Low Cost Aptamer-Based Technology for Mycotoxin Detection in Grains

Mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1, are toxins produced by moulds that can adversely affect human health as well as grain industry profitability. Mycotoxins are one of the most important barriers to competitive agriculture in the Great Lakes Region. Corn and wheat production are at the greatest risk of contamination, which is of major concern in Ontario, the largest producer of soft wheat and corn in Canada. Reliable, inexpensive mycotoxin detection tools for use on farms, in country elevators and at processors need to be developed. We seek to develop low-cost, easy-to-use mycotoxin testing tools using a combination of a new technology called “aptamers” and established techniques of thin layer chromatography and lateral flow, or “dipstick”, assays. The proposed internships will allow for the development of optimized mycotoxin aptamers (DNA “antibodies”) that can be integrated with thin layer chromatography and “dipstick” platforms. The marriage of inexpensive and…

Faculty Supervisor:

Maria DeRosa

Student:

Partner:

Canadian National Millers Association

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Carleton University

Program: