| Abstract: | The transformation properties of different aspergilli were tested. Our strains possess the capacity of degrading of progesterone side chain. Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione, testosterone, and testololactone were detected in all cases but produced in different yields. Two strains, namely, Aspergillus niger 214 and A. flavus 181 proved to be the most active transformers. The transformation abilities of these two strains are profoundly affected by composition of the fermentation medium employed. The media containing ill-defined compounds, e.g. peptone or yeast extract favour the production of enzymes catalyzing the degradation of the progesterone side chain. Various enzymic transformations of progesterone with these two strains were studied by allowing the fermentation to proceed at different time intervals. It was possible to illustrate schemes for such transformation reactions. |
