TRALSPEC-AI |Development and validation of a novel method for the determination of Tropane Alkaloids in Food and Food Products
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch of Biological Sciences
Abstract
Datura spp. is rich in tropane alkaloids (TAs), plant secondary compounds produced in response to environmental stressors. The entire plant is toxic and now invade crops such as maise, millet, amaranth, buckwheat, flax/linseed, sunflowers, sorghum, and soybeans. Recently, many people in Uganda suffered from severe food poisoning illness and fatality due to the consumption of Super Cereal contaminated by TAs. The gold standard methods for detecting and quantifying TAs in foods are time-consuming, laborious, expensive. They require a high level of expertise-- implying that stakeholders, such as the crop producers, cannot use these in quality control of their commodities. Our proposal aims to answer the question: can TA contamination that can poison the consumers be detected and thus prevented using vibrational spectroscopy coupled with data analytics to give accurate and real-time measurements? To answer this question, we aim to develop and validate a novel approach to gold standard methods in quantifying TAs in foods, therefore alerting for toxicity. The methods will be based on validated vibrational spectroscopic (infrared) techniques. Foods with a wide range of TA concentrations will be obtained from the European Union Reference Laboratories. They will be scanned using a benchtop and portable IR instrument. They will use Artificial intelligence (Machine Learning) to analyse the large volume of spectral data, resulting in predictive modelling that will detect concentrations of TAs in scanned foods. The model will be imported into the benchtop and portable IR instruments, thus in a way, automating the TA analysis to give real-time measurements. This is user-friendly and can be used at any stage along the food supply chain. We will compare the results obtained from this novel approach with the gold standard methods (Gas & Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) or MS/MS).
Publications
Gravador R
(2024)
Reports of tropane alkaloid poisonings and analytical techniques for their determination in food crops and products from 2013 to 2023
in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
| Description | The significant findings of TRALSPEC-AI are the following: 1. Development of: 1a. A method to confirm and quantify tropane alkaloids (TAs; specifically, atropine and scopolamine) in food grains and products using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is referred to as the gold standard in this field. We devised a sample preparation procedure for LC-MS/MS called "dilute and shoot," which is relatively rapid, straightforward, and cost-effective compared to other methods available in the literature for analysing TAs. Additionally, we discovered that TAs from Datura stramonium seeds can be transferred to food grains (e.g., soybeans) through prolonged physical contact. 1b. Novel and rapid methods to detect Datura stramonium, which is a rich source of TAs, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs). NIRs, a light-based technology, function by shining NIR light on a sample, which interacts with the sample, some light gets absorbed by the sample, and the reflected light goes to the detector, creating a "fingerprint" specific to the sample's composition. The NIR instruments used in this study include a portable spectrometer (handheld) and a desktop hyperspectral imaging (camera) system, which are relatively affordable compared to LC-MS/MS. Unlike LC-MS/MS, these techniques are non-destructive and require little to no sample preparation, making them easily usable by non-experts, such as our producers and farmers, for on-farm or online monitoring of Datura stramonium and prediction of tropane alkaloids concentration. 2. Through TRALSPEC-AI, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) established a partnership that facilitates the exchange of knowledge and information, data, and samples for research purposes. This project also motivated the University of the Philippines Los Baños to establish a memorandum of understanding with the School of Biological Sciences at QUB, enabling knowledge exchange through visits, training of scholars, and collaborative projects between institutions. 3. Finally, the results of this project and additional information about tropane alkaloids were communicated and disseminated globally through a seminar series (in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Philippines) and participation in international conferences. The researcher engaged with young audiences at primary and secondary schools through interactive games, which the host schools adapted into learning materials for teaching students across various disciplines. |
