The first edition of this book appeared in 1983, and provided the first easily-accessible account of the state of biotechnology at a level suitable for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates. In this new edition, specialists in biotechnology at the University of Surrey have again collaborated with industrial experts to provide authoritative interdisciplinary coverage of an ever-expanding field. The revision of the text reflects the rapid advances made in many of the fields which go to make up biotechnology-ranging from the molecular to the process plant level. Biotechnology is an applied science, and this book relates theory to application by placing the basic advances in the context of commercial applicability and process optimization. For those wishing to explore the literature further, references to up-to-date reviews and original research publications are provided. Special thanks are due not only to the contributors, but to all those who have helped in the planning of this book.AW v Background to authors C. Bucke is Principal Lecturer in the School of Biotechnology, Polytechnic of Central London, and was previously Programme Manager Biotechnology at Tate & Lyle Group Research and Development. His research interests include the production and use of immobilized biocatalysts, the use of enzymes in the synthesis of novel bisaccharides and polysaccharides and the use of enzymes in extreme environments. He is Scientific Co-ordinator of the Institute for Biotechnological Studies, Department of Trade and Industry 'Extended use of Biocatalysts' Programme.