Mycotoxins pose a significant threat to humans and animals as they are commonly found in the environment, both in soil and air, and hence, have a chance of contaminating food or agricultural raw materials. This contamination can occur at any stage, from cultivation and harvesting to storage and processing. When consumers ingest food contaminated with mycotoxins, they can experience harmful effects such as loss of appetite, convulsions, and unconsciousness. Long-term exposure may lead to cancer and eventually result in death.
Additionally, mycotoxins also impact the livestock industry. Farm animals exposed to mycotoxins show a reduced growth rate and immune system function. Their reproductive systems and various organs may also malfunction, leading to decreased production and economic losses for farmers.
MycoSMART is a mycotoxin diagnostic kit that uses Microarray techniques to test for mycotoxins in food or agricultural products. It's the result of a collaborative research and development effort by scientists from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Thailand National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Thammasat University, and School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom.
The kit is notable for its ability to simultaneously detect several types of mycotoxins, ease of use, quick results, and portability. It is particularly suitable for the agriculture, livestock, and food processing industries, especially animal feed, as it can be used to screen agricultural products before they are processed into food items. This helps in preventing and reducing the risk from consuming mycotoxins.
"MycoSMART" is also suitable for farmers and businesses in the agriculture, livestock, and food processing industries. It's challenging to prevent and store agricultural raw materials and food from being contaminated by fungi. Moreover, current changes in weather conditions also promote the growth and production of mycotoxins by fungi.
Therefore, the mycotoxin test kit can conveniently screen agricultural products from the farm to the food processing plant, helping consumers to eat safely and reducing risks and damage to farmers and businesses efficiently.
“MycoSMART” incorporates three main technologies: a Microarray signal reader, a diagnostic test strip using Microarray technique, and a highly sensitive and stable fluorescent substance.
The usage is straightforward. Extracts from food or agricultural raw materials, such as corn or cassava, are dripped onto the test strip, which is then placed in the signal reader. By pressing a button on the touchscreen, the reader detects the fluorescence signal and quickly, accurately reports the analysis results on the screen, at a lower testing cost than other market options.
Currently, MycoSMART can detect up to five types of mycotoxins, including Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) found in flour and peanut products, Deoxynivalenol (DON) found in cereal products like wheat, corn, barley, Fumonisin B1 (FUMB1) found in corn seeds consumed by humans and animals, T-2 toxin (T-2) found in cereals like oats, millets, and Zearalenone (ZON) primarily found in animal feed raw materials.
Source: National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
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