Some of the most important products formed by these microorganisms are pharmaceuticals. Antibiotics have opened many doors in the medical world and we can thank our little microscopic friends for them. Antibiotics are usually produced by the fermentation of microbes. Some are made industrially by inoculation and aeration. Microorganisms can also synthesize cortisone from sterols, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Antibiotics are important in helping our bodies to get rid of foreign invaders.
High and periodical doses of antibiotics however, can have negative effects on our bodies. They may develop a resistance to them. There are many other substances that can by synthesized from microbes and bacteria. Many of these substances are used to manufacture products, while others are used in nutritional ways. For more information about microbial biosynthesis, refer to these references.