Essential Laboratory Techniques and Biochemical Analysis

This laboratory manual comprehensively reviews essential laboratory practices and different biochemistry protocols. The initial chapters of the book provide an overview of lab safety protocols, focusing on the importance of accuracy and precision in experimental procedures. It covers essential topics, such as laboratory setup, proper handling and maintenance of lab apparatus, and waste disposal. It provides a detailed exploration of spectrophotometry principles and assays, along with comprehensive cell biology techniques, including staining and microscopy. The book also addresses qualitative and quantitative analyses of carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, and lipids, providing methods for extraction and characterization. It further details the extraction, purification, and characterization of enzymes and presents enzymatic assays and studies on enzyme kinetics, providing a comprehensive understanding of enzyme activity and regulation. The final section introduces hematology techniques, including blood smear preparation and various blood parameter determinations. It also covers forensic tests for blood detection and serum protein electrophoresis. This book is useful for graduate and postgraduate students of biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology.

Prof. Darshan Malik earned her Ph.D. from the College of Basic Sciences and Humanities at CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar. Currently, she teaches at the Department of Biochemistry, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, India. With over three decades of experience, she has tirelessly pursued excellence in both student development and institutional advancement. Prof. Malik boasts a distinguished track record in both teaching and research, having received prestigious awards such as the ＂Meritorious College Lecturer Award＂ in 2016 from the Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of NCT, Delhi, and the ＂Bharat Vikas Award＂ in 2017 from the Institute of Reliance in Bhubaneswar, India, for her contributions to bioremediation. In 2009, she was awarded the Erasmus Mundus Fellowship by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology to conduct research on phospholipid signaling. Prof. Malik actively researches public health biology, lifestyle-based disorders, and bioremediation technology, with over 25 publications in international and national peer-reviewed journals. She has mentored numerous students, supervised Ph.D. candidates, and co-authored several books and book chapters. Additionally, Prof. Malik serves on the editorial boards of several national journals, a scientific magazine, and various scientific bodies.

Dr. Nandita Narayanasamy obtained her Ph.D. from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad University, Vadodara, India, and currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi. With a passion for teaching spanning over 30 years, Dr. Narayanasamy employs a transdisciplinary approach, integrating biochemistry, nutrition, and traditional knowledge systems to address contemporary public health issues such as lifestyle disorders and environmental health concerns. She has published numerous research articles in peer-reviewed national and international journals, authored and reviewed book chapters, and edited scientific magazines. Dr. Narayanasamy has mentored countless graduate students, supervised Ph.D. candidates, and is a member of several scientific bodies. Her dedication to undergraduate teaching was recognized with the Indian National Science Academy’s (INSA) Best Teacher Award in 2016, making her one of the first few undergraduate teachers in the country to receive this honor.

Dr. Pratyusha Vavilala received her Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, and currently serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women, University of Delhi. With a strong emphasis on modern teaching methodologies combined with classical approaches, she strives to foster a scientific temperament among her students. Her research interests include nutritional assessment, therapeutic nutrition, and fungal membrane dynamics, and she has garnered awards at various international and national conferences. Dr. Vavilala has published numerous articles in international peer-reviewed journals, authored book chapters, and serves on the review board of an international scientific journal.