Mycotoxins Elimination
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, which contaminate food and feed, and pose a significant threat to human and animal health. The elimination of mycotoxins has become a major challenge in food safety and security.
Recently, graphene oxide and activated bentonites have been proposed as promising materials for mycotoxin elimination. Graphene oxide has a high surface area, and its hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties make it suitable for the adsorption of a wide range of mycotoxins. Activated bentonites, on the other hand, have a high cation exchange capacity and can effectively bind mycotoxins.
The use of graphene oxide and activated bentonites for mycotoxin elimination represents a new approach in the state of the art. These materials have several advantages over traditional methods, such as high selectivity, efficiency, and safety. However, further research is needed to optimize the use of these materials and to assess their potential impacts on food quality and safety.
Graphen Oxide
Graphene oxide is a derivative of graphene, a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Graphene oxide is produced by the oxidation of graphite, and it has unique properties that make it useful for various applications. Graphene oxide has shown promising results in the elimination of mycotoxins, which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain types of fungi that can contaminate food and feed. Graphene oxide has a high surface area and strong adsorption capacity, which allows it to effectively capture mycotoxins from contaminated matrices such as grains and animal feed.
Our goal is to develop and modify graphene oxide to increase its effectiveness for the adsorption of deoxynivalenol, which is a mycotoxin that is difficult to eliminate using commonly available adsorbents.
Project: 2017 – 2019: Commercial use of nanoabsorbents of mycotoxins in animal nutrition (Principal investigator Pavel Horky)
2018 – 2019: Nanoabsorbents of mycotoxins in the feed industry TAČR Zéta TJ01000116 (Principal investigator Pavel Horky)
Research outcomes: Pilot plan: Nanoabsorbents of mycotoxins aplication in the polygastric animal diet, 2019.
Research article: Usability of graphene oxide as a mycotoxin binder: In vitro study, PlosOne, 2020
Advanced Materials
Bentonites are clay minerals that have been widely used for the elimination of mycotoxins in animal feed. Bentonites have a high adsorption capacity due to their layered structure, which allows them to bind to mycotoxins and prevent their absorption by animals.
Activated bentonites have been shown to be even more effective in mycotoxins elimination. By modifying the structure of bentonites, their surface area and porosity can be increased, leading to a higher adsorption capacity.
The aim of the research is to develop a revolutionary absorber of mycotoxins, based on activated and purified clay, which will have a high affinity for economically important mycotoxins.
Project: 2019 – 2021: Advanced materials as a tool to eliminate mycotoxins in animal feed TAČR Zéta TJ02000062 (Principal investigator Pavel Horky)
Research outcomes: Utility model: Use of advanced nanomaterials as adsorbents of mycotoxins in cooperation with Addicoo Group, 2022
Research article: Is a new generation of mycotoxin clay adsorbents safe in a pig’s diet?, Porcine Health Management, 2022
Research article: Protective effect of a new generation of activated and purified bentonite in combination with yeast and phytogenic substances on mycotoxin challenge in pigs, PlosOne, 2021