Method for biocatalysis using filamentous fungi

Abstract

A method is disclosed in which filamentous fungi are macerated and encapsulated in an inert matrix to form beads, which can be used to promote reactions carried out by the fungi. The beads are useful, e.g., for producing compounds and compound libraries.

Claims

1. A method of producing a library of bioconversion compounds, the method comprising providing a first fungal bead containing a grown first fungal species; providing a second fungal bead containing a grown second fungal species; combining the first and second fungal beads, a medium free of nutrients that promote fungal growth, and a compound in a single vessel to form an incubation mixture, wherein the first and second fungal species are not growing and are not in contact with each other; incubating the incubation mixture to produce a library comprising multiple bioconversion compounds; and isolating a mixture of the multiple bioconversion compounds and screening the isolated mixture of the multiple bioconversion compounds for biological activity without isolating the individual bioconversion compounds.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is a steroid.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein first or second fungal bead comprises calcium alginate or sodium alginate.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first or second fungal species is a filamentous fungus.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first or second fungal species is selected from the group consisting of Rhizopus oryzae, Mucor plumbeus, Cunninghamella echinulata, Aspergillus niger, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, or Whetzelinia sclerotiorum.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the incubation mixture is incubated for a period between 1 day and 10 days.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising washing either the first or second fungal bead in distilled water and storing said washed bead in distilled water or buffer at about 4° C.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first or second fungal bead is about 3 mm in diameter.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is ##STR00021##

Description

EXAMPLES

(1) The invention is further illustrated by the following examples. The examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. They are not to be construed as limiting the scope or content of the invention in any way.

Example 1

Initial Studies

(2) The following initial studies were designed to compare the metabolites formed by incubation of a single substrate with free and immobilized mycelia of various filamentous fungi, specifically, Mucor plumbeus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae and Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans. The immobilized fungi were immobilized in a calcium alginate matrix to form beads.

(3) Materials and Methods

(4) Materials

(5) Sodium alginate was obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wis., USA). 3β-Hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (52) was obtained from Steraloids, Inc. (Wilton, N.H., USA). Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740, Aspergillus niger ATCC 9142, Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 11145 and Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans ATCC 8688a were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md., USA and were maintained on potato dextrose agar slants.

(6) Chromatographic Analysis

(7) Flash column chromatography for the isolation and purification of secondary metabolites employed silica gel (230-400 mesh) or basic alumina (150 mesh). Thin layer chromatography plates were visualized under ultraviolet light or by spraying with ammonium molybdate-sulfuric acid reagent or by spraying with a mixture of methanol-concentrated sulfuric acid (1:1) and heating. Polyester backed TLC plates coated with silica were used for these analyses.

(8) Instrumentation

(9) Melting points were recorded on a Thomas Hoover melting point apparatus (Thomas Scientific, Swedesboro, N.J.) and are uncorrected. Infrared (IR) spectra were recorded as KBr disks using a PerkinElmer FT Paragon 1000 spectrophotometer. Optical rotations were acquired on a Perkin Elmer 241 MC polarimeter. Ultraviolet spectra were recorded on a Hewlett Packard HP 8452A diode array spectrophotometer.

(10) Fungal mycelium was macerated at 8000 rev/min using an IKA® (Wilmington, N.C., USA) Ultra-Turrax® T25 homogenizer.

(11) .sup.1H and .sup.13C NMR spectra were recorded using Bruker Avance 200 and 500 MHz and a Varian Unity 500 MHz spectrometers. NMR samples were analyzed in CDCl.sub.3 containing tetramethylsilane as the internal standard.

(12) High resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS) electron ionization (EI) was done on a Kratos MS50 instrument at an ionizing voltage of 70 eV. Electrospray mass spectroscopy (ESMS) was done on an Agilent Technologies 1100 MSD or a Micromass Zabspec-oaTOF spectrometer.

(13) Preparation of Reagents

(14) Ammonium molybdate-sulfuric acid spray was prepared by dissolving ammonium molybdate (5% w:v) in a 10% sulfuric acid solution.

(15) Methanol-sulfuric acid spray was prepared by slowly adding an equal volume of sulfuric acid to ice-cold methanol with stirring.

(16) Growth Conditions

(17) In general, fungi were cultured in media known to be suitable for growth of the selected species of fungus.

(18) Mucor plumbeus was maintained on potato dextrose agar (PDA) slants at 28° C. Two week old slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL liquid culture medium. The M. plumbeus medium was comprised of, per liter, glucose (30 g), corn steep solids (5 g), NaNO.sub.3 (2 g), KCl (0.5 g), MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O (0.5 g) and FeSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O (0.02 g). The flasks were shaken at 250 rpm.

(19) Aspergillus niger was grown on PDA slants at 28° C. for two weeks. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL erlenmeyer flasks, each containing 125 mL liquid culture medium. The A. niger medium was comprised of, per liter, glucose (20 g), yeast extract (5 g), soya meal (5 g), NaCl (5 g), and K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 (5 g) (Belan et al., J. Org. Chem., 1987, 52, 256-260). The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm.

(20) Rhizopus arrhizus was maintained on malt agar slants at 28° C. Two week old slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL erlenmeyer flasks, each containing 125 mL liquid culture medium. The R. arrhizus medium was comprised of, per liter, glucose (20 g), peptone (5 g), NaCl (5 g) and yeast extract (5 g) (Hufford et al., J. Nat. Prod., 1991, 54, 1543-1552). The flasks were shaken at 250 rpm.

(21) Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans was grown on slants prepared from peptone (10 g/L), maltose (40 g/L) and agar (20 g/L) and maintained at 28° C. for two weeks. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL erlenmeyer flasks that each contained 125 mL of liquid culture medium. The C. echinulata medium was contained, per liter, glucose (20 g), yeast extract (5 g), soya meal (5 g), NaCl (5 g), and K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 (5 g) (Belen et al., supra). The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm.

(22) Preparation of Immobilized Fungal Cells

(23) In general, to prepare cells for immobilization, one slant of a selected fungus was used to inoculate four erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL growth medium. The cultures were grown for three days. At the end of incubation the cells were harvested by filtration.

(24) The cells from one flask (about 15 g) were then suspended in water (10 mL) and then were macerated in a 3% solution of sodium alginate (35 mL). The cell-alginate suspension was added dropwise to a chilled stirred solution of 0.1 M aqueous CaCl.sub.2 (200 mL). Once formed the alginate beads (about 30 g; fungal beads) were allowed to harden for 30 minutes in the CaCl.sub.2 solution. The aqueous CaCl.sub.2 was decanted and the beads were stored in water at 4° C.

