US4444884A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for preparing steroids
Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
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Filing: 1982-09-21
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Granted: 1984-04-24
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Expires: 2002-09-21
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a method for enhancing the degradation of the side chain of sterols possessing branched chains at C-24 utilizing microbiological means by including an exogenous source of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in the medium in which the degradation is being carried out.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles J. Sih
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:08
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12P; C12P33/00; C12P33/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
An improved process for preparing useful androstane steroids from phytosterols characterized by the presence of branched chains at C-24, which comprises selectively cleaving the 17-side chains of said phytosterols by exposing them to fermentative action of enzymes elaborated by a microorganism of the genus Nocardia, Mycobacterium, Arthrobacter or Corynebacterium characterized by the ability to cleave the 17-side chain of phytosterols and to respond to the HCO 3 - ion during the cleavage process, in the presence of a one carbon unit chemical compound which can be converted by the microorganisms to the bicarbonate ion, or CO 2 , sufficient in amount to enhance the cleavage of the 17-side chain of the phytosterols but insufficient to adversely affect the elaboration of enzymes by the microorganism and recovering the desired androstane steroids.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
An improved process for preparing useful androstane steroids from phytosterols characterized by the presence of branched chains at C-24, which comprises selectively cleaving the 17-side chains of said phytosterols by exposing them to fermentative action of enzymes elaborated by a microorganism of the genus Nocardia, Mycobacterium, Arthrobacter or Corynebacterium characterized by the ability to cleave the 17-side chain of phytosterols and to respond to the HCO 3 - ion during the cleavage process, in the presence of a one carbon unit chemical compound which can be converted by the microorganisms to the bicarbonate ion, or CO 2 , sufficient in amount to enhance the cleavage of the 17-side chain of the phytosterols but insufficient to adversely affect the elaboration of enzymes by the microorganism and recovering the desired androstane steroids.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the exposure to the enzymes elaborated by the microorganism is accomplished during cultivation of the microorganism in an aqueous nutrient medium under submerged aerobic conditions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the bicarbonate ion is supplied by the introduction of carbon dioxide into the medium during the cultivation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature in the range from about 10° C. to about 37° C. for a period of about 12 hours to about 12 days.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the exogenous source of bicarbonate ion (HCO 3 --) is sufficient to a bicarbonate ion concentration in the range from about 25 mM to about 200 mM.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the exposure to the enzymes elaborated by the microorganism is accomplished in a nutrient medium in which said enzymes have been incorporated after they have been released from a growing culture of the microorganisms and recovered.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the phytosterol is sitosterol.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the phytosterol is campesterol.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the microorganism is of the genus Mycobaterium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the Mycobacterium is Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the Mycobacterium is Mycobacterium sp. NRRL-3683.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the Mycobacterium is phlei NRRL B-15050.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-04-24 | 1987-10-24 | 1988-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-04-24 | 1991-10-24 | 1992-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-04-24 | 1995-10-24 | 1996-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |