000009: Anti-mycotoxin Compound and a Screening Test for Mycotoxin Inhibitors
Case ID:
TEC2000-0009
Web Published:
7/21/2014
Description:
Mycotoxins, metabolites produced by specific fungi,
are introduced into the food chain by pre-harvest and post-harvest contamination
of foods and livestock feed. Infestation of crops and food by mycotoxin
producing fungi causes serious immunosuppressive, carcinogenic, cytotoxic, and
teratogenic effects in humans and animals. The Aspergillus mycotoxin, aflatoxin,
is the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen and one of the most
economically important mycotoxins worldwide. Fusarium mycotoxins infect the
grain of developing wheat and maize and include deoxynivalenol and zearalenone,
which are acutely toxic to humans, causing sickness and potentially
death.
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits the
allowable amount of mycotoxins in animal feed and food for human consumption,
but the effect of chronic exposure to low levels of mycotoxins on human health
is unknown. In areas of the world where regulations do not exist, mycotoxins
cause serious health problems.
Description
A naturally occuring compound comprised of C18
alkenylene piperidine amide that inhibits mycotoxin production, specifically
aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol (DON), but does not inhibit fungal growth; for use
as a post-harvest treatment for seeds, nuts and grains.
A screening test
for compounds that inhibit the production of mycotoxin, through interactions
with mycotoxin biosynthesis genes, for the identification and development of new
anti-mycotoxin compounds.
Benefits
Anti-mycotoxin compound
and screening test:
- Specific
action: Compound specifically targets fungal biosynthesis of mycotoxin,
not fungal growth.
- Provides
broad spectrum activity: Compound demonstrates activity against aflatoxin
and deoxynivalenol (DON).
- Post-harvest
application: Compound can be applied to crops and nuts, during storage
and transportation.
- Easy to run
and evaluate results: Screening test uses standard TLC system.
- Inexpensive: Screening test doesn't require additional
expensive reagents or technology.
- Identifies
active compound: Screening test can be used in purification schemes to
isolate the active compound from the material.
- Specific: Screening test targets the biosynthesis of
mycotoxin, not fungal growth.
Applications
The anti-mycotoxin compound has applications in the
chemical, agricultural, food science and nutrition, and energy (ethanol
production) sectors to inhibit post-harvest fungal mycotoxin production on
crops, nuts, and seeds (for human and animal consumption). It would be applied
by growers, storage facility personnel and shippers. The screening test has
applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, veterinary and agricultural
sectors for use in the identification and development of new anti-mycotoxin
compounds.
Development
Status
The compound composition is patented but research
continues on formula optimiziation. A functional prototype of the screening test
is developed.
IP Protection
Status
Additional
Information
Patent Information:
| App Type |
Country |
Serial No. |
Patent No. |
File Date |
Issued Date |
Expire Date |
For Information, Contact:
Thomas Herlache
Assistant Director
Michigan State University - Test
517-355-2186
herlache@msu.edu
