"This new volume, The Chemistry and Biology of Beta-Lactams, provides the most updated information about beta-lactams relating to both the pharmaceutical industry and synthetic chemistry. It provides valuable information regarding antibiotic activities as well as chemical reactivities of beta-lactams, which are important because they are commonly applied as antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. Presenting the most up-to-date literature information on beta-lactams, the volume provides comprehensive coverage of most of the known beta-lactam antibiotics with both structural and biological information, antibiotic mechanisms, self-defense mechanisms of bacteria, nearly all known synthetic methods for the preparation of beta-lactams, and possible reactions in which beta-lactams can participate. Key features: • Provides the most comprehensive collection of beta-lactam antibiotics (up to 269 molecules) with chemical structures, CAS number, IUPAC names and associated biological activities • Offers a comprehensive collection of beta-lactamase databases, where the features of each database have been described • Explains the self-defense mechanisms of bacteria for surviving, including the formation of biofilm and conversion into L-form, as well as secretion of beta-lactamase to deactivate the beta-lactam antibiotics • Provides a comprehensive survey on the synthetic methods to make beta-lactams • Gives all of the possible reactions involving beta-lactams as the starting materials • Surveys over 1000 research works and includes all available DOI information The important information provided here will be a valuable resource on the antibiotic activities as well as chemical reactivities of beta-lactams for researchers and scientists, faculty, and advanced students, as well as for industry professionals working in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, organic chemistry, organic synthesis, heterocycles, proteins and peptides."--