Several key technologies are used for the production of fine chemicals, including
*Chemical synthesis, either from petrochemical starting materials or from natural products extracts
*Biotechnology, for small molecules biocatalysis (enzymatic methods), biosynthesis (fermentation), and, for big molecules, cell culture technology
*Extraction from animals, microorganisms, or plants; isolation and purification, used, for example, for alkaloids, antibacterials (especially penicillins), and steroids
*Hydrolysis of proteins, especially when combined with ion exchange chromatography, used, for instance, for amino acids
Chemical synthesis and biotechnology are most frequently used; sometimes also in combination.