| Exploitation Route | For Academic Routes: Research findings (are) will be published in open-access scholarly journals and presented at international conferences to engage the scientific community. The results of TRALSPEC-AI will contribute to advancing knowledge regarding the rapid detection of tropane alkaloids in food crops and products, stimulating further research in this area, and the possibility of other food contaminants. These efforts will foster partnerships with other academics, leading to new research projects that build upon the findings of TRALSPEC-AI and create a broader academic impact. For Non-Academic Routes: The method developed in this research, particularly the NIR-based devices, could be enhanced in collaboration with stakeholders, particularly the industry, to apply them in practical settings. The results of TRALSPEC-AI can be shared with non-academic audiences through social media platforms and public events, effectively communicating our research and raising awareness about tropane alkaloids and food safety in general. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Education Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Other |
| Description | Academic Impact: TRALSPEC-AI aimed to develop a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for detecting tropane alkaloids and their plant sources in food crops and products. Initially, a gold-standard method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed, which is relatively quick and straightforward compared to similar methods reported in the literature. Subsequently, novel rapid methods utilising near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) combined with chemometrics (data analytics) were developed, including a portable NIR spectrometer and hyperspectral imaging (camera). These advancements will contribute significantly to the evolution of rapid testing technologies for tropane alkaloids and their plant sources. With further research, these methods could also be adapted to detect other emerging plant toxins and contaminants in food. Industry Application: The introduction of novel rapid methods using either a portable (handheld) NIR device or hyperspectral imaging technology can be swiftly adopted by various industries. Furthermore, this technology can be developed and adapted to determine other food contaminants and quality issues. By implementing these methods, TRALSPEC-AI can enhance the industry's capacity to detect and remove contaminated products from the supply chain promptly, thereby improving consumer safety and reducing the economic burden associated with food poisoning and illnesses, such as the tropane alkaloid-related poisoning incidents in Uganda in 2019. Economic Impact: TRALSPEC-AI addresses declining crop safety due to plants and weeds that produce tropane alkaloids. The rapid NIR-based methods developed in this project are efficient, straightforward, and inexpensive, requiring no sample preparation. These methods are particularly relevant in the United Kingdom's food safety testing market, which is expected to grow due to technological advancements and stricter regulatory requirements. Societal Impact: The adoption and further enhancement of TRALSPEC-AI's novel NIR-based methods could lead to the creation of comprehensive databases detailing the tropane alkaloid content in various foods. Such a database can assist food safety authorities in establishing assessments and guidelines. The technique will be valuable for various stakeholders, including the World Food Programme (WFP), in monitoring raw materials and products supplied as humanitarian aid to developing countries. These rapid approaches do not require expensive equipment, complex analytical procedures, or expert personnel, making them accessible for non-experts such as crop producers. As a result, tropane alkaloid-contaminated foods can be screened more quickly and easily, with traceability back to their sources, ultimately enhancing consumer and public safety. Climate change impact: Climate change exacerbates toxic weed growth (such as tropane alkaloids producing Datura stramonium) and competition with crops (such as soybeans, wheat and corn), threatening agricultural productivity and food safety. With the detection method developed by TRALSPEC-AI, it is possible to rapidly detect the presence of toxic tropane alkaloids producing plant and contaminants in food, therefore enhancing food security and protecting consumer health and safety. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Retail,Other |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | Interactive Learning Startegy for Primary and Secondary Students |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Impact | The interactive game was printed on vinyl, providing an engaging platform for students (two at a time) to participate actively in the gameplay. Their peers, who acted as an enthusiastic audience, were curious and fully engaged as they watched the action unfold. The excitement in the room was evident, with both the players and the audience eager to tackle the questions that arose during the game. As a result of this positive experience, the host school's principal and teachers decided to adopt the interactive game for their teaching and learning activities. This innovative approach has inspired the teachers to develop more interactive materials to enhance their classes. Given that students' attention spans in class often last less than 30 minutes, this learning material will be invaluable in refocusing students' attention and fostering engagement. |
