Microbial process for 9.alpha.-hydroxylation of steroids
AssigneeG. D. Searle & Co.
InventorsWilliam J. Marsheck, James Jiu, Ping T. Wang
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Abstract
Valuable 9.alpha.-hydroxy steroids are prepared via microbial enzymatic oxidation (MEO) by conventional fermentation means, without the need for a .DELTA..sup.1 dehydrogenation inhibitor, utilizing novel microorganism Nocardia canicruria ATCC 31548. Also disclosed is a novel method using any .DELTA..sup.1 dehydrogenase producing organism and a novel bio-reactor technique means for preparing said steroids.
Claims12
A process for 9.alpha.-hydroxylating steroids which comprises subjecting a 9-unsubstituted steroid to the microbial enzymatic oxidation action of Nocardia canicruria ATCC 31548, by fermentation means.
A bio-reactor process for 9.alpha.-hydroxylating steroids which comprises subjecting a 9-unsubstituted steroid which is dissolved in a chlorinated hydrocarbon to the enzymatic action of a biomass of Nocardia canicruria ATCC 31548 in the presence of a source of air and at elevated temperature.
A biologically pure culture of the microorganism Nocardia canicruria ATCC 31548, wherein said culture is capable of producing 9.alpha.-hydroxyl steroids from 9-unsubstituted steroids by fermentation means in recoverable amounts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.