Synthesis of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53)

(25) 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene was used as a substrate in some experiments. To prepare the compound, sodium borohydryde (200 mg, 5.29 mmol) was added to 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17 one (52) (1 g, 3.47 mmol) in methanol (50 mL) at 0° C. with stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 30 minutes. Water was added and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (53) (984 mg, 3.23 mmol). This was characterized as the diacetate (53a), which crystallized from methanol as plates, m.p. 150-153°, [α].sub.D−39.7° (c=3.0, CHCl.sub.3), lit. (Pearson et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1, 1985, 267) m.p. 158-159°, [α].sub.D-55.0°; IR: ν.sub.max 3448, 1750, 1644, 1242 cm.sup.−1;

(26) .sup.1H NMR: δ 0.79 (3H, s, H-18), 1.04 (3H, s, H-19), 2.04 (6H, s, 2 CH.sub.3CO.sub.2), 4.27 (1H, t, J=9.2 Hz, H-17α), 4.51 (1H, t, J=9.2 Hz, H-3α), 5.39 (1H, d, J=6.1 Hz, H-6);

(27) .sup.13C NMR: δ 11.9 (CH.sub.3-18), 19.3 (CH.sub.3-19), 20.4 (CH.sub.2-11), 21.1 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 21.4 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17), 23.5 (CH.sub.2-15), 27.5 (CH.sub.2-16), 27.7 (CH.sub.2-2), 31.4 (CH.sub.2-7), 31.6 (CH-8), 34.4 (C-10), 36.7 (CH.sub.2-12), 36.9 (CH.sub.2-1), 38.0 (CH.sub.2-4), 42.3 (C-13), 49.9 (CH-9), 50.9 (CH-14), 73.8 (CH-3), 82.7 (CH-17), 122.2 (CH-6), 139.7 (C-5), 170.5 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 171.2 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17).

(28) Free Cell Fermentations

(29) Fermentation Conditions

(30) Experiments were conducted comparing free cells and cells captured in a matrix. To prepare the free cells, a solution containing 10% of the total mass of the substrate to be used in the experiment was added to the fungal culture 24 hours after inoculation. Then 20%, 30%, and 40% of the total substrate was added to the cultures at 36 hours, 48 hours, and 60 hours after inoculation respectively. The fermentation was then allowed to proceed for an additional five days. At the end of the fermentation period, the mycelial cells were filtered and the broth was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×500 mL). The mycelial cells were homogenized with hot ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried (MgSO.sub.4), concentrated, and analyzed by thin layer chromatography. In general, it was found that transformed compounds were primarily present in the broth, while natural products and the fed compound were generally associated with the mycelium; although individual fungal species can be at variance with the generalization.

(31) Bioconversions Using Free Cells

Bioconversion of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53)

(32) Incubation of 53 with M. plumbeus

(33) Bioconversions using a selected substrate (53) were performed using free cells. The resulting products of these bioconversions were used in comparisons with bioconversions using the same fungal types immobilized in a bead to determine the equivalency of bioconversions in the bead format with free fermentations.

(34) To examine the bioconversion of 53 M. plumbeus, 1 g of the compound was dissolved in ethanol (20 mL), and was added to cultures of the growing fungus as described above. Extraction of the broth and mycelia afforded an off-white solid (688.8 mg) which was purified using column chromatography. Elution of the column with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded unreacted steroid (52 mg). Further elution yielded 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54) (610 mg), characterized as the triacetate (54a), which resisted crystallization, [α].sub.D−119.9° (c=1.1, CHCl.sub.3);

(35) IR: ν.sub.max 3454, 1734, 1644, 1238 cm.sup.−1;

(36) HREIMS: m/z (rel. int.) 372.2301 (13) [M-AcOH].sup.+ (372.2512 calcd. for C.sub.25H.sub.36O.sub.6-AcOH), 330.21.2168 95 (51) [M-AcOH—H.sub.2].sup.+, 313 (6), 312.2089 (9) [M-2AcOH].sup.+, 252.1878 (4) [M-3AcOH].sup.+, 159.1174 (10);

(37) .sup.1H NMR: δ 0.78 (3H, s, H-18), 1.01 (3H, s, H-19), 2.05 (9H, s, 3 CH.sub.3CO.sub.2), 2.44 (1H, t, J=9.5 Hz, H-3α), 4.62 (1H, t, J=9.5 Hz, H-17α), 4.96 (1H, t, J=7.0 Hz, H-7α), 5.57 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz, H-6);

(38) .sup.13C NMR: δ 11.5 (CH.sub.3-18), 18.1 (CH.sub.3-19), 20.1 (CH.sub.2-11), 21.1 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 21.2 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-7), 21.3 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17), 23.4 (CH.sub.2-16), 27.3 (CH.sub.2-15), 27.7 (CH.sub.2-2), 35.5 (CH-8), 36.0 (CH.sub.2-1), 36.4 (CH.sub.2-4), 37.3 (C-10), 37.7 (CH.sub.2-12), 42.1 (C-13), 43.1 (CH-14), 43.6 (CH-9), 67.5 (CH-7), 73.0 (CH-3), 82.4 (CH-17), 120.5 (CH-6), 146.6 (C-5), 170.4 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 170.7 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-7), 171.2 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17).

(39) Incubation of 53 with A. niger

(40) A. niger bioconversion was also tested using the steroid compound 53. The steroid (53) (1 g) was dissolved in ethanol (20 mL) and added to a fungal culture as described supra. The incubation period was continued for five days after the last addition of steroid. Following the incubation period, the contents of the flasks were filtered and the broth and mycelia were extracted with ethyl acetate, dried with sodium sulfate, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. This resulted in an off-white solid (1 g), which was purified using column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane produced unreacted steroid (696 mg). Further elution produced 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54) (66 mg), which was identified by comparison with an authentic sample.

