Enzymic side‐chain degradation of progesterone by Penicillium lilacinum

Abstract

Recently, SALLAM et al. (1971) have reported the side-chain degradation of progesterone by representatives of the genus Penicillium. The present report concerns further informations on the side-chain degradation of progesterone by Penicillium lilacinum. The cultivation medium used consisted (g/l) of 40 glucose, 5.0 peptone, 2.0 NH,NO,, 0.8 KH,PO,, and 1.0 MgSO, . 7 H,O. The culture flasks were agitated on a reciprocal shaker at 30 "C for 48 hrs. Thereafter, the steroid substrate was added and fermentation was continued for different time intervals. Preparation and analysis of the transformation mixtures were carried out as previously described by EL-REFAI et al. (1973).