AbstractCheaper cytokine production for stem cell culturesBasic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) is a cytokine that is used to keep embryonic stem cells in an undifferentiated state. The application is however limited because of its high price. In this issue, Thomas Scheper (Hannover, Germany) and collaborators present a fast and efficient process for the production and purification of FGF‐2 from recombinant Escherichia coli cultures with reusable membrane adsorbers. After achieving a high expression level of FGF‐2 in fed‐batch cultivation, a new combination of cation‐exchange membrane chromatography and heparin–sepharose‐affinity chromatography is employed to purify the protein. In a polishing step using a novel anion‐exchange membrane chromatography, endotoxins and DNA are removed. The described process is suitable as a low‐cost preparation of bioactive FGF‐2 at bench‐scale, which can be applied for the production of other cytokines.……………29http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elsc.201100045magnified imageTurning waste in to gold: Cellulase production from palm oil mill effluentCellulases have numerous industrial applications. For example in the food and beverage industry, these enzymes are used for the extraction of fruit juices, for coffee processing, improving beer filtration and modification of wine aroma. As cellulases hydrolyze cellulosic materials into sugars that can be fermented into bioethanol, it has an increasing relevance for biofuel and bioenergy production. In Malaysia, palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a waste product in palm oil production. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin and is a sustainable supply of biomass for cheap cellulase production. In this issue, authors from Nibong Tebal, Malaysia, present a comprehensive review on cellulases, their application and production with a focus on using POME from Malaysia as a substrate.……………7http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elsc.201000228magnified imageAzo dye biodegradation by a bacterial consortiumde los Cobos‐Vasconcelos et al., Eng. Life Sci. 2012, 12, 39–48.Industrially produced azo dyes are designed to resist fading and are not easy to degrade. Inexpensive biological treatments present a practical solution for wastewater treatment in the textile industry, because they can degrade potentially harmful compounds. In this issue, Nora Ruiz‐Ordaz et al. from Mexico show the biodegradation of the sulfonated azo dyes, Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and Acid Red 88 (AR88), by a bacterial consortium isolated from water and soil samples. An aerobically operated two‐stage rectangular packed‐bed biofilm reactor (PBR) was constructed and characterized. Eight bacterial strains were isolated from the biofilm attached to the porous support of the PBR. Interestingly, both dyes present the sole carbon and nitrogen sources used by the microbial consortium.……………39http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elsc.201000227magnified image