Optimisation of UDP-glucuronyl transferase-catalysed synthesis of testosterone-#beta#-D-glucuronide by inhibition of contamination #beta#-glucuronidase

摘要

Attempted synthesis of testosterone glucuronide using commercial UDP-glucuronyl transferase from either bovine or ovine sources was unsuccessful, giving 2-5% yields. This low yield was due to contaminating #beta#-glucuronidase which hydrolysed the product. Limitation of glucuronidase activity using improved pH control and inhibitors, plus optimisation of other reaction conditions, increased the yield to 20-30% with the ovine enzyme and allowed practical preparative synthesis.