Analysis of secondary metabolites of microscopic fungi of the genus Penicillium by chromatographic techniques

Combinations of various regimens of thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was efficient in analyzing 39 nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites (alkaloids) produced by 12 strains of microscopic fungi of the genus Penicillium. Chromatographic mobility of alkaloids on Silufol plates was determined in the following systems (following staining with the Ehrlich reagent): (a) chloroform, methanol, and 25% NaOH (90:10:1, 90:10:0.1, or 80:20:0.2); (b) chloroform and acetone (9:1); and (c) ethyl acetate, methanol, and 25% NH4OH (85:15:10). Conditions for separation of clavine alkaloids by HPLC on Spherisorb ODS2 and Supelcosil LC-18 columns (gradient elution) were optimized. Retention values of 22 alkaloids were compared to those of agroclavine and roquefortine.