| Description | Project influence at the international level through partnership with WFP |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Impact | Currently, no formal changes arising from TRALSPEC-AI's influence in these areas. However, we aim for the novel, rapid, and cost-effective method developed for detecting tropane alkaloids and the plants that produce them to be adopted by producers or suppliers involved in the World Food Programme's humanitarian and nutrition activities. Transitioning from traditional, more expensive, and complex methods of detecting tropane alkaloids in food to these rapid testing methods can significantly reduce the time and resources needed for food safety assessments. Additionally, this innovation can enhance supply chain management by enabling quicker identification of contaminated products. This will help food producers and distributors manage their supply chains more effectively, prevent the distribution of unsafe food, and protect the health of beneficiaries. We expect that adopting these rapid methods will decrease the number of cases of food poisoning and health issues related to consuming foods contaminated with tropane alkaloids. Future legislation is hoped to promote the use of rapid testing methods, such as those developed by TRALSPEC-AI, in food production and distribution. This would allow for more effective monitoring and enforcement of food safety standards, ultimately reducing the risk of poisoning events related to plant toxins. |
| Title | Dilute-and-shoot technique for atropine and scopolamine analysis on LC-MS/MS |
| Description | This study has revolutionised the extraction of tropane alkaloids from food grains by optimising a cost-effective dilute-and-shoot technique. This procedure involves adding the extraction solvent to the ground sample (solid-liquid extraction, SLE), and the mix is shaken, centrifuged, and diluted before filtering and injection into the LC-MS/MS system. Unlike most studies that use SLE followed by a solid-phase extraction (SPE), which can be expensive, laborious and time-consuming, this study's dilute-and-shoot procedure does not involve concentration or evaporation of extraction solvent steps. The dilute and shoot is the only clean-up step used for the extract before LC injection, significantly simplifying and shortening the analytical procedure. In addition, dilute and shoot ensures a high yield and recovery rate. The extraction solvent employed in the study of tropane alkaloids here consisted of 60% organic solvent only, and the procedure required a non-specialised instrument (a shaker). The procedure allows at least 60 samples to be extracted simultaneously, making it a highly efficient and cost-effective sample preparation method that can be adopted for other solid samples. The method paper is under review and will be published in an open-access journal. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The development of a rapid and straightforward "dilute and shoot" method for extracting tropane alkaloids from food grains and products, followed by analysis using LC-MS/MS, has several significant impacts: 1. This method allows quicker and more accurate detection and quantification of tropane alkaloids in food compared to other available techniques. By identifying contaminated products through the method, they can be removed, thereby enhancing food safety and reducing the risk of consumer exposure to tropane alkaloids. 2. The dilute and shoot procedure allows for the extraction of a large number of samples simultaneously (high-throughput), significantly improving efficiency and reducing the time and resources needed for tropane alkaloid analysis. 3. The extraction procedure and analysis developed by TRALSPEC-AI may motivate other researchers and industries to implement similar methods in their laboratories. This could lead to broader applications and an acceleration in the detection and management of tropane alkaloids, not only in the food sector but also in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitoring. 4. By utilizing this rapid and straightforward dilute-and-shoot technique alongside LC-MS/MS for tropane alkaloid detection can help reduce economic losses associated with food recalls and contamination incidents. This approach supports the development of safe products and helps build consumer trust. 5. The dilute and shoot procedure with LC-MS/MS can further scientific understanding by providing insights into tropane alkaloids, including their metabolism, distribution, and effects on human health. The results of these investigations can inform policy and regulatory frameworks related to food safety. The method paper is under review, has been presented at various international conferences, and has gained attention from attendees. |
| Title | Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for the detection of Datura stramonium seeds |
| Description | Near-infrared (NIR) technologies, including portable NIR spectrometers and hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI), provide a rapid and non-destructive solution for detecting Datura stramonium seeds in food grains. These innovative instruments require minimal (sample grinding/milling to powder) to no sample preparation (no extraction or purification steps as in LC-MS). The NIR light shines onto the sample, and the sample's molecular bonds absorb some light. By analysing the intensity of the reflected light, the method allows us to identify (fingerprinting) and quantify the sample's chemical composition based on its absorption patterns. The NIR measurements consider the overtones of molecular vibrations in the NIR region, providing information about the chemical structure without significantly altering it. The portable NIR and the NIR-HSI instruments employed in this research could accurately detect and quantify the presence of D. stramonium in wheat and soybean powders, and with chemometric tools, they can be used to predict the concentration of tropane alkaloids. This advancement is not only a game changer for food safety protocols but also offers a more cost-effective, labour-efficient, and non-destructive approach that can be implemented without requiring experts. We can significantly enhance food safety and protect public health by utilising these state-of-the-art technologies. