The present invention relates to a method and a device useful for directly and rapidly quantifying the presence in milk of Aflatoxin M1, a carcinogenic mycotoxin deriving from Aflatoxin B1.
In particular conditions of humidity or high temperatures, some vegetable raw materials accumulate toxic fungi that produce a particular carcinogenic and toxic mycotoxin, called aflatoxin B1.
Once ingested by dairy animals in breeding, this is converted in the liver into aflatoxin M1, which is dangerous for humans even at very low concentrations. Classical methods to quantify its presence usually require complex purification and sample preparation processes with the use of chemical solvents, extending analysis times and producing waste, while others do not offer accurate measurements. This invention has developed a spectral detection system which, through the use of a sensor, provides a very precise signal on the concentration of the toxin with rapid times (from 2 to 6 minutes) without producing waste. The tool can therefore be used directly in farms and dairy industries, being portable and compact.
The analyzes may also be carried out by personnel without specific analytical chemistry skills.
TRL (Technology Readiness Level)
Inventors
Vamerali Teofilo
Barion Giuseppe
Tiozzo Netti Stefano
PoC@Unipd project 2022
With the aim of supporting the competitiveness of businesses by enhancing industrial properties, the Ministry for Economic Development (MISE) has published a call for the establishment of patent enhancement programs, through funding of Proof of Concept (PoC) projects by Italian Universities, Public Research Institutions (EPR), and Scientific Institutions for Research, Hospital and Healthcare (IRCS).
Purpose of the call is establishing TRL (Technology Readiness Level) enhancement paths for technologies patented during academic research, and create the conditions to turn them into strategic opportunities for the business world.
After careful examination of the project proposals received by the Ministry Evaluation Committee, the University of Padua was authorized to develop 8 PoC projects. The projects were selected by the University through an internal call and the program took the first steps in December 2023. From that moment on, the PoC Team started to work to validate the relevant technologies.
The academic work team has been flanked by an external Expert Committee, comprising top scientific and professional resources (investors and entrepreneurs), capable of providing a respected standpoint on all strategic and planning choices.
UniSMART – Fondazione Università di Padova was tasked with managing the enhancement of the results of 8 projects, through its highly qualified, innovation-oriented staff, in the different PoC project sectors.
PROGETTO PoC@UNIPD2022 – PNRR – Missione 1, Componente 2, Investimento 6 – finanziato dall’Unione Europea – NextGenerationEU