Studies on Biosynthesis of Biotin by Microorganisms

Part V. Degradation of Desthiobiotin by Molds

Abstract

During the course of the study on the production of biotin from desthiobiotin by microorganisms, the present authors have found that some strains of molds produced an unknown biotin-vitamer (BS-factor) from desthiobiotin. The present investigation was undertaken to clarify the characteristics of the unknown vitamer. The unknown vitamer produced from desthiobiotin was isolated in crystalline form from culture filtrate of Aspergillus oryzae. The compound isolated was identified as 4-methyl-5-(w-carboxybutyl)-imidazolidone-2 by the physico-chemical procedures.