Agriculture and Food Research Laboratory (Mycotoxins Laboratory)

Mycotoxins are a group of toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi (Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, Fusarium and penicillium spp), in agricultural crops. Consumption of fungal contaminated food i.e. presence of mycotoxin in food is very harmful to humans and animals. Chronic exposure to high levels of mycotoxins, can cause liver cancer, kidney failure, growth stunting in children, immunosuppression, mutagens and effects on brain, while acute exposure can even be fatal.

Thousands of mycotoxins exist in nature, of which aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone trichothecenes and ergot alkaloids are of more significance. Among these mycotoxins, aflatoxins are the most extensively studied fungal toxin due to their potency and prevalence. 

                                         

The Mycotoxin Laboratory at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is dedicated to the research, analysis, and mitigation of mycotoxin contamination in food, feed, and agricultural products. The laboratory was established to address the growing concerns related to fungal contamination and toxin production, which pose serious threats to public health, food security, and economic stability.

With advanced analytical techniques and expertise, the laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research in mycotoxin detection, prevention, and detoxification methods.

Research Priorities:

•           Isolation and Identification: The laboratory employs advanced analytical techniques for the isolation and identification of mycotoxins produce by fungus.

•           Quantification of Mycotoxins: Quantification of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, fumonisins, in food and feed samples.

•           Mycotoxin Surveillance and Risk Assessment: We conduct nationwide surveys to assess mycotoxin contamination in various agricultural commodities and processed foods. Risk assessment models are developed to evaluate potential human and animal health risks associated with chronic exposure to mycotoxins.

•           Climate Change and Mycotoxin Production: With climate variability affecting fungal growth and toxin biosynthesis, our research extends to understanding the influence of environmental factors on mycotoxin prevalence and distribution.

•           Isolation and Identification secondary metabolites from medicinal Plants:

Different modern techniques are used for the isolation and identification of secondary metabolites for the medicinal plants

•           Detoxification of mycotoxin: Using secondary metabolites:

Detoxifying mycotoxins using secondary metabolites is emerging as a promising, eco-friendly approach to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability. Thus secondary metabolites derived from plants and microorganisms screened to detoxify the mycotoxins.

Characterizing prevalence of mycotoxins in value chain crops and livestock feeds in Nepal

Team members

1. Dr. Rosa Ranjit ([email protected])
2. Mrs. Renu Yadav ([email protected])
3. Mr. Rajaram Khang Khatbe
4. Ms. Anupama Wasti