Improved production of pharmacologically-active sclerotiorin by penicillium sclerotiorum

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this work was to study the optimum conditions for the production of sclerotiorin, a highly active secondary metabolite of Penicillium sclerotiorum under different cultural media. Methods: A Brazilian strain of P. sclerotiorum was grown under different culture conditions in two liquid media (malt and a dextrose-peptone salt medium supplemented with sodium chloride) and in solid state fermentation in rice. Sclerotiorin production was monitored by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Quantitative analysis of sclerotiorin content by HPLC indicated that sclerotiorin production reached the highest level (up to 313 ± 10 mg.L-1) in the dextrose-based medium after 10 days of fermentation. Rice and malt broth showed lower production levels. Conclusion: Enhanced production of P. sclerotiorin for pharmaceutical development can be achieved using dextrose-based cultures. © Pharmacotherapy Group.