Biotransformation of metronidazole by Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 9245

Abstract

Drug biotransformation studies appear as an alternative to pharmacological studies of metabolites, development of new drug candidates with reduced investment as well as the most efficient production of chemical structures involves and drug quality control studies. A wide range of reactions in biotransformations process are catalyzed by microorganisms. Fungi can be considered as a promising source of new biotransformation reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of metronidazole biotransformation through the filamentous fungus Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 9245. The monitoring of metabolite formation was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. The results of the biotransformation of metronidazole showed drug consumption in culture and formation of four new chromatographic peaks of chemical structures not elucidated. The method showed it became linear over 10-70 μg/mL (r = 0.999953). Accuracy, precision and stability studies agree with international guidelines. Results are consistent in accordance to the principles of green chemistry as the experimental conditions had a low environmental impact, and little use of environmental harmful solvents.