Biotransformation of 3-methoxy-8,14-seco-1,3,5(10),9(11) estratetraen-14,17-dione (secodione) to its 17beta-hydroxy derivative (secol) using immobilized yeast cells (Pichia farinosa Y-118)

The yeast cells of Pichia farinosa Y-118 were immobilized in polyacrylamide gel and used for 17 beta-oxidoreduction of secondione to secol. The loss of hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activity of cells was found to be insignificant during immobilization. The preparation exhibited greater temperature stability as compared to free cells. The ratio of reaction volume to the volume of immobilized biocatalyst in the range 1.4-1.9 was found to be satisfactory for the reaction conditions studied. This ratio played a significant role in the stability of the catalyst particle, since beyond a critical value the disintegration of gel granules was rapid resulting in sharp decline of activity. The immobilized cell preparation could be used 50 times over a period of 100 days without loss of activity. However, the activity declined in further reuses, leaving the preparation 50 and 35% active after its 60th and 70th uses, respectively.