Actinomycetes as Producers of Biologically Active Terpenoids: Current Trends and Patents.

Terpenes and their derivatives (terpenoids and meroterpenoids, in particular) constitute the largest class of natural compounds, which have valuable biological activities and are promising therapeutic agents. The present review assesses the biosynthetic capabilities of actinomycetes to produce various terpene derivatives; reports the main methodological approaches to searching for new terpenes and their derivatives; identifies the most active terpene producers among actinomycetes; and describes the chemical diversity and biological properties of the obtained compounds. Among terpene derivatives isolated from actinomycetes, compounds with pronounced antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and other effects were determined.

IEGM 1360, an Effective Biocatalyst of C3 Oxidative Transformation of Oleanane Triterpenoids.

Unlabelled: The optimal conditions for C3 oxidative biotransformation of 1.0 g/L pentacyclic triterpenoids oleanolic (OA) and glycyrrhetinic (GA) acids were determined using the resting cells of IEGM 1360 from the Regional Specialised Collection of Alkanotrophic Microorganisms. Resting cell suspensions (OD 2.

Biotransformation of (-)-Isopulegol by .

The ability of actinobacteria of the genus to biotransform the monoterpenoid (-)-isopulegol has been established for the first time. . strain IEGM 1362 was selected as a bacterium capable of metabolizing (-)-isopulegol to form new, previously unknown, 10-hydroxy () and 10-carboxy () derivatives, which may presumably have antitumor activity and act as respiratory stimulants and cancer prevention agents.

Biotransformation of Oleanane and Ursane Triterpenic Acids.

Oleanane and ursane pentacyclic triterpenoids are secondary metabolites of plants found in various climatic zones and regions. This group of compounds is highly attractive due to their diverse biological properties and possible use as intermediates in the synthesis of new pharmacologically promising substances. By now, their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, and other activities have been confirmed.

Microbial Conversion of Toxic Resin Acids.

Organic wood extractives-resin acids-significantly contribute to an increase in the toxicity level of pulp and paper industry effluents. Entering open ecosystems, resin acids accumulate and have toxic effects on living organisms, which can lead to the ecological imbalance. Among the most effective methods applied to neutralize these ecotoxicants is enzymatic detoxification using microorganisms.