ABSTRACT
The aim of the present investigation was to biotransform the anti-inflammatory compound meloxicam by enzymes present in whole cells of five actinomycete cultures to produce novel bioactive derivatives. Among the actinomycetes screened, Streptomyces griseus NCIM 2622 was found to possess the enzyme system[s] that oxidize meloxicam into two metabolites whereas that present in S. griseus NCIM 2623 could oxidize meloxicam to only one etabolite in significant quantities. The formation of enzymatic metabolites was monitored and confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] analysis. The structures were elucidated based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry [LC-MS/MS] data and previous reports as 5-hydroxymethyl meloxicam and 5-carboxy meloxicam. From the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that S. griseus NCIM 2622 possesses oxidizing enzymes, which can be employed to oxidize meloxicam