Bioconversion of 16-dehydropregnenolone Acetate to Exclusively 4-androstene-3,17-dione by Delftia acidovorans MTCC 3363.

Delftia acidovorans MTCC 3363 was found to convert 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate (16-DPA) exclusively to 4-androstene-3, 17-dione (AD). Addition of 9α-hydroxylase inhibitors was not required for preventing the accumulation of byproducts. The effect of pH, temperature, substrate concentration, surfactants and carrier solvents on this bioconversion has been studied.