PROCESS FOR THE SELECTIVE SIDE CHAIN DEGRADATION OF STEROID COMPOUNDS AND FOR THE PREPARATION OF DEFECTIVE MUTANTS OF MICROORGANISMS SUITABLE THEREFOR AND ALSO NEW STRAINS OF MICROORGANISMS (II)

摘要

A B S T R A C t For the production of 17-C-steroid-.alpha.-propionic acid compounds by microbial side chain degradation on 17-C-side chain steroid substrates wild strain microorganisms selected in predetermined d manner are subjected to a multi-stage mutation and selection. The resultant mutant strains are capable of supplying the desired compounds, e.g. a-4 BNC and/or A-1,4 BNC in high yields even in the absence of inhibitors arresting the growth and/or degradation of the steroid ring. Wild strains and mutants particularly suitable, and their choice, production and use, are described.