Green Manufacturing of Steroids via Mycolicbacteria: Current Status and Development Trends

Steroids, the second largest drug category ranked after antibiotics, find widespread use in treatments for reproductive health, endocrine regulation, and inflammation. Advances in steroidal chemistry to date have led to the widespread use of sterols as starting substances in the development of environmentally friendly biotechnologies for steroid production, including biocatalysis, microbial transformations, and biosynthesis using engineered micro-organisms. In this review, we synthesize some of the recent advancements in steroid biocatalysis using the Mycolicibacterium species, including the identification and modification of crucial elements for enhanced production. We also delve into the detailed characterization and reconstruction of metabolic pathways in specific microbial strains, shedding light on their potential for steroid biosynthesis. Additionally, we highlight the development of innovative de novo biosynthesis pathways for steroids within engineered cell factories. These results collectively provide an overview of the current landscape and emerging trends in green steroid manufacturing within the steroidal pharmaceutical industry.