(41) Bioconversion of 53 by R. oryzae

(42) R. oryzai biocatalysis was also tested using the steroid compound (53) (1 g), which was dissolved in ethanol (20 mL), and added to the culture medium containing the growing fungus. The incubation period was continued for five days after the last feeding of the culture. The contents of the flasks were then filtered and the broth and mycelia were extracted with ethyl acetate, dried with sodium sulfate, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. This resulted in an off-white solid (1 g) that was then purified using column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded unreacted steroid (632 mg). Further elution yielded 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (55) (106.1 mg), characterized as the triacetate (55a), gum, [α].sub.D−151° (c=6.7, CHCl.sub.3), lit. (Wilson et al., Steroids, 1999, 64, 834-843), m.p. 156-158°, [α].sub.D−152′;

(43) IR: ν.sub.max 3446, 1736, 1660, 1241 cm.sup.−1;

(44) .sup.1H NMR: δ 0.82 (3H, s, H-18), 1.10 (3H, s, H-19), 2.04 (9H, s, 3 CH.sub.3CO.sub.2), 4.60 (1H, m, w/2=15.5 Hz, H-17α), 5.04 (1H, d, J=10.1 Hz, H-7β), 5.25 (1H, s, H-6);

(45) .sup.13C NMR: δ 11.8 (CH.sub.3-18), 18.9 (CH.sub.3-19), 20.5 (CH.sub.2-11), 21.1 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 21.3 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-7), 21.6 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17), 24.6 (CH.sub.2-16), 27.1 (CH.sub.2-15), 27.2 (CH.sub.2-2), 36.3 (CH-8), 36.5 (CH.sub.2-1), 36.6 (CH.sub.2-12), 36.6 (CH.sub.2-4), 37.5 (C-10), 42.8 (C-13), 47.9 (CH-14), 49.8 (CH-9), 73.1 (CH-3), 75.4 (CH-7), 82.2 (CH-17), 122.1 (CH-6), 144.2 (C-5), 170.3 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 170.9 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-7), 171.0 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17).

(46) Bioconversion of (53) By C. echinulata var. elegans

(47) Bioconversion of 53 using C. echinulata was generally carried out as for the other fungal species described supra. In these experiments, the steroid (53) (1 g), was dissolved in ethanol (20 mL) and added to a growing culture of the fungus as described above. The incubation period continued for five days after the last feed. Extraction of the broth and mycelia afforded an off-white solid (1.5 g) which was purified using column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded unreacted steroid (232 mg). Continued elution afforded compound 56 (60 mg) which was identified by comparison of its spectral data with that of an authentic sample.

(48) Continued elution afforded 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54) (20.6 mg) which was identified by comparison of its spectral data with that of an authentic sample.

(49) Immobilized Cell Fermentations

(50) Media

(51) Several types of culture media were tested in the fermentations using immobilized cells; potato broth, potato dextrose broth, and glucose solution. They were prepared as described below.

(52) Potato Broth (PB)

(53) Potato broth was made by dicing potatoes (300 g) and then boiling them in water (500 mL) until cooked. The resulting mixture was filtered through cloth. Water was then added to make the volume of the filtrate up to 1 L.

(54) Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB)

(55) Potato dextrose broth was made by dicing potatoes (300 g) and boiling them in water (500 mL) until cooked. The resulting mixture was filtered through cloth. Glucose (20 g) was added to the filtrate and the volume was made up to 1 L with water.

(56) Glucose Solution

(57) Glucose solution was prepared by dissolving glucose (10 g) in water (1 L).

(58) Fermentation Conditions

(59) In general, testing of biocatalysis using immobilized filamentous fungi was carried out as follows. Alginate beads containing filamentous fungi (fungal beads) were prepared as described herein. The beads (120 g) and sterilized PDB (500 mL) were added to four 500 mL erlenmeyer flasks. Steroid 53 (200 mg) in ethanol (5 mL) was added to the flasks. The immobilized cells and substrate were shaken at 180 rpm for five days, after which the aqueous medium was decanted from the alginate beads. The medium was extracted with ethyl acetate, dried with sodium sulfate, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The resulting solid was purified using column chromatography.

(60) Incubation of 53 with Immobilized Mycelia of M. plumbeus

(61) To test immobilized M. plumbeus for biocatalysis products, steroid 53 (200 mg) was incubated with the alginate beads prepared from M. plumbeus. After five days of incubation, the fermentation was then worked up as described supra. The resulting solid (188 mg) was subjected to column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded unreacted steroid (100 mg). Further elution resulted in 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54) (84 mg), which was identified by comparison of its spectral data with that of an authentic sample.

(62) Incubation of 53 with Immobilized Cells of A. niger

(63) Immobilized A. niger were tested for biocatalysis using steroid 53 (200 mg). The compound was incubated with the alginate beads prepared from A. niger. The fermentation was then worked up after five days of incubation. The resulting solid (157 mg) was subjected to column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded unreacted steroid (90 mg). Further elution yielded 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54) (3 mg), which was identified by comparison of its spectral data with that of an authentic sample.

(64) Incubation of 53 with Immobilized Cells of R. oryzae

(65) Immobilized R. oryzae were tested for biocatalysis using steroid 53. The compound (200 mg) was incubated with the alginate beads prepared from R. oryzae. The fermentation was then worked up after five days of incubation. The resulting solid (172 mg) was subjected to column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded unreacted steroid (80 mg). Further elution yielded 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (55) (10 mg), which was identified by comparison of its spectral data with that of an authentic sample.

(66) Incubation of 53 with Immobilized Mycelia of C. echinulata Var. elegans

(67) Steroid 53 (200 mg) was incubated with the alginate beads prepared from C. echinulata var. elegans. The fermentation was then worked up after 5 days. The resulting solid (168 mg) was subjected to column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded unreacted steroid (110 mg). Further elution yielded 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-7-one (56) (5 mg) characterized as the diacetate (56a), gum, [α].sub.D+58.8° (c=5.1, CHCl.sub.3);

(68) IR: ν.sub.max 1736, 1217 cm.sup.−1;

(69) .sup.1H NMR: δ 1.11 (3H, s, H-18), 1.37 (3H, s, H-19), 2.05 (3H, s, CH.sub.3CO.sub.2), 2.06 (3H, s, CH.sub.3CO.sub.2), 4.35 (1H, bs, H-17α), 4.63 (1H, t, J=5.1 Hz, H-3α), 6.10 (1H, s, H-6);

(70) .sup.13C NMR: δ 14.5 (CH.sub.3-18), 19.6 (CH.sub.3-19), 21.1 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 21.2 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17), 22.0 (CH.sub.2-15), 23.0 (CH.sub.2-11), 27.3 (CH.sub.2-2), 29.7 (CH.sub.2-16), 32.7 (CH.sub.2-1), 33.9 (CH.sub.2-12), 36.0 (C-10), 42.4 (C-13), 43.7 (CH-8), 46.1 (CH.sub.2-4), 46.9 (CH-9), 52.7 (CH-14), 67.5 (CH-3), 82.5 (CH-17), 130.0 (CH-6), 162.8 (C-5), 171.1 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-3), 172.0 (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2-17), 198.4 (C-7).

(71) Continued elution produced 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54) (5 mg), which was identified by comparison of its spectral data with that of an authentic sample.