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The most commonly employed method for quantifying tropane alkaloids is liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), a costly, sophisticated technique that demands highly skilled operators. However, the advent of more economical, rapid, and user-friendly near-infrared (NIR) technologies for detecting tropane alkaloids producing plant and toxins represents a significant breakthrough. TRALSPEC-AI was able to develop NIR-based methods (portable/handheld NIR spectrometer and desktop hyperspectral imaging (camera)). Thus, the impacts of these are: It can contribute to the advancements in spectroscopic techniques in analytical food safety, opening new potential applications to other related research areas. These NIR methods are more cost-effective than LC-MS/MS, making them more accessible to a wide range of users, such as laboratories and industries, especially if they lack the resources. TRALSPEC-AI will publish the study results through an open-access journal for broader reach. Because little to no sample preparation is required, the NIR-based methods developed here can significantly reduce the overall analysis time, enhancing food safety monitoring systems, decision-making, and action. Furthermore, the technique has more environmental benefits since chemical reagents and solvents are unnecessary, as in LC-MS/MS. The instruments used by TRALSPEC-AI can be moved around (portable or desktop), hence can be used for on-site analysis in fields, warehouses or processing locations, facilitating almost real-time monitoring and quick response to potential tropane alkaloids contamination. Moreover, this has the potential to be adopted by different industry sectors where rapid screening for tropane alkaloids is essential, primarily because of its simplicity, speed and cost-effectiveness. These characteristics of the new method can also enhance the testing of commodities for tropane alkaloids, therefore impacting regulatory standards, leading to stricter safety standards and better enforcement. |
| Title | Method development and validation for the determination of atropine and scopolamine in food grains and products using LC-MS/MS |
| Description | The dataset was obtained from developing and validating a solid-liquid extraction with dilute-and-shoot to prepare samples for analysis using LC-MS/MS. This confirmatory method is the gold standard for studying tropane alkaloids (atropine and scopolamine). Unlike other studies of tropane alkaloids that used a pre-concentration and clean-up steps, which are both costly and laborious, our method only employed dilute-and-shoot, which reduced the analytical steps and is straightforward, capable of efficiently extracting at least 60 samples simultaneously. The validation data was based on the SANTE guidelines, including linearity, recoveries, precision, limits of detection and quantification (LOQ), and matrix effects, which were all met by the current developed method. The dataset generated in this study also contains at least 300 soybean samples collected worldwide, millet, corn, and a product called Super Cereals. The dataset's research article is under review by an open-access journal, and will be available online. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The dataset supports the applicability of the dilute-and-shoot technique for extracting tropane alkaloids in complicated matrices, such as food grains such as soybean. The analysis as a whole derived a considerable dataset in a short period. The extraction method is straightforward, does not require specialised equipment, only a shaker, and has a reduced analytical step. It can extract at least 60 samples simultaneously or 2.3 min per sample, and analysis on LC-MS/MS for 8.5 min per sample. The dataset of tropane alkaloids content generated from hundreds of samples in this study can serve as a valuable resource for researchers and regulatory bodies to provide insights into the prevalence of toxins, enabling targeted interventions to reduce contamination risks and improve food safety standards. The data can also validate new analytical techniques for detecting tropane alkaloids or plant toxins to accelerate development of robust methodologies and ensure consistency across laboratories. The ability to extract at least 60 samples simultaneously can be used for large-scale monitoring programs. Furthermore, the dataset generated can help identify trends in tropane alkaloids contamination geographically, allowing policymakers and industry stakeholders to implement preventative measures effectively. The dataset will be published, enabling other researchers to access and use it for comparative studies, model development or even meta-analyses that foster collaboration and drive innovation in toxin detection technologies. The dataset can also provide insights to farmers on how to adopt strategies to minimise tropane alkaloids contamination of plant crops by invasive weeds. Using the current dataset and other available data in the literature is also possible to develop machine learning models that can potentially predict contamination levels or classify samples based on tropane alkaloid profiles. |
