Biotransformation is a biological process where an organic compound is modified into a reversible product through simple, chemically defined reactions catalyzed by enzymes in microbial, plant, or animal cells. Microbial cells have advantages for biotransformation due to their high surface area to volume ratio, rapid growth, and high metabolic rates that allow for efficient substrate transformation. Biotransformation can use growing, resting, or dried cells, or isolated enzymes, with substrates transformed in agitated fermentation vessels or packed columns for continuous operation. Immobilizing cells on solid supports can increase stability and prolong operation. Biotransformation has also been used successfully with plant cells for various novel compounds.