The book is oriented towards undergraduates science and engineering students postgraduates and
researchers pursuing the field of microbiology biotechnology chemical - biochemical
engineering and pharmacy. Various applications of microorganisms have been covered broadly and
have been appropriately reflected in depth in 12 different chapters. The book begins with an
insight to the diverse niche of microorganisms which have been explored and exploited in
development of various biotechnological products and green processes. Further how these
microorganisms have been genetically modified to improve the desired traits for achieving
optimal production of microbially derived products is discussed in the second chapter. Major
route of production of microbially derived products and processes is through fermentation
technology and therefore due emphasis on different aspects of fermentation technology has been
given in the subsequent chapter. The development and deployment of biopesticides and
biofertilizers which find tremendous application have been separately discussed under
agricultural applications. Application of microbes for the removal of pollutants recovery of
metals and oils has also been discussed under environmental applications. The role of microbial
systems in development of fermented foods and beverages have also been discussed in Chapter 6.
The application of microbes in production of commodity chemicals and fine chemicals has also
been discussed in separate chapters. A chapter has been dedicated to the tremendous
applications of microbially produced enzymes in different industrial sectors. Another unique
facet of this book is explaining the different methods by which desired traits of
microorganisms have been improved for their efficacious and economical exploitation in the
industry. A chapter is dedicated to exploitation of microorganisms in development of vaccines
for human and veterinary use. Finally the last chapter discusses the role of immobilization in
optimization of industrial processes and development of microbial biosensors for industrial
applications. Thus this book is a holistic approach providing information on the present
applications of microorganisms.
