Book excerpt: This book outlines the vast potential of the microbial catalyst for present and future microbial process development without waste formation, leading to a clean environment. It is intended to inspire scientists and biochemical engineers to isolate new microorganisms from nature and to explore the optimal potential of the genotype before altering its code through genetical engineering. This book is structured to encourage the reader to use basic scientific and biochemical engineering concepts for the development of new and improved fermentation technology industries. It leads the reader from aspects of isolation, identification and preservation of microbial strains to the use of thermodynamics and their biochemistry to the final endproducts and their purification. Special emphasis is given to the restoration of our present and the preservation of our future environment using socioecological and biotechnological concepts. Drawing on many years of experience teaching and working in the Asia-Pacific and Africa, the author presents an interesting, informative and enlightening account of his knowledge in this field.