Biotransformation of progesterone using Absidia griseolla var. igachii and Rhizomucor pusillus strains as biocatalysts were investigated. Microbial hydroxylation of progesterone by A. griseolla produced two hydroxylated pregnane-like steroids. The metabolites identified as 6β,14α-dihydroxyprogesterone and 7α,14α-dihydroxyprogesterone. R. pusillus produced 6β,11α-dihydroxyprogesterone with excellent yield (65.5%) and 7α,14α-dihydroxyprogesterone. These metabolites were purified by TLC followed by their identification through (1)H, (13)C NMR and other spectroscopic data.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.