Aflascope: Novel sample extraction procedures for improved aflatoxin management

AflaScope is a cross-disciplinary collaboration to examine the feasibility of using an acoutic separation

platform for purification of aflatoxins from crops. Aflatoxins (toxins from storage mould) are a significant

threat to food security, particularly in developing nations. Testing & monitoring are vital but, due to

complex sample prep, high cost, inaccessibility & lack of information, aflatoxin testing is not thoroughly

implement & billions of people are at risk. This innovative project will develop a novel, rapid & chemical-

free procedure for extracting & concentrating aflatoxins. When integrated with down-stream diagnostic

advances, the extraction platform could enable a low-cost, sensitive, portable test system for on-site

aflatoxin monitoring, increasing ease & frequency of testing, & potentially improve decontamination. If

successful, the resultant increase in crop value & safety will bring about a step-change in on-farm

management.