CYP51 inhibitors for sustainable food preservation
Exploring natural CYP51 inhibitors from marine sources for eco-friendly food preservation, disrupting fungal growth to enhance food safety and quality.
Overview
Deraya University is spearheading a research initiative to discover and develop natural CYP51 inhibitors as innovative solutions for food preservation. These inhibitors target CYP51, a critical enzyme for fungal survival, thereby preventing fungal spoilage and mycotoxin production in food products. This eco-friendly approach promises to improve food quality and safety by leveraging natural compounds from marine sources such as algae, sponges, and soft corals.
Technical specifications
- Natural Sources: Utilizing plant and marine-derived endophytic fungi as sources of novel CYP51 inhibitors.
- Inhibition Mechanism: Disruption of ergosterol biosynthesis in fungi, leading to cell membrane instability and fungal cell death.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Combining microbiology, metabolomics, natural products chemistry, and pharmacology for comprehensive compound analysis.
- Screening and Validation: Includes in vitro assays, LC-MS profiling, metabolomic analysis, and in silico studies to identify and validate effective antifungal agents.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this research is in the experimental proof of concept stage. Ongoing efforts include screening plant and fungal extracts, profiling bioactive compounds, and evaluating the antifungal efficacy against known spoilage organisms. Further studies will explore the stability and compatibility of these inhibitors within food matrices.
About Deraya University
Deraya University is a growing private institution in Upper Egypt serving New Minya and the surrounding region with an emphasis on applied learning and community impact. Co-located teaching and research labs, on-campus health clinics, and an applied sustainability center enable hands-on collaboration with external partners. Clinical links, including a training protocol with Baheya Hospital, provide real-world environments for translation and workforce development. Research activity is supported by competitive national programs and international collaborations. A dedicated continuing-education academy, delivered with recognized external organizations, offers professional upskilling and supports knowledge transfer.
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