| abstract |
A fortified enzyme preparation of the gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia americana or Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae has been developed which efficiently transforms a variety of precursor molecules, e.g., sterols, to their corresponding metabolites, e.g., 9(11)-secosteroid in high yield. NAD, NADP, and glutamate dehydrogenase can be used as additives in this enzymatic conversion. In addition to naturally-occurring metabolites, novel secosteroids have been prepared. |