Biosynthesis of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) from red alga—Bangia atropurpurea

The contents of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) of red alga, Bangia atropurpurea, filaments cultured in artificial sea water medium were similar to those cultured in natural sea water medium. In the culture experiment, B. atropurpurea filaments were found to synthesize de novo phthalate esters. Additionally, DEHP and DBP contents in different species of algae grown in the same environment were different significantly, suggesting that it was due to the intrinsic nature of algae.