Oxidation of 3 beta- and 17 beta-hydroxysteroids by Nocardia rubra cells in heptane-water system.

Oxidation of cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, pregnenolone, androstenolone and 5-androsten-3 beta,17 beta-diol carried out by Nocardia rubra cells in a mixture of heptane-water (25:1 vol.) gave 4-en-3-oxo-steroids with the yield to 100% (cholesterol). Simultaneously oxidation of 17 beta-hydroxy group in androstendiol and in testosterone was observed as well.