Biotechnology Letters is the world''''s leading rapid-publication primary journal dedicated to biotechnology as a whole ñ that is to topics relating to actual or potential applications of biological reactions affected by microbial plant or animal cells and biocatalysts derived from them. All relevant aspects of genetics and cell biochemistry of process and reactor design of pre- and post-treatment steps and of manufacturing or service operations are therefore included. Contributions from industrial and academic laboratories are equally welcome. Criteria for the acceptance of papers relate to our aim of publishing useful and informative results that will be of value to other workers in related fields. The emphasis is very much on novelty and immediacy in order to justify rapid publication of authors'''' results.