Bioconversion of 16-dehydropregnenolone Acetate to Exclusively 4-androstene-3,17-dione by Delftia acidovorans MTCC 3363

Abstract

Delftia acidovorans MTCC 3363 was found to convert 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate (16-DPA) exclusively to 4-androstene-3, 17-dione (AD). Addition of 9α-hydroxylase inhibitors was not required for preventing the accumulation of byproducts. The effect of pH, temperature, substrate concentration, surfactants and carrier solvents on this bioconversion has been studied. 16-DPA was maximally converted in buffered medium at pH 7.0, at temperature 30°C and 0.5 mg ml-1 substrate concentration. Detergent addition and temperature above 35°C had deleterious effect on bioconversion. Dioxan was found to be the best carrier solvent for biotransformation of 16-DPA to AD.

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“…Moreover, the hydrophobic nature of sterols opposes their mixing in aqueous biotransformation medium and induces aggregate formation. In order to break the sterol aggregates and to improve substrate availability, detergents have been studied by several workers 5,[13][14][15][16] . Detergents are the molecules which improve the water interaction of hydrophobic substances.…”