Steroid transformation with immobilized locally isolated Corynebacterium equi cells

ABSTRACT

The locally isolated Corynebacterium equi cells were immobilized by entrapment in calcium alginate beads. The transformation yield of cortisol to prednisolone by the immobilized cells was about 8% higher than obtained with free cell culture. Optimization of the immobilization process was investigated. Addition of 1.5% beta- cyclodextrin had positively affected the dehydrogenation reaction. The immobilized calcium alginate beads could be used for five repeated fermentation cycles