Biotin is a water‐soluble B complex vitamin originally isolated from a variety of natural sources. In biological systems, biotin functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in carboxylation reactions. A lack of biotin results in deficiency diseases in humans and animals. Daily intakes of biotin are recommended in the maintenance of optimal health. Several synthetic pathways to biotin have been developed since its stereochemical determination. The modern industrial synthesis is based on work done by researchers in the late 1940s. Since this work, industrial research has been directed toward process improvements in the basic methodology, particularly in the area of methods to form optically pure
d
‐lactone. Research has also been directed toward elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway to biotin. Various microorganisms have been evaluated for use in biotin synthesis via fermentation. Recently, a number of patents have appeared on the synthesis of biotin using biotechnology. Several analytical methods, including microbiological, chemical, and chromatographic assays, are used to determine biotin levels in food and body fluids.