Industrial Microbiology is the area of Microbiology that uses microorganisms in industrial processes to produce goods and services. The interest of industrial microbiology lies in the application of basic scientific knowledge to the use of microorganisms with the potential to obtain products and/or processes of commercial, environmental and social interest, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic components, food, beverages, polymers, fuels, agricultural products and waste treatment. Industrial Microbiology may also be referred to as Microbial Biotechnology.