!!! 15 th European Fusarium seminar – May 31 – June 1, 2021 !!!
-Check our Preliminary Program-
The association research platform ‘MYCOTOXINS and TOXIGENIC MOULDS’ strives to solve current mycotoxin problems endemic in human food and animal feed by incorporating it into a global research framework, based on 4 main units. This well-structured multi-disciplinary research group, which deals with all known aspects of mycotoxins and toxigenic mould issues, is able to provide the most adequate strategies and solutions for the different stakeholders
Toxigenic Moulds
This research unit includes following themes: 1. the impact of the agro-ecosystem and related agricultural practices on the occurrenco of toxigenic moulds, 2. physiological consequences of toxin-production of the mould, 3. diversity of toxigenic moulds in several crops and matrices and 4. follow-up of new emerging toxigenic moulds in agricultural and horticultural crops.
Mycotoxins
This research unit entails mycotoxin occurrence studies in cereal-based food and feed using different analytical techniques. These techniques include screening (ELISA-based rapid tests, quantum dots, biosensors, …), confirmative (UPC² and LC-MS/MS) and innovative methodologies (molecularly imprinted polymers, MIPs). MYTOX is also specialized in metabolomics and untargeted screening using state-of-the-art high resolution mass spectrometry.
Mycotoxins and Human Health
This research unit includes all research projects in relation to the occurrence of mycotoxins and its effects on human health; epidemiological studies; risk assessment studies and scenario analyses. Mycotoxins are manifested in humans by acting on the immune system, the gastro-intestinal tract and by the development of plausible carcinogenic effects. Collaborations with WHO and IARC have been set, which enables MYTOX to expand this research unit.
Mycotoxins and Animal Health
This research unit studies the occurrence of mycotoxins and its influence on animal health. Research entails 1. toxicity, 2. toxicokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME), including animal models for humans), 3. residues in tissues in relation to public health, 4. interaction with the pathogenesis of infection diseases, 5. interaction with disposition and kinetics of pharmaceutics and 6. evaluation of the safety and efficacy of mycotoxin binders and detoxifiers.