Microbial transformation of maslinic acid by Cunninghamella blakesleana

The pentacyclic triterpenoid maslinic acid (1) was bioconverted by Cunninghamella blakesleana CGMCC 3.910, four metabolites were obtained. On the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectral analyses, their structures were identified as 2α,3β,7β-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (2), 2α,3β,15α-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 2α,3β,7β,15α-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), 2α,3β,7β,13β-tetrahydroxyolean-11-en-28-oic acid (5), all of the metabolites were new compounds. The metabolic pathway was also investigated. This was the first report on the biotransformation of maslinic acid.

Microbial transformation of maslinic acid (1) by Cunninghamella blakesleana CGMCC 3.910.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The biotransformation of maslinic acid by C. blakesleana CGMCC 3.910 produced four metabolites.
► All of the metabolites were new compounds.
► Unusual hydroxylation at C-13 of oleanane skeleton was achieved.