Biotransformations of rifamycins: process possibilities.
Rifampicin, an important antibiotic, is manufactured by chemical conversion of rifamycin S which is obtained by the chemical modification of rifamycin B. Rifamycin B is a product of Nocardia mediterranei fermentations. The chemical conversion of rifamycin B to rifamycin S has many disadvantages: Strong acidic conditions are required, heavy foam formation accompanies transformation and the yields are low. This review highlights the developments in alternative, biochemical transformations using enzymes and cells; the main focus is on transformations carried out by rifamycin oxidase.
Banerjee
U C
UC
Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India.
Saxena
B
B
Chisti
Y
Y