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Nowadays tools based on Scanning Probe Methods (SPM) have become indispensable in a wide range of applications such as cell imaging and spectroscopy, profilometry, or surface patterning on a nanometric scale. Common to all SPM techniques is a typically slow working speed which is one of their main drawbacks. The SPM speed barrier can be improved by operating a number of probes in parallel mode. A key element when developing probe array devices is a convenient read-out system for measurements of the probe deflection. Such a read-out should be sufficiently sensitive, resistant to the working environment, and compatible with the operation of large number of probes working in parallel. In terms of fabrication, the geometrical uniformity i.e. the realisation of large numbers of identical probes, is a major concern but also the material choice compatible with high sensitivity, the detection scheme and the working environment is a challenging issue. Examples of promising applications using parallel SPM are dip-pen-nanolithography, data storage, and parallel imaging.

Given the increasing demand for reducing environmental pollution by using clean energy, there is an urgent need to investigate new and more efficient alternatives for renewable resources use and clean energy production. Although biofuels such as, biodiesel represents a secure, renewable and environmentally safe alternative to fossil fuels. Its production is increasing considerably, and as a consequence, the amount of crude glycerol (main by-product) generated is growing exponentially. In order to solve future environmental problems of glycerol accumulation and to turn the biodiesel production economically viable, implementation of biotechnological strategies that use glycerol as the only carbon source to co-produce higher value products along with biofuels has been proposed as a solution to this problem. In this work it will be presented a well documented argument on the metabolic mechanism of different microorganism for glycerol assimilation. As well as description of different biotechnological processes using glycerol as substrate for bioconversion into different industrial bioproducts in Brazil.