(72) Analysis of Results of Biotransformation of Steroids by Free Cells of Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740

(73) Free cells of Mucor plumbeus have been used to transform a number of steroids. Previously, it was reported that incubation with a 3-keto-Δ.sup.4,9(10)-19-norsteroid (1) resulted in the formation of the 11β-hydroxy compound (2) (Lacroix et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem., 1999, 7, 2329-2341). 3β-Hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (3) and 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (6) were hydroxylated to afford compounds 4-5, and 7-9. Pregnenolone (10) also underwent 7β and 11α-hydroxylation to yield 11. However, the 3-ketosteroid, progesterone (12) was transformed exclusively to the 11α,14-dihydroxy derivative (13). The presence of the carbonyl group at C-20 seems crucial in the activity of the 11-hydroxylase enzyme. An estrane, estrone (14), was also transformed by the fungus to yield 15.

(74) Analysis of Results of Bioconversion of Steroids by Aspergillus niger ATCC 9142

(75) Progesterone (12) incubated with A. niger has been reported to result in production of the 21-hydroxy analog (16) (Holland et al., Can. J. Chem., 1975, 53, 845-854). The presence of the C-20 carbonyl group has been found to be necessary for hydroxylation reactions to occur. In the absence of a carbonyl group at C-20 as in compounds 17 and 18 no oxygen insertion was observed. Instead the 11α-(19, 21) and 15β-hydroxylated (20, 22) congeners were formed (Holland, Can. J. Chem., 1982, 53, 160-164). Dehydroepiandrosterone (3) has been converted to four products where oxidation of the C-3 hydroxyl group and migration of the C5-C6 double bond occurred (Yamashita et al., Agric. Biol. Chem., 1976, 40, 505-509. CA 85:61352). Incubation with androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (27) resulted in the formation of the 18-hydroxy compound (28) (in 49% yield) and the 6p-hydroxy derivative (29) (Auret, J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Comm., 1971, 1157).

(76) In the present experiments, 7α and 16β-hydroxylation were observed, as well as C-3 oxidation accompanied by migration of the C-5,6 double bond to C-4,5 with 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene. With testosterone 6β and 16β-hydroxylation occurred.

(77) ##STR00001## ##STR00002##
Analysis of Biotransformation of Steroids by Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 11145

(78) Steroid transformations by Rhizopus oryzae (formerly known as Rhizopus arrhizus) ATCC 11145 have been documented. This biocatalyst has been incubated with a number of androstanes and pregnanes. The activity of both a 6β- and an 11α-hydroxylase was seen in compounds of the androstane series (Eppstein et al., J. Chem. Soc., 1954, 76, 3174-3179). Incubation of the Δ.sup.4-3-ketosteroids: 4-androstene-3,17-dione (27) and testosterone (6) yielded analogs 28-31 and 32-34 respectively.

(79) The mechanism of this 6β-hydroxylase has been elucidated. The hydroxylation was thought to proceed via a Δ.sup.3,5-enol intermediate. In these experiments, the conversion of a Δ.sup.3,5-enol acetate (35) to various derivatives inclusive of the 6β-hydroxy-Δ.sup.4-3-keto compound confirmed the proposed mechanism (Holland et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1975, 44, 3787-3788).

(80) When progesterone (12) was incubated with the fungus, the compound also underwent oxygen insertion at C-6 and 11 to give 36 and 37 (Peterson et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1952, 74, 5933-5936). R. arrhizus has also been used to effect side chain degradation. Crustecdysone (38), an insect molting hormone, was transformed to two products, a C-21 (39) and a C-17 (40) compound in fungal systems (Canonica et al., J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Comm., 1974, 656-657).

(81) In the present experiments using 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene; 7α and 7β-hydroxylations were observed. In the present experiments using testosterone; 1β,6β,7α, 11α-hydroxylations were observed.

(82) ##STR00003## ##STR00004## ##STR00005##
Biotransformation of Steroids by Cunninghamella echinulata Var. elegans ATCC 8688A

(83) The potential of Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans ATCC 8688a (formerly known as C. blakesleeana) as a biological agent for the conversion of steroids has been investigated (Hu et al., Steroids, 1988, 63, 88-92; Garcia-Rodriguez et al., Khim. Farm. Zh., 1981, 15, 73-75. CA 96:65383; Kaneko et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. Jpn., 1969, 17, 2031-2035. CA 72:29055). Incubation of the deoxycorticosterone, 6α-methyl-11-deoxy-17α-hydroxycorticosterone (41), with the fungus yielded two analogs, 42 and 43. Cortexolone (44) underwent hydroxylation at the C-11 position (Garcia-Rodriguez et al., Khim. Farm. Zh., 1978, 12, 95-97. CA 90:20769). Diosgenin (48), a synthon used in the preparation of other steroids, was hydroxylated at C-7, 11 and 12 (Kaneko, Chem. Pharm. Bull. Jpn., 1969, 17, 2031-2035. CA 72:29055).

(84) In the present experiments using 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene; 7α and 7β-hydroxylations were observed and in experiments using testosterone; 6β,7α,14α-hydroxylations were observed.

(85) Bioconversion of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53)

(86) When the commercially available 3β-androst-5-en-17-one (52) was incubated with M. plumbeus, the keto group was first reduced to yield 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (53), which was then hydroxylated. It was thought that feeding 53 rather than 52 would simplify analysis of the metabolites. Steroid 52 was therefore chemically reduced to the known 3β,17β diol (53) (Pearson et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1, 1985, 267) which was incubated with the free and immobilized cells. The products obtained from each incubation were then compared.

(87) ##STR00006## ##STR00007##

Example 2

Additional Experiments Using Free Fungal Cells

(88) Experiments were repeated as described above and an additional analysis of products was performed. The results are as follows.

(89) Incubation of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) with Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740

(90) Analog 54, obtained in 61% yield, was acetylated for characterization purposes. A signal at δ 4.96 in the .sup.1H NMR spectrum of congener 54a was observed. Examination of the .sup.13C and DEPT NMR spectra showed a new methine at δ 67.5. This was coupled with the loss of methylene at δ 31.3 (C-7). Shifts in neighboring carbon resonance values indicated that hydroxylation had occurred at C-7 to yield the 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54).

(91) Incubation of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) with Aspergillus niger ATCC 9142

(92) Compound 54 was also isolated from A. niger. However, the compound was obtained in a much lower yield (6.6%) compared to the yield from M. plumbeus.

(93) ##STR00008##
Bioconversion of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) by Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 11145

(94) Compound 55, the sole product of the biotransformation using R. oryzae, was characterized as the triacetate. The molecular formula obtained (C.sub.25H.sub.36O.sub.6) from .sup.13C and DEPT NMR data for 55a was the same as that for 54a. However, the .sup.13C NMR spectrum was slightly different compared to 54a. A new methine at δ 74.5 was seen in the .sup.13C NMR spectrum, and this was accompanied by the loss of the C-7 methylene at δ 31.3. It was therefore concluded that 55 was the known compound, 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (Wilson et al., Steroids, 1999, 64, 834-843).

