Mycotoxin

Characteristics of epimerization of mycotoxins

Description

The fungus Claviceps purpurea can cause ergotism in humans. The symptoms can be divided into convulsive and gangrenous effects. The former one affects the central nervous system and the latter one can cause vasoconstriction with necosis of the acren. The aim of the project is to change the configuration of the mycotoxin in such a way that the toxicologic (R)-epimer is converted into the biologic inactive and nontoxic (S)-epimer. This process is thought to be reversible. To determine the physical and chemical characteristics of the mycotoxin classical simulation methods are used. 

Further information is available in the detailed project description.

Members

Marcus Weber
Vedat Durmaz
Karsten Andrae

Responsible Marcus Weber

Partners

David Siegel (BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing)
Robert Köppen (BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing)
Stefan Merkel (BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing)

Funding

BAM Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung

Duration

08/2009 - 08/2013