Researchers developed a process to increase the production of important steroid medicines using a special type of bacteria and a compound called hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin. By adding phytosterol to the bacteria's growth medium, they were able to produce high amounts of steroid metabolites like 9-hydroxy-androstenedione. This process was carried out in a bioreactor and resulted in significantly higher production levels compared to previous methods. The use of recycled cells and hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin makes this method cost-effective and suitable for industrial use.