement units, crucial for anyone embarking on biological experimentation. It delves into microscopy, including cutting-edge non-optical scanning probe microscopy, and covers essential laboratory tools such as balances, centrifuges, and pH meters. Further chapters explore manometry, osmometry, chromatography, electrophoresis, and the diverse techniques of spectroscopy, integral to practical biochemistry.
A notable addition is the chapter on biosensors, a rapidly evolving field with immense commercial and practical potential. These analytical devices, combining biocatalysts with transducers, are pivotal in personal health monitoring, food safety, and environmental assessment. The book also ventures into the realms of molecular biology, addressing DNA sequencing, PCR, DNA microarray, protein sequencing, and bioinformatics - an increasingly vital tool in managing biological data.
Each chapter is enriched with numerous photographs and illustrations, enhancing understanding and engagement. Review questions at the end of each chapter aid in consolidating learning. The book concludes with a useful glossary and appendices, though it acknowledges its focus on bioinstrumentation in biology and molecular biology, deliberately excluding biomedical instrumentation to maintain scope and clarity.
This textbook is an essential resource for students and teachers in biology, offering a thorough understanding of the instruments and techniques at the forefront of scientific research. It's a testament to the importance of bioinstrumentation in the ongoing quest for scientific discovery and innovation.
