Biotransformations have advanced rapidly and received much attention in recent years. Crude enzymes and whole cells are the main types of biocatalysts for biotransformation processes. Biotransformations are playing an increasingly important role in the production of chemicals, as well as in pharmaceutical, food, and biofuel industries. In this review, recent advances in the application of crude enzymes and whole cells in biotransformation processes are summarized, and future prospects are discussed.
