Microbes, or microscopic organisms, are widely used in large-scale industrial processes. They are crucial for the production of a variety of metabolites, such as ethanol, butanol, lactic acid and riboflavin, as well as the transformation of chemicals that help to reduce environmental pollution. For instance, microbes can be used to create biofertilizers or to reduce metal pollutants. Microbes can also be used to produce certain non-microbial products, such as the diabetes medication insulin.