The book provides an excellent introduction to industrial biotechnology, addressing the applications of biomolecules and living systems in industrial manufacturing of various products. Each part of the book is devoted to a certain biotech sector, such as biofuels, food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and materials. The book also covers the environmental aspects of industrial biotechnology and the principles of bio-based economy.

Professor of Chemistry, and Department Chairman, Dr. Benvenuto teaches all levels of general chemistry, as well as: inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry and industrial chemistry. He continues to write pedagogical materials for general level chemistry courses. He is currently performing research in two areas: first, the synthesis of highly multi-dentate ligands for metal complexes, water remediation, and possible use as molecular switches; second, the metallurgical analysis of copper-based artifacts. Benvenuto is a six-time recipient of the UDM Science Teacher of the Year Award, and is one of two faculty named College Teacher of the Year for 2002-03 by the Michigan Science Teachers Association. He was awarded the American Chemical Society's Detroit Section Distinguished Service Award in 2004, and has been the section chairman for 2006 and 2007. He has authored several books, several bookchapters, papers and electronic publications.