Penicillium spp. mycotoxins found in food and feed and their health effects

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi. These compounds have different structures and target different organs, acting at different steps of biological processes inside the cell. Around 32 mycotoxins have been identified in fungal Penicillium spp. isolated from food and feed. Some of these species are important pathogens which contaminate food, such as maize, cereals, soybeans, sorghum, peanuts, among others. These microorganisms can be present in different steps of the food production process, such as plant growth, harvest, drying, elaboration, transport, and packaging. Although some Penicillium spp. are pathogens, some of them are used in elaboration of processed foods, such as cheese and sausages. This review summarises the Penicillium spp. mycotoxin toxicity, focusing mainly on the subgenus Penicillium, frequently found in food and feed. Toxicity is reviewed both in animal models and cultured cells. Finally, some aspects of their regulations are discussed.

Assessment of Chemical Composition and Anti-Penicillium Activity of Vapours of Essential Oils from Abies Alba and Two Melaleuca Species in Food Model Systems

“…In particular, the presence of microscopic filamentous fungi (including Penicillium spp.) can compromise human health due to the production of mycotoxins [ 5 ]. Moreover, it is well known that microorganisms have become increasingly resistant to common antifungals, as reported in numerous studies.…”

Characterization of two 1,3-β-glucan-modifying enzymes from Penicillium sumatraense reveals new insights into 1,3-β-glucan metabolism of fungal saprotrophs

“…In addition to well-known species used in pharmaceutical industry as source of β-lactam antibiotics [ 29 ], Penicillium genus includes also opportunistic species that act as plant pathogens [ 30 , 31 ] and as contaminants in the feed and food industry [ 32 , 33 ]. In general, Penicillium species are efficient decomposers that contribute to the global carbon cycle thanks to their ability to feed on the most disparate organic sources due to their marked propension to saprotrophy [ 34 ].…”

Characterization of two 1,3-β-glucan-modifying enzymes from Penicillium sumatraense reveals new insights into 1,3-β-glucan metabolism of fungal saprotrophs.

“…In addition to well-known species used in pharmaceutical industry as source of β-lactam antibiotics [29], Penicillium genus includes also opportunistic species that act as plant pathogens [30,31] and as contaminants in the feed and food industry [32,33]. In general, Penicillium species are e cient decomposers that contribute to the global carbon cycle thanks to their ability to feed on the most disparate organic sources due to their marked propension to saprotrophy [34].…”