Biotechnology Letters, Vol.24, No.15, 1291-1294, 2002
Synthesis of potential buprenorphine intermediates by selective microbial N- and O-demethylation
A group of filamentous fungi from the genus Cunninghamella have been identified as potential biocatalysts in the generation of potential buprenorphine intermediates. A simple batch fermentation procedure results in the formation of dealkylated alkaloid compounds that are readily available for analysis and further chemical modification.