PROCESS FOR THE MICROBIAL CONVERSION OF PHYTOSTEROLS TO ANDROSTENEDIONE AND ANDROSTADIENEDIONE

摘要

A novel process for the fermentation of phytosterol compositions to androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, AD) and/or androstadienedione (androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, ADD) is disclosed. The process utilizes the micro-organism Mycobacterium MB 3683, and selected suitable solubilizing agents such as polypropylene glycol or silicone for solubilizing the phytosterol compositions at high concentrations in the nutrient medium. The innoculum of Mycobacterium MB 3683 is grown in a nutrient medium comprising Refiners molasses and inorganic salts.