Microbial Transformation of Epiandrosterone by Penicillium olsonii MRC500780

Authors : Ali Kuru, Hümeyra Yılmaz

Pages : 194-198

Doi:10.36483/vanvetj.1722984

View : 48 | Download : 123

Publication Date : 2025-11-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Microbial fungal biotransformation refers to the ability of fungi to enzymatically modify organic compounds, often yielding structurally similar products with altered properties. This approach has gained considerable attention as a sustainable and selective alternative to conventional chemical synthesis, particularly in the context of complex molecules like steroids. Fungal species, especially filamentous types, are known for their rich enzymatic repertoire, which allows them to carry out site-specific modifications such as hydroxylation or oxidation. These transformations are not only efficient but also valuable for generating pharmacologically relevant derivatives. In the present study, we focused on the bioconversion of epiandrosterone 1 using Penicillium olsonii MRC500780. Through incubation under controlled conditions, we aimed to explore the metabolic capacity of this strain to produce new steroidal metabolites. The findings suggest that P. olsonii holds promise as a biocatalyst for steroid modification in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. Structure determinations showed that five-days biotransformation of epiandrosterone 1 by Penicillium olsonii MRC500780 afforded 4 metabolites. The four identified metabolites were as follows: 2, characterized by hydroxylation at the 15α-position of the 5α-androstane-3,17-dione scaffold; 3, bearing hydroxyl groups at both the 3β and 15α positions on the 5α-androstan-17-one backbone; 4, featuring hydroxylations at the 3β and 11α positions of 5α-androstan-17-one; 5, possessing hydroxyl groups at the 3β and 7α positions on the same steroidal framework.The biotransformation process revealed that P. olsonii MRC500780 catalyzed hydroxylation reactions at the C-7α, C-11α, and C-15α positions of epiandrosterone 1, along with an oxidative modification occurring at the C-3 site.
Keywords : Biyokataliz, Epiandrosteron, Penisilyum

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