Biotransformation of progesterone to II alpha-hydroxy-progesterone using the immobilized spores and mycelium of Mucor racemosus NRRL 3639

Immobilized spores and mycelium of M. racemosus NRRL 3639 were used to transform progesterone to II-alpha-hydroxy-progesterone [II- alpha- HP], where different fermentation parameters; namely, alginate concentration, time course, different progesterone levels, progesterone coimmobilization, semi-continuous transformation, pH values of the used buffer and addition of some activators, were investigated. The results showed that good yield of II-alpha-hydroxy- progesterone was obtained by using 3% w/v alginate concentration, 48-hour transformation period and 20 mg progesterone, whereas the optimal progesterone concentration for the immobilized spores was 30 mg/50 ml medium. On the other hand, coimmobilization using 100 mg progesterone/10 g wet mycelium at pH 6 and enhancement by MgSO4.7H2O, FeSO4.7H2O and riboflavin gave better yield of II-alpha-HP

Microbiological transformation of progesterone to II alpha- hydroxy progesterone using mucor racemosus NRRL 3639

The filamentous fungus Mucor racemosus NRRL 3639 efficiently hydroxylated exogenous progesterone to its II-alpha- hydroxy derivative HP. The studies of some parameters affecting the transformation reaction were carried out involving the suitability of the fermentation medium, transformation period, pH, progesterone concentration, addition of some vitamins of B group, micro- and microelements and some steroids as inducers. The results showed that the suitability of Kenawy's medium with pH 6, progesterone concentration 10 mg/50 ml, 48-hour transformation period and II-alpha- HP as inducer, riboflavin 1 mg/50 ml, potassium ferricyanide 1 mg/50 ml, [Mg+2, Fe+2, Mn+2, PO4-3] ions gave the maximum bioconversion reaction [74.3%]