| Title | Novel and rapid NIR spectroscopic and chemometric approaches to predicting tropane alkaloid contamination in food grains |
| Description | This novel work collected datasets from wheat and soybean powders contaminated with Datura stramonium at concentrations between 0 and 2.4%. This invasive plant weed produces high concentrations of tropane alkaloids, atropine, and scopolamine. A portable (handheld) near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer and NIR hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) were utilised to capture comprehensive spatial and spectral data of these samples. Robust chemometric tools, partial least squares and support vector machine regression (PLSR and SVMR, respectively) were employed to the pre-processed spectral data to quantify D. stramonium seeds in both samples accurately. Furthermore, leveraging these sophisticated chemometric approaches, we will accurately determine the concentration of tropane alkaloids associated with Datura stramonium, providing crucial insights into its impact on food safety and agricultural practices. This study offers significant implications for enhancing our understanding of plant contamination and safeguarding food safety and quality. The datasets will be available through publication in an open-access peer-reviewed journal. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The NIR devices utilised in this project offer a cost-effective alternative to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Not only are they more affordable, but they also require minimal sample preparation, which stands in contrast to the complex and expensive procedures typically associated with LC-MS. This research marks a significant advancement by introducing an innovative alternative to LC-MS for detecting tropane alkaloid-producing plants and predicting tropane alkaloids in food grains. The dataset collected from the NIRs-based method developed by TRALSPEC-AI can help enhance food safety standards by providing a robust foundation for developing and refining NIR models that accurately detect tropane alkaloids in food grains. Given this, the dataset can support compliance with regulatory standards by classifying food based on its tropane alkaloids content. Moreover, the non-destructive nature of the NIR methods developed here can allow for almost real-time monitoring without disrupting production processes. The datasets generated from TRALSPEC-AI's rapid NIR methods may underpin future studies focused on broadening NIR applications in food safety. |
| Description | Memorandum of Understanding with University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), College of Agriculture and Food Sciences |
| Organisation | University of the Philippines Los Baños |
| Country | Philippines |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The communication and dissemination activities of TRALSPEC-AI in the Philippines included a talk the fellow gave about the project and the opportunities available at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). This presentation sparked UPLB's interest in initiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the School of Biological Sciences at QUB. The MOU will facilitate the exchange of undergraduate and postgraduate students, staff, and professors between UPLB and QUB, allowing for knowledge sharing and training. It is also expected to lead to future collaborative projects between the two institutions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This memorandum of understanding strategically empowers both parties by providing access to vital facilities, advanced equipment, and critical data necessary for the successful execution of future collaborative projects. |
| Impact | The process is currently underway. This MOU empowers both parties to collaborate more effectively by facilitating the exchange of students and staff for study and research opportunities. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Partnership between the United Nations World Food Programme and Queen's University Belfast |
| Organisation | United Nations (UN) |
| Department | World Food Programme (Italy, Sudan, Senegal) |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The partnership aims to guarantee the safety and quality of food aid provided by WFP to people in need. TRALSPEC-AI's objective is to develop quick, cost-effective, user-friendly, and efficient methods to detect the presence of tropane alkaloids, which have been a significant concern for WFP. These alkaloids have been found to contaminate food distributed by WFP to underdeveloped African countries. The partnership significantly enhances the sourcing of samples for research and promotes effective data and information sharing. Moreover, the Fellow brought invaluable expertise in Food Science and Analytical Chemistry, providing critical guidance on urgent food safety and quality challenges faced by the WFP. The Fellow is also instrumental in refining the methods and specifications for various humanitarian products, ensuring the highest safety and quality standards in our efforts to support those in need. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The WFP shares the operational challenges and needs with the fellow and PI of Tralspec-AI and shares relevant materials, information and samples for method development and laboratory investigation. |
