A regioselective aliphatic nitrilase from Acidovorax facilis 72W was purified and characterized, and the corresponding gene was cloned and sequenced. This nitrilase gene was over-expressed in Escherichia coli, generating a microorganism that efficiently and regioselectively catalyzes the conversion of aliphatic dinitriles to cyanocarboxylic acids. The high yields obtained, mild reaction conditions used, and robustness observed make this biocatalyst suitable for industrial applications.