Workshop on analytical methods for mycotoxin analysis From August 27 till September 7, 2012 the Laboratory of Food Analysis (UGent) will organize a workshop on the most important analytical methodologies for mycotoxin analysis for researchers from food and feed producing …
The association research group '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:
- Prevention and control of moulds in the food and feed chain
- Mycotoxin analysis and method development
- Classification and identification of moulds
- Effect of mycotoxins on animal health
This well-structured multidisciplinary 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
Prevention and control of moulds in the food chain
The knowledge of the physiology and mycotoxin production of toxigenic moulds is a central aspect to this research domain. Therefore, the occurrence of moulds in food and feed as well as different parameters that influence mould growth are being investigated. Based on the existing information and knowledge, prevention and control strategies are being developed.
Mycotoxin analyses and method development
This unit is specialized in the development and validation of analytical methods for mycotoxin analyses, including chromatographic methods (e.g. multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of more than 20 mycotoxins) as well as the immunobased rapid tests.
Innovating research techniques such as MIPs (molecularly imprinted polymers) and SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) are introduced for mycotoxin analysis.
Classification and identification of moulds
Within this unit, new PCR-techniques were recently optimised and applied to identify different Fusarium species
Effect of mycotoxins on animal health
This research unit studies the influence of mycotoxins on the intestinal health in pigs and poultry. Besides, the influence of these toxins on the course of a Salmonella infection in pigs is studied. Based on these results, prevention and control strategies are being developed.
