TRANSFORMATIONS OF STEROIDS – II. Transformation Of Progesterone To 11 α–Hydroxyprogesterone By Mycelia And By Non–Germinating Spores Of An Aspergillus Species

Abstract

The mycelia of a species of Aspergillus (isolated from the soil in Western Nigeria and tentatively identified as a member of the Niger group) transformed progesterone into 11 α-hydroxyprogesterone and six other unidentified products, while its spores transformed the same steroid to 11 α-hydroxyprogesterone only. Isolation and identification of the products of the mycelial and spore fermentations are described. The significance of the differences between mycelial and spore fermentations in the production of 11 α-hydroxyprogesterone and the reasons foi such differences are discussed. The application of the spores could be an approach to the suppression of side-reactions in the industrial production of 11 α-hydroxyprogesterone from progesterone.