(95) Incubation of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) with Cunninghamella echinulata Var. elegans ATCC 8688A

(96) Analog 56, which was produced after incubation of C. echinulata with 53, was found to possess a new nonprotonated carbon at δ 198.4. There was a noticeable downfield shift of 11.1 ppm for C-8. Further examination of the .sup.13C NMR spectrum showed the loss of the C-7 methylene at 31.4 ppm. Therefore, 56 was determined to be 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-7-one. The second metabolite isolated from this incubation was 54.

(97) ##STR00009##
Biotransformations Using Immobilized Cells

(98) To further investigate biotransformations using immobilized mycelia, mycelia of M. plumbeus, A. niger, R. oryzae and C. echinulata var. elegans were immobilized in a calcium alginate matrix as described supra. Alginic acid is the major polysaccharide of several genera of marine brown algae. Alginate beads (containing trapped viable mycelia) were formed by dripping a suspension of the fungal cells in aqueous sodium alginate into a stirred solution of calcium chloride as described herein. Gelation occurred as a result of displacement of the monovalent sodium ion by the divalent calcium ion. This caused cross-linking of the polysaccharide. Alginate beads produced from the four fungi were suspended in solutions of distilled water and solutions of 53 in ethanol were incubated with each. The incubations were carried out for five days, after which the aqueous solutions were decanted from the beads and then were extracted with ethyl acetate.

(99) Incubation of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) with M. plumbeus

(100) Incubation of 53 with M. plumbeus resulted in formation of a single more polar metabolite, which was identified as 54. This same metabolite was also isolated from the free cell fermentations. This demonstrates an example in which the immobilization of a filamentous fungus for use in a biotransformation results in the production of the same compound as is produced by the free fungus.

(101) Biotransformation of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) by A. niger

(102) Incubation of 53 with A. niger also resulted in production of the metabolite 54. This is the same result as when free A. niger was fermented with 53.

(103) Incubation of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) with R. oryzae

(104) Two metabolites, more polar than 53, were isolated from the extract of this incubation. They were found to be compounds 54 and 55.

(105) Incubation of 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) with C. Echinulata var. elegans

(106) The incubation of 53 with immobilized C. echinulata resulted in the isolation of analogs 54 and 56.

(107) While the products obtained from the immobilized cell fermentations were the same as those from the free cell fermentations the yields from the former were lower. The alginate beads were then tested for viability. Two week old “spent” alginate beads that had been stored at 4° C. were re-incubated with compound 53. At the end of the incubation period the physical integrity of the alginate beads had not been compromised. Although hydroxylation of the xenobiote was observed it was obvious that some loss of enzymatic activity had occurred since the previous incubation. Despite the lower yields, the results demonstrate that the alginate beads containing mycelia have the potential for reuse.

Example 3

Optimization of Yields in Fermentations Using Immobilized Fungi

(108) Homogenization (Maceration) Time

(109) To increase the yields from the incubations various parameters were modified. It was thought that the size of the cell fragments affected the stability of the alginate beads as the larger fragments would result in fissures of the alginate beads. Therefore, mycelia were macerated to create smaller fragments. Maceration of mycelia to be immobilized has not been previously reported. Fungal hyphae are divided into compartments, similar to cells, by septa. Hyphae with large compartments will therefore lose enzymatic activity because fewer and fewer cells remain as maceration continued. It was observed that mycelium that was macerated for longer than 3 minutes retained little or no enzymatic activity. Based on the results the mycelia were macerated for 3 minutes at 8,000 rev/min.

(110) This demonstrates that maceration can be performed and the resulting cells, once immobilized, are still viable. It also demonstrates a method for determining the amount of maceration that is useful, i.e., that does not destroy the enzymatic activity of the cells.

(111) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Effect of time of homogenization on transformation yields (%) of different fungi Homogenization time at 8000 rev/min 1 min. 3 min. 5 min. 7 min. M. plumbeus 10 31 8 2 (% transformation) A. niger 4 7 1 1 (% transformation) R. oryzae 9 12 8 1 (% transformation)
Bead Diameter

(112) In any fermentation procedure the rate at which a compound added to the culture medium (xenobiotes) diffuses into the mycelia is important because this rate can affect the yield of transformation. This is also true of incubations involving immobilized cells. The compounds have to diffuse through not one, but two, semipermeable barriers (gel matrix and cell membrane). The surface area:volume ratio is a function of the diameter of the alginate beads. Therefore, the bead diameter influences the outcome of biocatalysis incubations using fungal beads. Therefore, experiments were conducted to identify a bead size that would produce relatively high transformation yields. Different bead sizes were achieved by varying the diameter of the bore of the dropping tube, and were tested using several different fungal species.

(113) The results of these experiments are provided in Table 2 and indicate that the optimal bead diameter was 3 mm. Transformation yields were reduced with the larger alginate beads.

(114) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect of varying bead diameter on transformation yields (%) of different fungi Alginate bead diameter/mm 1 mm 3 mm 5 mm M. plumbeus 10% 31% 7% (% transformation) A. niger 3% 5% 1% (% transformation) R. oryzae 6% 12% 8% (% transformation)
Media for Rejuvenation of Fungal Beads

(115) Some enzymes require cofactors to carry out their reactions. Exhausted cofactors have to be replenished before further reactions will take place. Replenishment of stores of the cofactor NADPH is crucial for the success of cytochrome P450 hydroxylations. Four possible media were investigated: water, 1% glucose solution, potato broth (PB) and potato dextrose broth (PDB). In these experiments, immobilized cells that had been used in a biocatalysis reaction (termed “exhausted” immobilized cells) were incubated in one of the four media with shaking for 12 hours. The beads were then washed with water and were reincubated with the steroid. Incubation in PDB produced the best results overall. Cells that were incubated in the glucose solution exhibited growth of the mycelia out of the bead framework, which led to the collapse of the matrix. It was concluded that the enzymes in the cells needed nutrients and inorganic salts for regeneration of the cofactors. PDB was generally a good medium for rejuvenation of the beads after use (Table 3), although other media were effective. A more dilute glucose solution may be useful, i.e., a solution that does not support vigorous growth of mycelia in fungal beads.

(116) These data demonstrate that immobilized cells in alginate beads can be reused, and that incubation in a suitable medium increases yields of biocatalysis products.

