Murphy, Cormac D.Cormac D.Murphy2013-05-072013-05-072012, Roya2012-03-14Organic and Biomolecular Chemistryhttp://hdl.handle.net/10197/4308Microorganisms have been used for decades as sources of antibiotics, vitamins and enzymes and for the production of fermented foods and chemicals. In the 21st century microorganisms will play a vital role in addressing some of the problems faced by mankind. In this article three of the current applications in which microbes have a significant role to play are highlighted: the discovery of new antibiotics, manufacture of biofuels and bioplastics, and production of fine chemicals via biotransformation.enAntibioticBiocatalysisBiofuelsBioplasticsBiotransformationJournal Article10101949195710.1039/C2OB06903B2013-04-17https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/