GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrog - 2004

22. MICROORGANISMS AS OBJECTS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

22.5. TRANSFORMATION OF SUBSTANCES BY MICROORGANISMS

22.5.3. Microbial transformations of heterocyclic compounds

The biochemical activity of microorganisms is also utilized for the transformation of certain heterocyclic compounds.

Transformation of indole derivatives. Among indole compounds, Tryptophan metabolites are of particular interest: tryptamine, serotonin, their substituted analogs, tryptophol, and indole-3-acetic acid. These compounds play an important role in metabolic processes and are intensively studied from biochemical and medical Perspectives.

Microbial transformations of indole derivatives primarily involve hydroxylation. For instance, the main product of indole-3-acetic acid oxidation by the Fungi Claviceps purpurea is 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid. A similar reaction can be performed by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus awamori.

Transformation of pyridine derivatives. Nicotinic acid and its amide (Vitamin PP) are generally produced by chemical synthesis; however, pathways for the MICROBIAL TRANSFORMATION OF the corresponding substrates have already been developed:

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Last update: 12/08/2026

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