(117) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Effect of different types of media (for rejuvenation) on biocatalysis yields (%) of 53 using various fungi Rejuvenation Medium H.sub.2O Glucose PB PDB M. plumbeus 19 23 20 49 (% transformation) A. niger 1 3 1 5 (% transformation) R. oryzae 3 7 7 11 (% transformation)
Storage of Fungal Beads

(118) Conditions for storage of fungal beads were tested. In this experiment, fungal beds that were prepared as described herein were stored in distilled water or PDB, then were used for biotransformation of 53. The percentage of metabolites resulting from the biotransformation was then assayed. It was found that in general, storage of the beads in water or PDB prior to their first use were equally effective and had very little effect on the transformation yield. M. plumbeus was an exception (Table 4) for which storage in PDB resulted in higher biotransformation yields.

(119) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Effect of storing the beads in water or PDB, prior to transformation, on yields (%) of metabolites of 53 Potato Dextrose Broth Fungi Water (PDB) R. oryzae 49.7 50 (% transformation) M. plumbeus 42.9 70.6 (% transformation) A. niger 27.2 23.6 (% transformation) C. echinulata var. elegans 63.2 56.7 (% transformation)

Example 4

Additional Experiments Demonstrating the Use of Fungal Beads

(120) Six species of filamentous fungi were selected for additional testing in the new method using fungal beads, specifically Rhizopus oryzae (ATCC 11145), Mucor plumbeus (ATCC 4740), Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans (ATCC 8688a), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 9142), Phanerochaete chrysosporium (ATCC 24725) and Whetzelinia sclerotiorum (ATCC 18687).

(121) Both 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (53) and 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (testosterone) (2) served as substrates in these additional studies.

(122) In general, immobilized cells were prepared as described above. Initial cultures of fungi were prepared as follows.

(123) Mucor plumbeus was maintained on potato dextrose agar slants at 28° C. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL liquid culture medium. The medium was prepared using glucose (30 g/L), potassium chloride (0.5 g/L), corn steep solids (5 g/L), sodium nitrate (2 g/L), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.5 g/L), and iron(II) sulfate (0.02 g/L). The flasks were shaken at 250 rpm.

(124) Rhizopus oryzae was maintained on malt agar slants at 28° C. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask each containing 125 mL liquid culture. The medium was prepared from glucose (20 g/L), peptone (5 g/L), sodium chloride (5 g/L) and yeast extract (5 g/L). The flasks were shaken at 250 rpm.

(125) Aspergillus niger was maintained on potato dextrose agar slants at 28° C. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL of liquid culture. The medium was prepared using glucose (20 g/L), yeast extract (5 g/L), soya meal (5 g/L) sodium chloride (5 g/L) and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (5 g/L). The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm.

(126) Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans was maintained on maltose-peptone slants at 28° C. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL of liquid culture. The medium was prepared using glucose (20 g/L), yeast extract (5 g/L), soya meal (5 g/L), sodium chloride (5 g/L) and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (5 g/L). The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm.

(127) Whetzelinia sclerotiorum was maintained on potato dextrose agar slants at 28°. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL of liquid culture. The medium was made using potassium nitrate (10 g/L), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (1.5 g/L), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (2.5 g/L), glucose (0.5 g/L), yeast extract (0.5 g/L) and cellulose (10 g/L). The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm.

(128) Phanerochaete chrysosporium was maintained on potato dextrose agar slants at 28° C. Five slants were used to inoculate twenty 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL of liquid culture. The medium was made using potassium nitrate (10 g/L), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (1.5 g/L), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (2.5 g/L), glucose (40 g/L), and yeast extract (2 g/L). The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm.

(129) Preparation of Immobilized Fungal Cells

(130) In general, cells from filamentous fungi were prepared for incorporation into beads as described supra. One slant was used to inoculate four Erlenmeyer flasks each containing 125 mL liquid culture medium. The fungus was allowed to grow for 3 days with shaking, cells were harvested by filtration, suspended in water (10 mL) and then were macerated in a 3% sodium alginate solution (35 mL). The cell-alginate suspension was then added drop wise to a stirred chilled solution of 0.1 M calcium chloride (200 mL). Once formed, the alginate beads were allowed to harden for 30 minutes in the calcium chloride solution. The calcium chloride was decanted and the beads were rinsed with water. The beads were stored in water at 4° C.

(131) Immobilized Cell Fermentation Conditions

(132) For fermentations using fungal beads in these experiments, alginate beads were divided into for equal portions (about 50 mL) and placed into four 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks each containing water (125 mL). The substrate compound (200 mg) in ethanol (5 mL) was added to the flasks. The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm for five days.

(133) After the fermentation was complete the water was decanted from the beads and the former was extracted using ethyl acetate (2×300 mL). The organic solution was dried using sodium sulfate, filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was analyzed by TLC and purified by column chromatography. The characterization of some metabolites was aided by their acetylation and further purifications, thereby permitting identification of products, some of which were not identified in the initial experiments.

(134) Results with 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) as Substrate Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 11145

(135) Two analogs were isolated from the fermentation of free R. oryzae with 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (53) as a substrate for biocatalysis; 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (55) and 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54). Incubation of the immobilized cells (i.e., fungal beads) also produced compounds 55 and 54, as well as 3β,7β-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (59) was also produced by the cells in fungal beads.

(136) These data demonstrate that in addition to producing the same products as free cells, in some cases, additional compounds are generated by immobilized cells.

(137) Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740

(138) The incubation of both the free and immobilized cells of M. plumbeus resulted in production of two metabolites: 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54) and 3β,7α-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (60).

(139) These data demonstrate that in addition to producing the same products as free cells, in some cases, additional compounds are generated by immobilized cells.

(140) Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans ATCC 8688a

(141) The fermentations of both free and immobilized C. echinulata cells produced two derivatives: 3α,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (55) and 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54).

(142) Aspergillus niger ATCC 9142

(143) The same three analogs were isolated from the free and immobilized cell incubations using A. niger; 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (55), 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (58) and 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,16-dione (61).

(144) Phanerochaete chrysosporium ATCC 24725

(145) In experiments using P. chrysosporium, most of the substrate (53) remained unchanged in this fermentation for both free and immobilized cells. The metabolites that were formed included multiple products, the quantities of each were too small for characterization under the conditions available.

(146) Whetzelinia sclerotiorum ATCC 18687

(147) This fermentation of free cells of W. sclerotorum resulted in production of four compounds; 3β,7α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (55), 3β,7β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-ene (54), 3β,7β-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (59) and 3β,5α,6β,17β-tetrahydroxyandrostane (62). Fermentation of immobilized cells resulted in production of compounds 58, 54, and 62. However, compound 59 was not isolated from the immobilized cells.

(148) ##STR00010## ##STR00011##
Fungal Bioconversions Using Testosterone (57) as Substrate Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 11145

(149) Six compounds were isolated from this fermentation of R. oryzai cells with testosterone; 6β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (63), 11α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (64), 6β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (65), 1β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (66), 7α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (67) and 6β,11α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (68). Fermentation using immobilized cells produced similar results except that compound 66 was not formed.

