Biotransformation of DHEA into 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA

Abstract

3β,7α,15α-Trihydroxy-5-androsten-17-one (7α,15α-diOH-DHEA) is a key intermediate of the novel oral contraceptive “Yasmin” (widely used in birth control pills and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy pills; the active ingredient is drospirenone). It can be synthesized from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by microbial dihydroxylation at the C7 and C15 positions. Here we describe the method of bioconversion from DHEA into 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA by Colletotrichum lini. Using 6 g/L DHEA as a substrate, the DHEA conversion and the 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA molar yield were 72.6% and 51.2%, respectively.