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

ABSTRACT

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