Transformations of codeine to important semisynthetic opiate derivatives by Pseudomonas putida m10

A biotransformation mixture which contained codeine and washed cells of Pse udomonas putida M10 gave rise to a number of transformation products that a re of clinical importance which included hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine and 14 beta-hydroxycodeine. Incubations with the same organism and codeinone gave rise to 14 beta-hydroxycodeinone and 14 beta-hydroxycodeine. Cell-free ext racts and membrane fractions of P. putida M10 were shown to catalyse the 14 beta-hydroxylation of codeinone. In addition, the potent analgesic oxycodo ne was shown to be produced from 14 beta-hydroxycodeinone. (C) 1999 Federat ion of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B. V. Air rights reserved.