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<OL> <LI> Develop novel synthetic and biologically-based materials for binding mycotoxins,
including molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPS) and antibodies.<LI> Design and synthesis
of toxin analogs for use as templates in polymer formation and as intermediates in
antibody production.<LI> Evaluation of mycotoxin binding materials as components in
traditional and novel mycotoxin assays. <LI>Development of analytical methods for
enhanced food security.
Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPS) using synthetic chemical
approaches. Improvement of the properties of existing mycotoxin-binding materials
through synthetic modifications. Use computational chemistry to model the
interaction between functional monomers and mycotoxins or analogs. Produce
antibodies against mycotoxins for which antibodies are not available. Develop
antibodies for use in novel analytical formats where existing antibodies are
insufficient, and for use in determining molecular interactions between toxin and
antibody. Design and synthesis of templates in MIP synthesis and as intermediates
for conjugates in antibody production. Evaluate novel binding materials (MIPS,
antibodies, etc) for use as components of mycotoxin assays in traditional and novel
formats. Develop analytical methods for detection of mycotoxins in animal tissues
and fluids considered potential targets for food tampering.