| Impact | A research article on developing and validating gold-standard LC-MS/MS for tropane alkaloids detection in food grains and products (Super Cereals) has been submitted and is under review. The WFP sourced the samples used in this investigation. Moreover, there is a continuous conversation regarding operational challenges, how issues can be mitigated with the WFP, and the update of analytical methods and specifications of their humanitarian and nutrition aids. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Balmoral show 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Balmoral Show stands as the largest agri-food event in Northern Ireland, drawing diverse attendees, including schoolchildren and their families, students across all age groups, professionals from various industries, farmers and producers, media representatives, policy-makers, and even influential politicians. The Fellow has crafted an engaging snake-and-ladder game to captivate this extensive audience. This interactive experience was designed not only to entertain but also to inform participants about TRALSPEC-AI highlighting the critical importance of tropane alkaloids and the overarching issues surrounding food safety. By making learning interactive and enjoyable, we can foster a deeper understanding and commitment to food safety, as well as food science, among all attendees. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://x.com/QUBEngagement/status/1791138622361460935 |
| Description | IGFS and TRALSPEC-AI Seminar Series Department of Science and Technology, Philippines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Host Institution, the Standards and Testing Division (ITDI), is at the forefront of addressing emerging food contaminants and recognised the importance of the Fellow's expertise by inviting her to share insights on this critical topic. During her presentation, the Fellow showcased TRALSPEC-AI's groundbreaking results and elaborated on innovative rapid methods for detecting tropane alkaloids and other food contaminants. She effectively addressed pressing concerns related to food authenticity and adulteration as well. There were also interests from the audience and managers about applying the methods developed by the Fellow to their own research. Furthermore, ITDI strongly encouraged the Fellow to collaborate on a funding application, recognising the significant value her expertise could bring to their efforts. There is also a compelling interest in formalising a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Queen's University Belfast (QUB), paving the way for future collaboration and advancement in food safety research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1160052132789148&id=100063531172663&rdid=mbJt6jVoJHOM3... |
| Description | IGFS and TRALSPEC-AI Seminar Series MAPUA Malayan Colleges Laguna, Philippines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The Fellow presented the TRALSPEC-AI project, highlighting its groundbreaking results, significant impact, and valuable contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), which deeply resonate with the MAPUA Malayan Colleges Laguna's mission. She also shared her inspiring research journey and career path, motivating the audience-comprising primarily undergraduate students and esteemed Professors from the College of Arts and Sciences-to explore transformative opportunities for study or internships both locally and internationally, aligning their passions with impactful research endeavours. Her willingness to engage with students and thoughtfully address their inquiries about pursuing research left a lasting impression. As a result of her compelling presentation, the Fellow received invitations to speak at future events, underscoring her influence and the value of her insights. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/MCLkamalayan/posts/pfbid02A1ejViVM9ocpJbXr5PtSPGo8a85DaxdY9CvcSsrdy7hzs9RQZ... |
| Description | IGFS and TRALSPEC-AI Seminar Series School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Fellow successfully organised a dynamic seminar series for the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) in collaboration with TRALSPEC-AI. The Fellow effectively communicated the impactful results of the TRALSPEC-AI research, showcasing its significance. Furthermore, the Fellow invited ten presenters, including talented PhD students and esteemed staff members, to share their innovative research findings, creating a rich and engaging discourse highlighting the breadth of current advancements in the field. The event sparked the idea of organising similar activities to share and exchange knowledge and expertise in different research areas. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://x.com/njbirse/status/1858943716846616679 |
