Microbiota and the Body

This book provides an in-depth examination of microbiota, the diverse community of microorganisms that play a crucial role in maintaining the health and functionality of living organisms. It explores how these microscopic entities, particularly within the gut, engage in a mutualistic relationship with their host, contributing to nutrition, immune modulation, and gastrointestinal health. Authored by renowned experts, this volume offers a comprehensive resource that bridges foundational science with clinical applications.

The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including the role of microbiota in chronic disease prevention, cancer therapy, and food safety. Readers will discover emerging concepts such as synbiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics, along with practical insights from leading experts. The book also addresses the therapeutic applications of microbiota, including their role in probiotics, food safety, and the prevention and management of chronic diseases. With contributions from eminent scholars, this book ensures readers have access to the most recent and reliable information.

Designed to cater to a diverse audience, this book serves as both a reference guide and an educational tool across multiple disciplines, from nutrition and food science to pharmaceuticals and medicine. It is an invaluable resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students pursuing degrees in microbiology, medicine, or related subjects. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious learner, this book offers a holistic understanding of microbiota's pivotal role in health and disease, making it an essential addition to any scientific library. 

Prof. Ranbir Chander Sobti is Senior Scientist Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and Emeritus Professor Panjab University. He is a former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (Central), Lucknow. He started his career as a cytogeneticist and then moved on to molecular biology, including genomics, to understand the susceptibility and disease process of cancer, COPD, AIDS, metabolic syndrome, and kidney diseases. He has also used stem cells and nanoparticles to understand the process of tissue organ development through a designed de-cellularization protocol. He has published more than 350 numerous research articles in journals of international repute and has published about 5 dozen books by many international publishers. He is a Fellow of the Third World Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences India, Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Medical Sciences, the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Canadian Academy of Cardiovascular Diseases and a few others. He was the General President of the Indian Science Congress for the 102nd session held at the University of Jammu in 2014. Dr. Sobti is the recipient of many prestigious awards like the INSA Young Scientist Medal, UGC Career Award, Punjab Rattan Award, JC Bose Oration and Sriram Oration Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards of the Punjab Academy of Sciences, Zoological Society of India, the Environment Academy of India and Padmashree by the Government of India in 2009.

Dr. Ram Krishan Negi is Professor of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi. Fellow of Royal Soceity of Biology,London, Fellow of Indian Academy of Environmental sciences (IAES), Honorary Fellow of Fellow of Himalayan Forum for Science and Technology Communication (FHFSTC). He started his career as a Assistant Professor in Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar and served for nearly 12 years and became Professor at the Department of Zoology, University of Delhi. He has over 25 years longstanding experience in teaching, administration and research. Prof. Ram Krishan Negi specialized himself in the area of fish biodiversity, molecular taxonomy, aquatic biodiversity of river, lakes, reservoir and hill streams of Western Himalayas, genomic and metagenomics, fish gut microbiome, extremophile environmental microbial diversity, genomics and metagenomics. He has extensively explored microbial diversity and published three novel bacterial species. He is serving as a reviewer in various leading National and international scientific journals. He has over 103 publications in peer-reviewed journals and 13 edited book chapters. He is a life member of several national and international societies and has been honored with the Prof. Harswarup memorial medal for outstanding research and acedemic contribution as well as the Gold medal from the Indian Academy of Environmental Science for his significant contribution to environment and aqautic research.. 

Dr. Anita Rana is an assistant professor in biosciences at Chandigarh University, Mohali. She is an educator and researcher dedicated to advancing education, research, and community service. Dr. Anita Rana has demonstrated exceptional academic proficiency by qualifying multiple competitive exams, including ICMR-JRF (AIR 2),CSIR-NET JRF (AIR 62), GATE (AIR 375), HPSET, HTET and 1st rank holder in PU & PGI Ph.D. Entrance Examination. Her research focuses on apicultural products, microbiota, and biomedical applications, with 40+publications, multiple patents, and editorial contributions to international books. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Young Scientist Award (2016, 2018, 2021), Research Luminary Award (2023, 2024, 2025), Women Innovator Award (2025), Women in Science Award (2026), and has successfully supervised numerous postgraduate dissertations.