Microbial Transformations - Micro organisms have the ability to convert one organic molecule into another. Many complex bioconversions that are achieved by micro organisms, can not be achieved by normal chemical means and are achieved with great difficulty by using organisms other than microbes. Microbial trans­formations of the molecules which have found industrial applications involve oxidation, reduction, isomerization, hydrolysis, condensation, etc.

Transformation of organic compounds are achieved by using the spores, growing cultures, resting cells, enzymes, immobilized cells or enzymes derived from micro organisms. Transformation reactions at large scale are carried out under sterile conditions in aerated and stirred fermenters.