Topic:
Human exposure to mycotoxins. Evaluation of the presence of mycotoxins in raw materials, food and blood or plasma of consumers. Possible relationship between the levels found and the food consumed in diet.

Contact persons:
Elena González Peñas (Ext 6371) and  Elena Lizarraga Pérez (Ext 6353).
 
Profile:
Pharmacist (grade average ≥ 1.7 of Spanish grading system), biologist or chemist (grade average ≥ 1.9 of Spanish grading system)

Summary:
This project is within the line of work being carried out on mycotoxins in the Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry over the past ten years.

It is currently recognized that the exposure to mycotoxins (toxic secondary metabolites elaborated by fungi) in food is a risk to human health. When evaluating this risk, it is necessary to know the presence of this mycotoxin in food and the real human exposure as well as to collect data regarding the intake of possibly contaminated food.

A doctorate student is welcome to join the multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, chemists and biologists who, at present, are developing their lines of research with regard to the setting up and validation of analytical methods for the multiple determinations of mycotoxins in different matrixes. These doctorate students will learn the techniques of liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and capillary electrophoresis (EC) with mass as well as traditional detectors, validation of analytical methods and all of the operations used in laboratory work. In addition, the student will be carrying out his or her work in an environment of GLPs and of quality assurance. This formation is very adequate and interesting for their subsequent entry into the job market.