Biocatalysis, bioprocessing & biotransformations involve the use of enzymes (often immobilized) and/or microorganisms (often immobilized whole cells) to perform chemical conversions. The enzymes are not reagents, but rather catalysis (biocatalysts performing highly focused biotransformations, but not consumed in the reaction). However, like all catalysts, there are stability issues that must be addressed for the biocatalytic process for it to be commercially sensible. Many synthetic organic chemists would like enzymes to be simple off-the-shelf catalysts that can be used painlessly to perform desired organic transformations. Applied biotransformations & biocatalysis are becoming more and more prevalent in the synthesis of fine chemicals & pharmaceuticals, as an efficient replacement for certain key reaction steps. Most important are pharmaceutical applications. There, the use of enzymes to catalyze stereospecific & regiospecific organic reactions is incredibly valuable due to potentially high degrees of selectivity and yield effected by enzymes. Another tremendous benefit is that the formation of side products can be significantly lessened.