Process and microorganism for degrading steroids

摘要

A novel microorganism, mutant chol 149-K14 (DSM 2065) and process for the preparation of 3a alpha -H-4 alpha -(3'-propionic acid)-5 alpha -hydroxy-7a beta -methyl-hexahydro-1-indanone and the delta -lactone thereof comprising culturing a steroid compound of animal or plant origin with the above microorganism mutant in an aqueous nutrient medium under aerobic conditions.