Substrate selectivity of a 3-nitrophenol-induced metabolic system in Pseudomonas putida 2NP8 transforming nitroaromatic compounds into ammonia under aerobic conditions.

The 3-nitrophenol-induced enzyme system in cells of Pseudomonas putida 2NP8 manifested a wide substrate range in transforming nitroaromatic compounds through to ammonia production. All of the 30 mono- or dinitroaromatic substrates except 4-nitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, 3-nitroaniline, 2-nitrobenzoic acid, and 2-nitrofuran were quickly transformed. Ammonia production from most nitroaromatic substrates appeared to be stoichiometric.