MYTOX - Mycotoxins and Toxigenic Mould

Research line 1: toxigenic moulds
The study of toxigenic molds is divided into field fungi (e.g., Fusarium spp. and
Altemaria spp.) and storage fungi (Penicil/ium spp. and Aspergillus spp.). This line of research includes
following themes: 1) impact of the agro-ecosystem and related agricultural practices on the
occurrence of toxigenic fungi, 2) physiological importance of toxin production for the fungus, 3) diversity
of toxigenic fungi in different crops and matrices, 4) succession of new emerging toxigenic
fungi in agricultural and horticultural crops. The expertise of Joos Latre (FNT) within these lines of research will
add value in the development of this research platform.
Research line 2: mycotoxins
This research line includes the study of the occurrence of mycotoxins in cereal-based food and
feed using different analytical techniques, from screening (biosensors, quantum dots),
confirmation (UPC2 , LC-MS/MS) to innovation methodologies (MIPs), as well as untargeted screening among the
expertise mentioned (metabolomics using HRMS).
Research line 3: mycotoxins and animal health
The study on the occurrence of mycotoxins and their effects on (utility) animal health
includes all research on 1) toxicity, 2) toxicokinetics (including animal models for humans), 3) residues in
tissues in relation to public health, 4) interaction with the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, 5) interaction
with drug disposition and kinetics, and 6) evaluation of the safety and efficacy of
mycotoxin binders and detoxifiers. Domains 2) and 4) show a strong interdependence with the expertise
of Frank Pasmans and An Martel (UGent); therefore, these researchers were newly included in the
research platform.

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