Fluorescence Polarization Assay for the Determination of Fumonisins, Aflatoxins and DON Vomitoxins (Phase II)

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Fumonisin, Aflatoxin, and DON Vomitoxin are mycotoxins produced by mold and fungus and found in seeds and grain products. Grain mycotoxins affect human health, animal health, and commodity value. Fluorescence Polarization (FPA) diagnostic technology provides an efficient way for grain producers and processors to check mycotoxin levels prior to shipment or final food processing. Diachemix uses FPA technology since it is quicker and easier to perform than other diagnostic technologies. FPA tests are performed in minutes, and require fewer steps, procedures, and materials than other methods. FPA uses a homogeneous format with none of the incubation or washing steps of heterogeneous diagnostic technologies. FPA is a quantitative assay performed in a field setting or in a central reference laboratory. Advanced lab technician skills are not necessary for FPA technology. FPA diagnostic technology has long been used in the human clinical market where it has proven to be both safe and effective. This project advances the development of FPA for mycotoxin detection (including Fumonisins, Aflatoxins, and Don vomitoxins) in grains and other grain products. FPA technology allows more efficient testing for mycotoxin levels by grain producers and processors. FPA detection tests are rapid (usually performed in minutes), easy to perform, and less expensive to perform than other detection technologies. FPA is a quanitative technology that can be performed either in the field, at the grain processing facility or central reference laboratory.