Reducing exposure to mycotoxins using computational toxicology and nanostructured materials

Authors: Appell, Michael; Compton, David; Evans, Kervin; TU, YI-SHU - Ministry Of Science And Technology; TSENG, JANE - National Taiwan University; FINLEY, JOHN - Louisiana State University

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/5/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Food safety and security are important to ensure a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply. Foodborne illnesses are serious public health problems that often occur due to pathogen contamination of commodities and lack of adequate detection and monitoring efforts. Contamination of grains and fruits by mycotoxin producing fungi poses health risks to humans and animals. Computational assessments of toxins and antifungal agents with genetic functional approximation methods have developed predictive models to improve toxin detection and aid the development of better antifungals and materials to remove toxins. In an iterative process, rationally designed nanostructured synthetic materials have been developed that enable more robust and rapid methods to reduce exposures to ochratoxin A in wines, patulin in apple juice, and citrinin and fusaric acid in corn. The approaches presented contribute to broader efforts to realize sustainable food security and safety.