AFLA - project - Acoustic Filtration Lab-free Apparatus for better aflatoxin management in Kenya

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The AFLA project is a cross-sector collaboration combining the expertise of a UK research charity, 2 Kenyan companies; a leading testing lab & a green energy specialist, & 2 UK companies; a technology R&D provider with sample extraction tech & a biotech commercialisation specialist. The project will examine the feasibility of using an acoutic separation platform for purification of aflatoxins from crops & address the challenge of the economic loss of contaminated waste through alternative use strategies. Aflatoxins (toxins from storage mould) are a significant threat to food security, particularly in developing nations. Testing & monitoring are vital but, due to complex sample prep, high cost, inaccessibility & lack of alternative use options, aflatoxin testing is not thoroughly implement & billions of people are at risk. This innovative project will develop a novel, rapid procedure for extracting & concentrating aflatoxins. When integrated with down-stream diagnostics, the extraction platform could enable a low-cost, portable test system for on-site aflatoxin monitoring, increasing ease & frequency of testing. Together with strategies for mitigating economic loss of wate from contamination, the resultant increase in crop value & safety will bring about a step-change in on-farm management.