Steroidtransformation with immobilized microorganisms VI. The reverse reaction of steroid‐1‐dehydrogenases from different micoorganisms in immobilized state

Abstract

Whole cells of Nocardia erythropolis, N. opaca and Mycobacterium phlei containing 4‐en‐3‐oxosteroid: (acceptor)‐l‐en‐oxidoreductase activities were immobilized by adsorption on DEAE cellulose and silica and by entrapment in polyacrylamide gel. The obtained biocatalysts were used in an anaerobic continuous column process to transform l,4‐dien‐3‐oxo‐steroids into 4‐en‐3‐oxo‐steroids. The half life of steroid‐1(2)‐reductase activity of the N. erythropolis was found to be up to 15 days. The DEAE‐cellulose‐adsorbed cells showed a slighthly higher relative activity than free cells. The influence of substrate concentration and the action of dimethylformamide were also investigated.