Transformation of cortisone acetate using immobilized Arthrobacter simplex cells

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Enzyme Technology
• Microbial Immobilization

Background:

• Cell immobilization is crucial for enzyme stability and reusability in biocatalysis.
• Arthrobacter simplex possesses delta 1-dehydrogenase activity, valuable for steroid transformations.
• Developing robust carriers is essential for industrial enzyme applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new cell immobilization method for Arthrobacter simplex.
• To characterize the immobilized cells and their enzymatic properties.
• To optimize the biotransformation of cortisone acetate to prednisone acetate.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of Arthrobacter simplex BY-2-3-51 cells using a polyvinyl alcohol-alginate complex carrier.
• Preparation of spherical beads with high mechanical strength.
• Study of activation conditions and enzymatic properties of immobilized cells.
• Optimization of shaken culture conditions for biotransformation.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed immobilized cells with high mechanical strength and delta 1-dehydrogenase activity.
• Achieved 98% conversion of cortisone acetate to prednisone acetate within 18 hours at a substrate concentration of 20 mg/mL.
• Demonstrated the stability of immobilized cells through proper activation timing.

Conclusions:

• The polyvinyl alcohol-alginate complex is an effective carrier for Arthrobacter simplex immobilization.
• The immobilized cells exhibit high efficiency and stability for cortisone acetate biotransformation.
• This method offers a promising approach for industrial applications of delta 1-dehydrogenase.