Biodesulfurization (BDS) offers the potential for an effective method for lowering the sulfur content of petroleum products because insufficiently desulfurized distillates of petroleum products is a significant source of environmental pollution. This review describes the development of BDS; and compares destructive and non-destructive pathways as well as aerobic and anaerobic BDS. The process variables affecting growth and activity of microorganisms of BDS are described. Also genetic modifications and bioreactor designs, which lead to an increased BDS efficiency and commercial aspects, are discussed. Finally, the critical factor for industrial application of BDS as an efficient process is an adequate bioreactor design. The application of mixtures of biocatalysts is necessary for an efficient desulfurization of crude oil containing a wide range of sulfur compounds.