Induction and Quantification of Patulin Production in Penicillium Species.

Patulin, a worldwide regulated mycotoxin, is primarily produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus species during fruit spoilage. Patulin contamination is a great concern with regard to human health because exposure of the mycotoxin can result in severe acute and chronic toxicity, including neurotoxic, mutagenic, and immunotoxic effects. Penicillium expansum is known as the main producer of patulin. This protocol addresses the cultivation procedure of P. expansum under patulin permissive conditions and describes the method of collection and detection of patulin.