Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic compound found in fruits, nuts, rice, and grains. It damages the liver and kidneys, is linked to birth defects, and can be fatal — especially to children.
A recent review by Eskola et al. (2019) suggests about 60%–80% of global food crops are contaminated with mycotoxins, revising upward the widely cited 25% estimate attributed to the FAO. Read the review.
AFB1 and its toxic byproducts spread through the food chain, consumed by both humans and livestock, posing the greatest risk to resource-constrained communities.
safeTEA is a novel detoxification method that uses single-stranded DNA called aptamers to target and reduce AFB1 in aqueous solutions.
How does it work?
We built a dual aptamer - single-stranded DNA with high affinity to target molecules.
This dual aptamer system can be propagated in pUC19, a lactose-activated plasmid.
These bind to AFB1 and keep it sequestered away from solution.
In lactose solutions (e.g., milk), the plasmid activates and forms toxin-capturing aptamer arms.
The bound AFB1 can be extracted using cellulose (coffee filter, cotton T-shirt, etc.).
How does it work?
- Dual aptamer in pUC19 (lactose-activated).
- Generates ssDNA aptamers with high target affinity.
- Aptamers bind and sequester AFB1.
- Lactose triggers toxin-capturing arms.
- Remove complexes using cellulose (filters/cotton).
Our goal is for this scalable system to be produced, delivered, and filtered anywhere in the world — for both individual use and industrial applications.