Novel Ergot Alkaloids Production from Penicillium citrinum Employing Response Surface Methodology Technique

Abstract

Ergot alkaloids are novel pharmaceutical and therapeutic agents synthesized in this study using fungal species Penicillium citrinum. To get the maximum yield of ergot alkaloids a statistical process of response surface methodology was employed using surface culture fermentation technique. Initially, the strain of Penicillium was improved using physical (ultraviolet (UV) and chemical (ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) treatments to get the maximum yield of ergot alkaloids through surface culture fermentation technique. After improving the strain, survival rate of colonies of Penicillium citrinum treated with UV and EMS was observed. Only 2.04% living colonies were observed after 150 min of exposure of Penicillium citrinum in UV light and 3.2% living colonies were observed after 20 min of the exposure in EMS. The mutated strains of Penicillium citrinum were screened for their production of ergot alkaloids and after fermentation experiments, maximum yield was obtained from PCUV-4 and PCEMS-1 strains. After strain improvement, Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and Box–Behnken design (BBD) of RSM were employed and 10-fold yield enhancement (35.60 mg/100 mL) of ergot alkaloids was achieved. This enhancement in yield of ergot alkaloids proved the positive impacts of RSM and UV on the yield of ergot alkaloids. The study provides a cost effective, economical and sustainable process to produce medically important ergot alkaloids which can be used in various pharmaceutical formulations to treat human diseases.

Ergot Alkaloids Mycotoxins in Cereals and Cereal-Derived Food Products: Characteristics, Toxicity, Prevalence, and Control Strategies

“…According to their structure, EAs are classified into three groups, namely, clavines, lysergic acid amides, and peptides (ergopeptines) [20]. EAs are classified as a tryptophan-derived alkaloid, and their analytical classification has been reviewed by Arroyo-Manzanares et al [21].…”

“…are some EA producers [12,33,34]. Moreover Blansia, Penicillium, and Aspergillus also produce some quantity of EAs [20]. Serious damage and losses can be caused to the production of cereals by the aforementioned species.…”

Global Impact of Ergot Alkaloids

“…In addition to clinical uses of ergot alkaloids, research assessing the sustainable production of ergot alkaloids in desirable formulations is needed. Shahid et al [ 14 ] have developed a response surface methodology to select strains of Penicillium citrinum for their ability to produce ergot alkaloids in culture. Many researchers that study ergot alkaloids can relate to the challenges associated with obtaining purified forms of desired ergot alkaloids in any quantity.…”