Metabolism of Dimethylphthalate by Aspergillus niger

Aspergillus niger is capable of metabolizing dimethyphthalate. The maximum weight of mycelium wa observed afterabout 6-8 dys of incubation. A TLC analysis revealed the accumulation of metabolites in the resting cell culture. Monomethylphthalate, phthalate, and protocatechuate were shown to be the intermediates by thin layer chromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses. The fungus metabolized dimethylphthalate through monomethylphthalate, phthalate, and protocatechuate as evidenced by the oxygen uptake and an enzymatic analysis. The terminal aromatic metabolite, protocatechuate, is metabolized via the ortho-cleavage pathway.