Biotransformations of alkaloids: A challenge

The biotransformation of various alkaloids is reviewed. Special attention is paid to problems in microbial transformations and the different solutions offered by different authors. The biosynthetic potential of the strains selected for biotransformations is compared to the reaction observed in microbal oxidation. An outlook to future developments in other areas, especially from active site modelling, genomics and microbial ecology, are discussed which may contribute to problems in biotransformations.