| Description | IGFS and TRALSPEC-AI Seminar Series, University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | As part of the IGFS and TRALSPEC-AI seminar series, the Fellow was invited to present the TRALSPEC-AI's results, funding opportunities in Europe and the UK benefiting students, staff, and faculty members. The dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, the Associate Dean for Research and Extension, and the Director of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) were in attendance. The Fellow's impactful presentation and engaging discussion inspired the audience to pursue further education or training in the UK and Europe. The discussion paved the way for establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the esteemed School of Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). Furthermore, the Fellow's laboratory visit proved invaluable, enabling the host institution to uncover new opportunities to enhance their research capabilities. Lastly, the IFST at UPLB offered to be the Fellow's host for a Balik Scientist Programme, which is the national government's funding opportunities for research scientists working or living abroad to return to the Philippines from 15 days to 3 years to conduct science-related activities/ research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1125521856243066&set=a.510640704397854 |
| Description | Interactive Games for Primary School and Highschool Students in the Philippines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | An innovative, interactive game inspired by Snakes and Ladders effectively communicated the findings of TRALSPEC-AI, highlighting the critical role of tropane alkaloids and the essential nature of food safety in primary and secondary schools in the Philippines. School principals and teachers enthusiastically adopt this strategy to enrich their teaching across various subjects. According to the teachers, it fosters active participation and significantly enhances student learning outcomes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Marie Curie Fellowship Programme at QUB promotional video |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The Postdoc Fellow was asked to talk about Tralspec-Ai and the MSCA Fellowship Programme by filming a video for the QUB website. The main objective was to promote the fellow's project and to encourage more researchers to apply for the fellowship through QUB. The video is available to the public and can be accessed globally by anyone with internet access. The video was recorded in March 2024 and is now available at the QUB website. Additionally, the Postdoc Fellow was invited to speak at information events about the MSCA Fellowship and to write a testimonial for the QUB website (https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/our-research/europe/msca-individual-fellowship/msca-experiences/). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/our-research/europe/msca-individual-fellowship/ |
| Description | PhD student visit for 4 months |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The Fellow has an extensive background in Meat Science and currently serves as an external supervisor to a visiting PhD student from the University of Catania, Italy. This visiting student came to develop a method for determination of heterocyclic amines in cooked meat-an essential advancement in food safety and quality. Under the Fellow's expert guidance, the student has received comprehensive training and support in the method development process using LC-MS/MS. The student will return to the lab for at least two months to further this critical research and perform measurements on actual meat samples, contributing valuable insights to the field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | PhD student visit for 6 months to participate in TRALSPEC-AI |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A PhD student from Thailand, who was in her final year, joined us at IGFS for six months to participate in the TRALSPEC-AI project and receive training from the Postdoc Fellow. Her contribution to the project was invaluable, especially in developing the confirmatory method that uses LC-MS/MS. During her stay, the student was involved in sample preparation and extraction. This required thorough research and discussion on several factors such as the choice of extraction solvent, extraction time, and clean-up. We also optimized the type of column and mobile phases for maximum efficiency. We used two different instruments to analyse the extracts, resulting in massive data. A research article resulting from her stay is under review. The collaboration between the student and the Postdoc Fellow was highly successful, bringing out more ideas and plans for TRALSPEC-AI. The results obtained from their work were auspicious and will undoubtedly contribute to the project's advancement. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Undergraduate Student from Brazil visiting for 6 weeks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | An undergraduate student from Brazil visited Portugal and IGFS through an undergraduate mobility programme she won. The postdoc fellow hosted the student for six weeks. The student was one of the best in her class and very eager to get experience in food safety in preparation for her postgraduate studies. The student was introduced to the Tralspec-Ai project and trained in the laboratory. The student learned to use various laboratory equipment and skills, from the analytical balance, solid-extraction method (sample extraction), and analysis (LC-MS/MS). The student was also given training on LC-MS/MS data processing and analysis. In addition, the student was also allowed to observe other activities/research being conducted in IGFS (using LC-Qtof and GC-MS). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |