Use of immobilized cells of Rhizopus nigricans for the 11 alpha -hydroxylation of progesterone

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.260230209· OSTI ID:6742326

Maddox, I S; Dunnill, P; Lilly, M D

The filamentous fungus, Rhizopus nigricans, was immobilized in polyacrylamide, alginate, and agar gels and its ability to 11 Alpha -hydroxylate progesterone was examined. No activity was detected using polyacrylamide gel but both agar and alginate gels have proved capable of hydroxylation. Agar gels displayed faster rates and higher yields. It was possible to induce hydroxylase synthesis within agar and alginate gels, and microscopical examination provided evidence for hyphal growth within these gels. The concept of increased biomass was used to explain the observed increases in the rates of hydroxylase activity of the immobilized cells. Conversely, hyphal overcrowding was postulated for the rapid inactivation observed under some operating conditions.

• Research Organization: Dept of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Univ College London, Torrington Place, London WX1E 7JE, United Kingdom
• OSTI ID: 6742326
• Journal Information: Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States), Vol. 23:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
HYDROXYLASES
ENZYME ACTIVITY
PROGESTERONE
HYDROXYLATION
RHIZOPUS
IMMOBILIZED CELLS
BIOSYNTHESIS
ENZYMES
FUNGI
HORMONES
KETONES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
PLANTS
PREGNANES
STEROID HORMONES
STEROIDS
SYNTHESIS
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)
550200 - Biochemistry