Abstract
The production of biotin and bisnorbiotin from biotin diaminocarboxylic acid by the resting cell system of microorganisms was studied. It was found that the resting cells of Bacillus sphaericus convert biotin diaminocarboxylic acid into biotin, and the cells of Rhodotorula rubra potently convert it into bisnorbiotin through biotin. The conversion products from biotin diaminocarboxylic acid by these resting cell systems were chromatographically identified as biotin and bisnorbiotin. These conversions were markedly stimulated by addition of certain amino acids, especially alanine and glutamic acid, suggesting the important role of amino compound in the formation of ureido ring of biotin and bisnorbiotin molecules. This reaction occurred rather favorably under aerobic conditions.
