Contributions of Micoteca da Universidade do Minho to food mycology
Conference Paper
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Research
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Overview
abstract
Micoteca da Universidade do Minho (MUM) is a collection of fungi established in 1996. Research
involving secondary metabolites in the form of mycotoxins is paramount. An objective is to provide
authentic strains for research in biotechnology, life sciences and challenge testing. Knowledge,
information and training in mycology are promulgated by the biological resource centre. MUM is
involved in projects which address the health and quality risks from fungal contamination of grape
products (e.g. wine), apples, cheese, chilies, nuts and corn: Fungi in drinking water is of particular
concern. Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium expansum and Fusarium
graminearum especially are relevant to our work: Associated mycotoxins are ochratoxin A, aflatoxins,
patulin, citrinin and zearalenone. We study the earthy off-flavours in wine from Botrytis cinearum and
P. expansum. The analytical techniques employed are PCR, HPLC, GC-MS and MALDITOF MS for
strain characterization. MUM participates in several European and national projects. Post-graduate
studies on mycotoxigenic fungi and food security particularly are important. A key objective is
international collaboration. MUM strains are well characterized for toxigenicity, making the collection
relevant to its mission and industry. This presentation will describe the progress made in this
innovative Portuguese laboratory over 10 years.
