Biocatalyzed transformation of progesterone by Geobacillus gargensis DSM 15378

The formation of secosteroids, 9,10-seco-4-pregnene-3,9,20-trione and 9,10-seco-4-pregnene-20α-hydroxy-3,9-dione, catalyzed by thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus gargensis DSM 15378 from progesterone is being reported for the first time. In addition, seven other hydroxy/keto progesterone derivatives, 7-ketoprogesterone, 11-ketoprogesterone, 20α-hydroxyprogesterone, 6β-hydroxyprogesterone, 6α-hydroxyprogesterone, 5α-pregnane-3,6,20-trione and 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-6,20-dione, were identified through their spectral data. The influence of SDS, as a surfactant, on progesterone biotransformation products was investigated.