The use of biocatalysts, employed either as isolated enzymes or whole cells, offers a remarkable arsenal of highly selective transformations for modern preparative organic chemistry. During the last decade, this methodology has now generally been accepted as a complementary method to the already existing tools. This first textbook on biocatalysis provides a basis for undergraduate and graduate courses in biocatalysis, as well as a condensed introduction into this field. After a basic introduction into the use of biocatalysts - principles of stereoselective transformations, kinetics, enzyme nomenclature and handling - the different types of reactions are explained according to the "reaction principle". The 5th edition... From www.biochemist.org, 2/2005, Dr. Chris Hamilton, Queens University Belfast "... To summarize, the book is comprehensive, well structured and easy to read either cover-to-cover or by just dipping into a particular topic of interest. It is a combination of a general introduction to the theoretical principles of synthetic biotransformations, an outline of the practicalities which need to be considered and a compact, yet comprehensive, review of discoveries and developments which have driven this field towards maturity over the past twenty years. I found it to be an informative and enjoyable read and would recommend it as a central textbook both for synthetic chemists already involved in biotransformations as well as a good starting point for those who have yet to take the plunge.".