Biotechnology is one of the major technologies of the twenty-first century. Its wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary activities include recombinant DNA techniques, cloning and the application of microbiology to the production of goods from bread to antibiotics. In this new edition of the textbook Basic Biotechnology, biology and bioprocessing topics are uniquely combined to provide a complete overview of biotechnology. The fundamental principles that underpin all biotechnology are explained and a full range of examples are discussed to show how these principles are applied; from starting substrate to final product. A distinctive feature of this text are the discussions of the public perception of biotechnology and the business of biotechnology, which set the science in a broader context. This comprehensive textbook is essential reading for all students of biotechnology and applied microbiology, and for researchers in biotechnology industries.

Reviews for the second edition:' … the book is well presented, with clear and instructive diagrams and useful glossaries for those subject matters that come with their own specific nomenclature. It will certainly be a good resource for anybody who wants to study biotechnology or move into the field from another discipline.'

Source: Chemistry in Britain

'The two editors are to be congratulated for providing a very pertinent and practical textbook … highly recommended as a text for biotechnology students and it is a good starting point for teachers and researchers also.'

Pak-Lam Yu Source: Biotechnology Advances

'… a useful reference tool for a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals behind the current applications of biotechnology.'

Kakoli Ghosh Source: Food, Nutrition and Agriculture

'… essential reading for a whole range of people. Students and those involved in biotechnology: those involved in its wider application and those in public life who have to formulate policy: protesting types: and, those who lose sleep worrying about the future, can all benefit from the broad overview.'

Peter Spedding Source: Chemistry and Industry

‘This book is an excellent general reference for anyone wishing a thorough background in recombinant biochemical production.’

Source: Science Books & Films

'… most students insterested in biotechnology will find it a valuable reference. Educators will be able to use many of the chapters as a source of material for their classes.'

Don L. Crawford Source: Quarterly Review of Biology

'The book is recommended for students and researchers interested in the current view of biotechnology as science and as technology.'

Source: Journal of Food Biochemistry

'… this is a comprehensive book of value to students as a reference text for undergraduate and post graduate courses in biotechnology.'

Sophie Foley - Napier University

'Overall, it is a soundly organised and excellently presented reference source, appropriately illustrated and indexed.'

Source: Journal of Biological Education

' … an essential read for anyone wishing to be instructed in the current state of the art, and caters for a wide audience … complex ideas are clearly and concisely explained even for non-specialists.'

Source: Chemistry & Industry