(150) Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740

(151) The incubation of free cells of M. plumbeus resulted in eight metabolites; 6β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (63), 6β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (65), 7α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (67), 14α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (69), 6β,14α-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (70), 15α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (71), 6β,14α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (72) and 14α-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (73). Fermentation of immobilized cells resulted in production of the same products except that compounds 70 and 72 were not detected.

(152) Cunninghamella echinulata Var. elegans ATCC 8688A

(153) Fermentation of free cells of C. echinulata resulted in production of three analogs; 6β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (63), 7α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (67), and 14α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (69). The immobilized cell fermentation produced compounds 67 and 69. However, compound 63 was not found. An additional compound was isolated; 14α-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (73).

(154) Aspergillus niger ATCC 9142

(155) Five products of biotransformation were isolated from the free cell fermentation of A. niger; 6β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (63), 16β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (74), 16β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (75), 16β,17α-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (76) and 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,16-dione (61). The immobilized cell fermentation produced four metabolites, including compounds 63 and 74. However, compounds 75, 76, and 61 were not isolated. In addition, 11α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (64) and 17β-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one (77) were isolated from this incubation.

(156) Phanerochaete chrysosporium ATCC 24725

(157) The incubation of the free cells of P. chrysosporium resulted in the production of four analogs; 15β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (78), 60-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (70), androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (79), and 17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one (80). The immobilized cell fermentation also produced four steroid compounds. However, only two of these metabolites, compounds 70 and 78, had been formed in the free cell fermentation. The other two products produced by the immobilized cells were 6β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (63) and 11α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (64).

(158) Whetzelinia sclerotiorum ATCC 18687

(159) Eight metabolites were isolated from the free cell fermentation of W. sclerotorum; 2β,6β-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (81), 2β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (82), 2β,16β-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (83), 2β,15β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (84), 7α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (67), 2,6β-dihydroxyandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (85), 2,6β,17β-trihydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one (86), and 17β-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one (77). The immobilized cell incubation produced eight analogs, four of which were the same as those isolated from the free cell fermentation (compounds 81, 82, 83, and 84). The other four products were 2β,6β,17β-trihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (87), 6β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (63), 2β,11α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (88), and 2β,3α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-4-ene (89).

(160) ##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014## ##STR00015## ##STR00016##

Example 5

Mixed Cell Biotransformations: Bioconversion Using Multiple Types of Fungal Beads

(161) The need for more polar analogs of steroids as potential pharmaceuticals is well known. One method of generating more functionalized steroid analogs is by incubation of the substrate first with one fungus, isolating the metabolites and feeding them to a second microorganism. An easier operation, in theory, would involve feeding a compound to a culture vessel containing two different fungi. However, because two different microorganisms are unlikely to grow at the same rate and may produce antimicrobial compounds affecting growth of the co-cultured fungi of different types, this approach is impractical. Immobilized cells provide a method for co-culturing two types of filamentous fungi to produce products. This approach avoids cell growth issues because the cells are already grown and do not produce detectable amounts of secondary metabolites. As described above, preliminary experiments indicated that fungal beads were useful for such biotransformations.

(162) Having ascertained that the products of incubation from the free and entrapped cells were generally the same, the subsequent course of action was to investigate incubations using mixed alginate beads derived from two fungi. Such a system would offer the potential for transformed compounds of one fungus becoming substrates for the other. Therefore, so-called “crossover” products may be formed. This would result in the production of multiple products of transformation. This system therefore can carry out a type of combinatorial biotransformation. Initial experiments were carried out to determine whether additional compounds can be made using multiple types of fungal beads.

(163) Bioconversion of 53 by Immobilized Cells of M. plumbeus and R. oryzae

(164) Alginate beads derived from two different species of fungus (60 g) were distributed over four 500 mL flasks each containing 125 mL sterilized PDB. Steroid 53 (200 mg) in ethanol (5 mL) was added to the flasks. The immobilized cells and substrate were shaken at 180 rpm for five days. The aqueous medium was decanted, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried with sodium sulfate, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The resulting solid (171.4 mg) was purified using column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded the original steroid (53) (10 mg). Further elution yielded 3β,7β,11α,17β-tetrahydroxyandrost-5-ene (90) (5 mg) which resisted crystallization, [α].sub.D+20.4° (c=3.1, CHCl.sub.3);

(165) IR: ν.sub.max 3454, 1220 cm.sup.−1;

(166) HREIMS: m/z (rel. int.) 304.2039 (10) [M-H.sub.2O].sup.+ (304.2144 calcd. for C.sub.19H.sub.30O.sub.4—H.sub.2O), 302.1882 (3), 288.2086 (4), 286.1933 (4) [M-2H.sub.2O].sup.+;

(167) .sup.1H NMR: δ 0.78 (3H, s, H-18), 1.01 (3H, s, H-19), 3.54 (1H, m, W/2=7.3 Hz, H-17a), 3.47 (1H, m, W/2=7.0 Hz, H-11a), 4.02 (1H, m, W/2=7.0 Hz, H-7a), 5.31 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz, H-6); .sup.13C NMR: δ 14.1 (CH.sub.3-18), 19.6 (CH.sub.3-19), 27.7 (CH.sub.2-15), 30.0 (CH.sub.2-16), 32.8 (CH.sub.2-2), 34.6 (CH-8), 36.5 (C-10), 36.8 (CH.sub.2-1), 38.1 (CH.sub.2-4), 46.1 (CH-9), 48.5 (CH-14), 50.1 (CH.sub.2-12), 50.7 (C-13), 65.4 (CH-11), 70.0 (CH-7), 72.4 (CH-3), 81.9 (CH-17), 120.5 (CH-6), 139.4 (C-5).

(168) The extract from the M. plumbeus/R. oryzae system contained the metabolites that were seen from the individual free cell incubations as well as a new compound. This metabolite (90) possessed a molecular formula of C.sub.19H.sub.30O.sub.4 based on .sup.13C and DEPT NMR data. Two new methines at δ 65.4 and 70.0 were observed. The absence of two methylenes at 20.4 (C-11) and 31.4 ppm (C-7) were also noted. It was then concluded that analog (90) was the 3β,7β,17β-tetrahydroxyandrost-5-ene.

(169) Because compound (90) was not produced by M. plumbeus or R. oryzae when either was incubated alone with (53), these data demonstrate that additional compounds can be made using combinations of different types of fungal cells in co-cultures.

