Large-scale transformation of steroids by fungal spores.
Spores of Aspergillus ochraceus and Septomyxa affinis were produced on a large scale by surface sporulation on moist wheat bran and barley. 11alpha-Hydroxylation of progesterone and Reichstein's compound S by spores of A. ochraceus and 1-dehydrogenation of compound S by spores of S. affinis were carried out in 5-liter fermentors. It was shown that, above a certain minimum, increase in aeration and agitation did not significantly affect steroid conversion. The industrial feasibility of the spore process was further demonstrated by 11alpha-hydroxylation of 6alpha-fluoro-16alpha,17alpha-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione in a modified 200-gal stainless-steel vessel with spores of A. ochraceus. Strict aseptic conditions are not necessary, either during harvesting of spores or during steroid transformation.
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000378:metabolism*; D001711:Biotransformation; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005658:Fungi / Q000378:metabolism*; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism*; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013170:Spores / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D013256:Steroids / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; D013256:Steroids; D011374:Progesterone