Investigation of Penicillium chrysogenum Isolates for their Suitability as Starter Cultures.

One hundred twenty three isolates ofP. chrysogenum were biologically tested in brine shrimp test and screened withStaphylococcus aureus for the detection of antibacterial activity. Furthermore, they were chemically examined (thin layer chromatographic method, TLC) for the synthesis of 8 mycotoxins (citrinin, cyclopiazonic acid, mycophenolic acid, patulin, penicillic acid, PR-toxin, ochratoxin A, and roquefortine). The results indicated that 85% of the tested isolates produce roquefortine and one isolate produces cyclopiazonic acid. Considering the results of the chemical assay for mycotoxins as well as the results of the brine shrimp test and the detection of antibacterial activity, 119 (97%) of the tested isolates are not suitable to be used as starter cultures for mould-fermented meats. The extracts of only 4 isolates were subjected to further biological tests in mice and the results indicated that only one isolate was non-toxinogenic.