Project Number: 3620-42000-045-01
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 01, 2011
End Date: Jun 30, 2016

Objective:
Specific objectives are: (1) Transfer a published fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) method for detecting the fumonisin mycotoxins to Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Quality Standards and Testing Technology (HAAS-AQSTT) and introduce HAAS scientists to scientists at American companies interested in FPIA; (2) Transfer an HPLC-MS/MS method for detecting fumonisins to HAAS-AQSTT; and (3) Jointly develop new materials for use in mycotoxin detection.

Approach:
HAAS-AQSTT and Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens & Mycology Research Unit (BFP) will exchange faculty members for research, lectures, and discussions. Specifically, HAAS-AQSTT will send to NCAUR, researchers who will learn the FPIA and HPLC-MS/MS methods in the laboratories of ARS scientists. Visits are anticipated to be of a length from 1 to 3 months and would include at least two scientists from AQSTT. The first scientist would learn the two methods (FPIA and HPLC-MS/MS, objectives 1 & 2). This project would involve developing improved reagents for use in FPIA for fumonisins. Specifically this would involve the synthesis and evaluation of novel fluorescent tracers of fumonisins that might be applied in FPIA. AQSTT will bear the expenses incurred in sending scientists to NCAUR, and their living expenses during the project. NCAUR-BFP would bear the laboratory related expenses (materials, reagents, etc.). It is hoped that this first, initial project will provide a mechanism for future joint research projects involving the development of novel mycotoxin antibodies and the development of ambient ionization mass spectrometry.