Citation:
M. Camardo Leggieri, N. Planas Pont, P. Battilani, N. Magan. Detection and discrimination between ochratoxin producer and non-producer
strains of Penicillium nordicum on a ham-based medium using an electronic nose. Mycotoxin Research (2011) volume 27, number 1, pp29-35
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential use of qualitative volatile
patterns produced by Penicillium nordicum to discriminate between ochratoxin A
(OTA) producers and non-producer strains on a ham-based medium. Experiments were
carried out on a 3% ham medium at two water activities (aw ; 0.995, 0.95)
inoculated with P. nordicum spores and incubated at 25°C for up to 14days.
Growing colonies were sampled after 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14days, placed in 30-ml
vials, sealed and the head space analysed using a hybrid sensor electronic nose
device. The effect of environmental conditions on growth and OTA production was
evaluated based on the qualitative response. However, after 7days, it was
possible to discriminate between strains grown at 0.995 aw, and after 14days,
the OTA producer and non-producer strain and the controls could be discriminated
at both aw levels. This study suggests that volatile patterns produced by P.
nordicum strains may differ and be used to predict the presence of toxigenic
contaminants in ham. This approach could be utilised in ham production as part
of a quality assurance system for preventing OTA contamination