AI-enabled rapid detection and reduction of mycotoxins in corn milling
An AI-enzymatic solution integrating rapid toxin detection and reduction in corn wet milling, reducing mycotoxins using enzyme reactors. Scalable to 400k bushels/day, with inline sensors providing results in under 30 seconds, enhancing safety and co-product value.
Overview
The AI-enabled rapid detection and reduction system is designed to tackle mycotoxin contamination in corn wet milling processes. This innovative solution integrates advanced AI-driven sensing technologies with enzymatic treatment to identify and neutralize mycotoxins such as aflatoxin, DON, zearalenone, and fumonisin. The solution is capable of processing up to 400,000 bushels per day, ensuring minimal corn loss while enhancing the safety and value of co-products. By providing rapid detection in less than 30 seconds, the system triggers additional validation tests only when necessary, optimizing operational efficiency.
Technical specifications
- Detection Technology: Inline fluorescence-quenching sensor with aptamer-functionalized quantum dots for binary detection.
- Treatment Process: Utilizes three fixed-bed enzyme reactors (laccase, peroxidase, esterase) operating continuously at 40°C and pH 4.5-6.0.
- Performance: Achieves greater than 95% reduction in mycotoxins with less than 0.1% corn loss.
- Scalability: Designed for integration into existing mills, scalable up to 400,000 bushels per day.
- Efficiency: Faster detection compared to traditional lateral flow assays (30 seconds vs 5-10 minutes).
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 5, the technology is progressing through pilot validation and optimization stages. Future plans include scaling to a commercial line with regulatory dossier preparation and demonstration at increased capacities, aiming for TRL 9 deployment.
About Ghazi University
Ghazi University is a public university in Dera Ghazi Khan serving South Punjab, offering undergraduate through doctoral programs with a growing applied-research profile. Two campuses—an in-city site near College Chowk and a new campus opposite the airport—house teaching and research facilities, including a central Hi-Tech laboratory for interdisciplinary work. Industry access is coordinated through an Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization that develops MoUs, facilitates sponsored projects, and operates on-campus business incubation. Research is supported by national and provincial programs, including grants administered by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Commercialization services provide research management and partnership support from proposal through agreement.
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