Title: Immobilization of mycotoxins by new mineral-based adsorbents
Duration: 2019-2020
Principal Investigator: Jakub Matusik
Host Institution: Texas A&M University (College Station, TX, USA), Dr. Youjun Deng
Funding agency: Polish-US Fulbright Commission
Project ID: Fulbright Senior Award

The proposed project was designed to investigate the possibility of using new mineral-based materials as mycotoxin adsorbents. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi which have adverse effects on living organisms. Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed is a serious worldwide problem that is responsible for significant economic losses. Appropriately designed materials based on natural and synthetic minerals are capable of reducing toxins bioavailability. The project will extend the knowledge on the development of new adsorbents and their use for decontamination. The research combines knowledge of experimental mineralogy with environmental protection and crop sciences.