An HPTLC Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Compactin and Citrinin in Penicillium citrinum Fermentation Broth

A simple and precise high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been established for simultaneous analysis of compactin and citrinin (a mycotoxin) in Penicillium citrinum fermentation broth. The compounds were separated on aluminum foil-backed silica gel 60F(254) plates with toluene-ethyl acetate-formic acid 3:2:1 (v/v) as mobile phase. The R-F of compactin and citrinin were 0.47 and 0.62, respectively. Densitometric analysis of compactin and citrinin was performed at 238 and 366 nm. Calibration data revealed good linear relationships (r(2) = 0.998 and 0.996) between peak area and concentration of compactin and citrinin. The method was used for analysis of compactin and citrinin in broth from culture of P citrinum MTCC 1256 and P citrinum NICM 768. The method can be used for rapid routine analysis of citrinin and compactin levels in fermentation broth during compactin production.