Abstract
Two-step bioconversion of cortexolone (Reichstein's Compound S) to its Δ1-dehaydro-11β-hydroxy derivative, prednisolone, was successfully performed by the combined use of immobilized Curvularia lunata mycelia and immobilized Arthrobacter simplex cells. Immobilized living mycelia of C. lunata having a high 11β-hydroxylation activity were prepared by in situ germination of spores entrapped in photo-crosslinked resin gels of a suitable net-work structure. Acetone-dried cells of A. simplex having an induced steroid Δ1-dehydrogenase activity were also entrapped with photo-crosslinkable resin prepolymers and used for Δ- dehydrogenation of hydrocortisone to prednisolone. For the production of prednisolone from cortexolone, the combination of sequential steps, 11β-hydroxylation and subsequent Δ1-dehydrogenation, was found to be suitable. Each immobilized microbial cell system was stable and could be used for the sequential reactions repeatedly (operational period, 25 days).
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