The limited number of suitably well characterized biocatalysts continues to limit progress in the application of biological routes in the synthesis of compounds for novel pharmaceuticals, materials, or performance chemicals. In this situation, the discovery of novel biocatalysts or novel functionalities or substrates on existing ones is an important task. This work describes a range of novel biocatalysts obtained recently through one of three techniques: environmental sampling or screening, protein engineering on existing enzymes, or extension of the catalytic profile of existing catalysts. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.