Rapid biosensor for the detection of mycotoxin in wheat
Type of the activity: Applied research project
Financing: 7th European Commission Framework programme for the benefit of SME-AGs under grant agreement n°286522 Duration of the project: 01/09/2010- 31/08/2013 |
Background
Most mycotoxins are known to hazardously contaminate crops and consequently animal feeds and animal products, causing significant economic losses associated with their impact on animal and human health, animal productivity and domestic and international trade. While the economic effects are not easily calculated due to the several participants in the grain sector, European Union is setting stricter and stricter limits of mycotoxin concentrations. Deoxynivalenol also known as DON or vomitoxin is one of about 150 related compounds known as the trichothecenes that are formed by a number of species of Fusarium and some other fungi. It is nearly always formed before harvest when crops are invaded by certain species of Fusarium such as F. graminearum and F. culmorum.
The MYCOHUNT project aims at increasing the competitiveness of a large group of SMEs by developing a cost-effective method to detect infection of DON in wheat grains, a major threat to the food and feed sector of the European industry. A group of SME Associations, covering the two sectors and representing vast number of SMEs, have put together this project in order to gain knowledge and resources to further exploit the results of the novel technology proposed by providing a thorough sampling and measurement method of grain.
The economic consequences of mycotoxin infection to animal husbandry and the cost of infected crop to farmers as well as mill and storage house owners are of increasing concern while human health and safety effects are and must be addressed additionally.
Project description
Objectives
TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES
SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES
ECONOMIC OBJECTIVE
TRAINING, DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION OBJECTIVES
Project outcome
The main achievements of this project are so far:
Main partners
The MYCOHUNT consortium coordinated by MFKK Invention and Research Center Services Co. Ltd includes 18 partners (SME associations, research centres, universities and private SME companies) from 10 EU countries, involved in the cereals sector.
Project team
Coordination:
Scientific and Technical project coordinator: Ms. Emese Karácsonyi
Administrative and Financial project coordinator: Mr. Attila Uderszky
MFKK Invention and Research Center Services Co. Ltd
Tétényi út 84-86
H-1119 Budapest
Tel: +36 1 787 4024 /327
Fax: +36 1 787 4390
Email: mycohunt@mfkk.hu
Web site: http://www.mycohunt.eu