Biotechnological techniques, from fermentation to genetic manipulation, have become increasingly relevant to the food and beverage, fuel production, chemical and pharmaceutical, and waste management industries. Consequently, academic as well as industrial institutions need to keep abreast of the concepts, data, and methodologies evolved by continuing research. This journal provides a forum of critical evaluation of recent and current publications and, periodically, for state-of-the-art reports from various geographic areas around the world. Contributing authors are recognized experts in their fields, and each article is reviewed by an objective expert to ensure accuracy and objectivity of the presentation.