FAIR-CT95-1120 Rapid detection systems for mould contamination

Contacts




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Biotechnology : FAIR Area 3 - Generic Science and Advanced Technologies for Nutritious Foods : Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control

	Proposal No:	FAIR-CT95-1120
	Date Prepared:	January 1998
	Source:	Proposal Abstract

Abstract:
Fungal contamination of food and feeds causes considerable economic losses as well as posing a health threat to the consumer, because of mycotoxin production. Current methods for detection of fungal infection in foods are time-consuming and insensitive and do not make use of recent technological developments in analytical methods. The proposal combines the complementary expertise of four research groups in Europe in a coordinated assay development and validation programme. The primary objective of the project is to develop and validate rapid and convenient broad-specificity assays for general fungal contamination of cereals, which will be applicable to both laboratory and field use. The emphasis will be place on immunoassays based on broad-spectrum antibodies to fungal mycelial proteins and also antibodies to ergosterol, a fungal sterol. Instrumental methods (NIR/NIT, electronic nose) for ergosterol detection will also be examined and all methods compared with traditional methods. The study will give a useful insight into the antigenic composition and molecular characterisation of common fungal contaminants of cereals, which will contribute to the setting up of speedier classification systems for novel fungal species.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Dr Marian Kane / Natioanl Diagnostic Centre IRELAND

EC Scientific Officer

• Nicole BOUNAGA / European Commission BELGIUM