(170) Bioconversion of 53 by Immobilized Cells of R. oryzae and C. echinulata var. elegans

(171) Alginate beads derived from each fungus (60 g) were distributed over four 500 mL flasks each containing 125 mL sterilized PDB. Steroid 53 (200 mg) in ethanol (5 mL) was added to the flasks. The immobilized cells and substrate were shaken at 180 rpm for five days. After incubation, the aqueous medium was decanted, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried with sodium sulfate, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The resulting solid (182.4 mg) was purified using column chromatography. Elution with 25% acetone in dichloromethane afforded fed steroid (14.4 mg). Further elution afforded 3β,8,11α,17β-tetrahydroxyandrost-5-ene (91) (3 mg) which resisted crystallization, [α].sub.D+20.8° (c=2.0, CHCl.sub.3);

(172) IR: ν.sub.max 3447, 1288 cm.sup.−1;

(173) HREIMS: m/z (rel. int.) 304.2039 (14) [M-H.sub.2O]+(304.2144 calcd. for C.sub.19H.sub.30O.sub.4—H.sub.2O), 302.1882 (7), 290.2246 (4), 286.1933 (100) [M-2H.sub.2O].sup.+;

(174) .sup.1H NMR: δ 0.91 (3H, s, H-18), 1.09 (3H, s, H-19), 3.05 (1H, t, J=9.5 Hz, H-3α), 3.67 (1H, m, w/2=18.7 Hz, H-11), 4.23 (1H, m, w/2=9.5 Hz, H-17a), 5.57 (1H, s, H-6);

(175) .sup.13C NMR: δ 13.6 (CH.sub.3-18), 19.2 (CH.sub.3-19), 24.2 (CH.sub.2-15), 29.2 (CH.sub.2-16), 31.2 (CH.sub.2-2), 36.0 (CH.sub.2-1), 36.7 (CH.sub.2-7), 36.9 (CH.sub.2-4), 38.7 (C-10), 40.5 (CH-14), 41.6 (CH.sub.2-12), 47.8 (CH-9), 53.7 (C-13), 70.6 (CH-3), 71.3 (CH-11), 73.5 (C-8), 82.4 (CH-17), 128.8 (CH-6), 143.7 (C-5).

(176) All the compounds, except one, that were isolated from the co-incubation of C. echinulata and R. oryzae were the same as those from the individual incubations. The novel analog (91), based on .sup.13C and DEPT NMR spectra, like 90 had a molecular formula of C.sub.19H.sub.30O.sub.4. This suggested a dihydroxylated derivative of 53. A new methine at δ.sub.c 71.3 was observed along with a nonprotonated carbon at δ 73.5. The .sup.13C NMR spectrum showed loss of the C-11 methylene and the C-8 methine (20.4, 31.6 ppm respectively). Shifts in the carbon values for C-9 and -12 suggested that both C-8 and -11 had been hydroxylated.

(177) These data demonstrate that filamentous fungi contained in fungal beads can be co-cultured to produce compounds that are not produced by a single species of fungi.

(178) ##STR00017##

(179) These data demonstrate that immobilized filamentous fungi can be used for combinatorial biocatalysis. Incubation in an appropriate medium can be used to increase yields of biocatalysis products and to increase the useful life of immobilized cells. Furthermore, incubation of a substrate in the presence of two types of immobilized cells can produce products of crossover, thereby demonstrating the utility of these cells as reusable catalysts and as agents for combinatorial biocatalysis.

Example 6

Additional Mixed Cell Biotransformation Studies

(180) Four species of fungi were used to further investigate the use of multiple species of filamentous fungi in co-fermentations to produce compounds, e.g., for use as compound libraries. The four species used in these experiments were Rhizopus oryzae (ATCC 11145), Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740, Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans (ATCC 8688a) and Whetzelinia sclerotiorum (ATCC 18687). The biocatalysis of the substrates 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (53) and 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (testosterone) (6) were studied in these experiments.

(181) In general, fungal beads were prepared as described supra and were stored at 4° C. until use in a mixed cell fermentation. For mixed cultures using immobilized fungi, the prepared alginate beads were divided into for equal portions (about 50 mL total, about 25 mL per species of fungus) and placed into four 500 mL erlenmeyer flasks, each containing water (125 mL). The substrate (200 mg) in ethanol (5 mL) was added to the flasks. The flasks were shaken at 180 rpm for five days. After the fermentation was complete the water was decanted from the beads and the former was extracted using ethyl acetate (2×300 mL). The organic solution was dried using sodium sulfate, filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was analyzed by TLC and purified by column chromatography. The characterization of the some metabolites was aided by their acetylation and further purifications.

(182) Mixed Cell Biotransformations using 3β,17β-DIHYDROXYANDROST-5-ENE (53) as Substrate

(183) Rhizopus oryzae/Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans

(184) This fermentation produced one metabolite, 6, that was not found in the individual fungal cell fermentations.

(185) Rhizopus oryzae/Whetzelinia sclerotiorum

(186) This fermentation produced one metabolite, 6, that was not found in the individual fungal cell fermentations.

(187) Rhizopus oryzae/Mucor plumbeus

(188) This fermentation produced two metabolites that were not found in the previous individual fungal cell incubations: 14α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (92) and 7β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (93).

(189) Mucor plumbeus/Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans

(190) A total of eight new compounds were isolated from this fermentation; 7α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (94), 3β,14α,17β-trihydroxyandrost-5-en-7-one (95), 3β,5β,6α,7α,17β-pentahydroxyandrostane (96), 3β,5α,6β,7α,17β-pentahydroxyandrostane (97), 3β,5α,6β,7β,17β-pentahydroxyandrostane (98), 3β,5α,6β,11α,17β-pentahydroxyandrostane (99), 3β,5α,6β,15β,17β-pentahydroxyandrostane (100) and 3β,5α,6β,14α,17β-pentahydroxyandrostane (101).

(191) ##STR00018## ##STR00019##
Mixed Cell Bioconversion Using 17β-HYDROXYANDROST-4-EN-3-ONE (2) as Substrate
Mucor plumbeus/Rhizopus oryzae

(192) Fermentations of this experiment yielded 15β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (102) in addition to the analogs isolated from the fermentations with the individual fungi.

(193) Mucor plumbeus/Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans

(194) This incubation afforded four new products of biotransformation, not found in the fermentations with the original micro-organisms. These were androsta-4,6-diene-3,17-dione (103), 7α-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (104), 7α-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (105) and 7β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (93).

(195) ##STR00020##

(196) Overall, these results described herein demonstrate that macerated fungal mycelium, which is then encapsulated in a matrix such as calcium alginate, retains its biocatalytic activity and can be used in biotransformations. Significantly, the ability of the microorganism to carry out hydroxylation of substrates is preserved.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

(197) It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.