Colonies of Penicillium fungi species on agar plates
Photographer: Jens Christian Nielsen
Colonies of Penicillium fungi species on agar plates. A total of ten different species are shown, each cultivated on two different media, affecting their growth and production of chemicals, including pigments which are diffusing into the media. While these species are already industrially used in the production of antibiotics, other pharmaceuticals, industrial enzymes and in the manufacturing of food products, new research reveals that their potential for production of novel antibiotics is far from exhausted. Penicillia are naturally found in temperate climates growing on organic matter, including soil, plant material, dung and food products. The isolation of novel bioactive compounds from these species might encompass a source of new antibiotics to fight infectious microorganisms.
