PROCESS FOR PRODUCING 9-ALPHA-HYDROXY-ANDROST-4-ENE-3,17-DIONE

摘要

Prodn. of 9alpha-hydroxy-4-androsten-3,17-dione (I) is effected by transformation of sterols with a Mycobacterium vaccae strain under sterile aerobic conditions in an aq. medium contg. C and N sources and mineral salts, opt. in the presence of an organic polymer adsorbent (II). - The process gives high yields of (I) in short fermentation times using non-pathogenic microorganisms. Addn. of (II) not only facilitates isolation of (I) but also increases yields. The M. vaccae strain is a variant of NRRL B-3805, esp. ZIMET 11052 or 11053. The sterol is added as such or as an aq. mixt. with a nonionic surfactant. The sterol concn. in the nutrient medium is 1-50 g/l.