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{% block lead %}"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but
nothing can be changed until it is faced."
- James Baldwin
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Human Practices aims to fully understand the problem in all its dimensions— from ethical considerations to practical solutions, from a human-centered approach to a business perspective, from the laboratory to society. It seeks to offer a sustainable, knowledge-based solution that is both practical and impactful, drawing from relationships and the integration of diverse viewpoints. At the same time, it recognizes the barriers, strengths, implications, and long-term consequences of our project.
By adopting a decision-making approach rooted in Human Practices, we ensure a holistic perspective throughout all phases of our project’s development. This is why we have placed such a strong emphasis on this area, ensuring that every step we take is thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with the broader societal context.
Growing food demand and emerging health risks make food safety a critical challenge. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of food poses a significant health threat, including the risk of cancer from prolonged exposure. In addition, food waste, either by direct contamination during growth or by cross-contamination in transport and storage, exacerbates the problem.
To design an adequate solution to this problem, it is necessary to know it from all points of view, which is why Human Practices has set to work reflecting and searching for bibliography, talking to stakeholders, contacting society and integrating all this information with the aim of improving the quality of life of all people through synthetic biology.
The sanitary approach
Aflatoxin B1 is not just a theoretical concern, but a serious global health threat, related to several cases of liver failure and cancer, among other things. Seeing the gravity of the problem, we came up with an idea: creating a probiotic microorganism that captures and detects aflatoxin B1 in the intestines, allowing it to be safely expelled from the body. But to make this vision a reality, we needed real-world insights. So, our first move was clear—talk to the experts and gather critical health data.
After hitting a roadblock in accessing clinical data at Málaga’s main hospitals, Hospital Clínico and Hospital Regional Universitario, bureaucratic delays hindered our efforts. We also tried to get advice from our university professor Maximino Redondo, who also works at Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella, and also two other employees of that hospital, Paula Gómez and Marilina García. They all tried to gide us on how to get information from health services such as the oncological and toxicological areas of their hospital, but this still yielded no results, leaving us to question why so little information about aflatoxin B1 exists in Spain. The main problems we faced during our investigation were:
All of this led us to investigate other possible solutions to this problem. We ended up asking ourselves the following question: is it possible that the most efficient way to tackle this issue would be to face it from the root cause?
We thought about the idea of creating solutions that addressed aflatoxin contamination from farm to fork, protecting people before it becomes a health crisis, and thus, we were ready to move forward.
Change of paradigm
During our second Human Practices cycle, we embraced the transformative shift in our project's paradigm. Instead of solely concentrating on the impact of aflatoxin B1 after ingestion, we recognized the critical need to address the problem at its root: the agri-food sector. To effectively tackle the problem, we decided to prioritize the development of an early detection tool, which helps us:
As we delved into the pressing issue of aflatoxin contamination, we uncovered a troubling reality that spans the globe. The data we have compiled paints a stark picture of aflatoxin B1 contamination rates, with South and Southeast Asia emerging as the hardest-hit regions.
Aflatoxin contamination world wide
Among 60-80% of food crops worldwide are contaminated with aflatoxins (Eskola et al., 2020). Click on the map to know more about the data from all continents!
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Concentrations above the allowed limits:
Specific data from Spain
1985 Survey:
2015-2019 Study:
The data revealed how impactful aflatoxin B1 contamination of food was, but how little it was known about it in Spain. Taking this into consideration, our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin B1 management practices across the agri-food chain, revealing a wide spectrum of approaches related to the handling of this highly carcinogenic mycotoxin. Here’s what we discovered from the companies we contacted:
Fresón de Palos
Recognizes aflatoxins (AFB1) as a risk primarily linked to cereals and grains. Testing for AFB1 occurs only upon request or when a specific risk is identified. If contamination is detected, products are recalled following a thorough investigation.
Desur
Specializes in pest control but does not focus on AFB1. They remove affected cereals but do not identify specific fungi or conduct AFB1 tests, leaving this responsibility to the Junta de Andalucía.
Agammasur
A cheese producer using goat milk, with no routine AFB1 testing, as their supplier, DCOOP, manages it. They note that aflatoxins are a greater risk in cows than goats.
Vall Companys
Actively monitors AFB1 and other mycotoxins in livestock feed using advanced detection methods like ELISA and HPLC. They strictly adhere to legal limits for AFB1 and have never exceeded them.
Almacenes Antonio Guerrero
Conducts preventive and periodic AFB1 testing. Although they rarely handle contamination, they follow strict isolation and testing protocols when needed.
S.C. Andaluza Agrícola De Estepona
Does not perform quality control tests themselves. Their primary buyers, TROPS and Frutas Fajardo, are responsible for these procedures.
DCOOP
Conducts multiresidue tests for oil quality and is implementing AFB1 testing using HPLC. They outsource AFB1 tests to meet regulatory demands.
Natibero Food
Relies on prior quality checks from suppliers and does not conduct internal AFB1 tests.
Agrupa Algarrobo
Implements random testing and basic safety measures for storage but largely depends on producer testing.
Cereales y Frutos Secos El Torcal
Conducts multiresidue testing, including AFB1, for corn and cottonseed destined for livestock feed, ensuring compliance with EU limits.
Cereales Martín Miguel
Sends regular samples for lab testing, placing trust in the producer's quality control measures.
Frutos Secos Salen
Enforces strict quality controls from suppliers and performs annual random AFB1 tests.
BIOLES Cooperativa
Sends annual product samples for AFB1 testing. They follow stringent protocols for handling contamination but have experienced economic losses due to contaminated products.
Cooperativa Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Produces olive oil, with DCOOP managing storage and AFB1 testing.
Apícolas Milosi
Regularly conducts fungal and mold tests but has not detected aflatoxins.
Horticultores El Torcal
Engages in preventive testing for AFB1 in vegetables and utilizes accredited labs when Aspergillus is visually detected.
Sabor en Rama
Performs internal multiresidue testing and random batch analyses but finds widespread testing impractical due to volume.
Frío Antakira & Miafruto
these intermediaries rely on prior quality controls for the products they transport and do not conduct specific AFB1 tests.
Alitrans
Focuses on cleaning transport vehicles but does not handle temperature controls or delicate goods, representing a potential gap in food safety.
Laboratorio Antakira
Has not detected AFB1 in their tests. They collaborate with specialized labs to ensure food safety.
Several industries are surprisingly unaware of the serious risks associated with aflatoxin B1, which calls for immediate action:
The current system for detecting contaminated food, particularly AFB1, involves monitoring, analysis, and regulatory compliance. However, based on our discussions with industry players, we identified several weaknesses that undermine the effectiveness of this system:
Going a step further
Days of reflection
Between cycle and cycle, we carried out reflection days. In those reflection days, we took a step back to carefully consider the broader implications of AflaxOFF, acknowledging the risks, potential inequalities, environmental concerns, and economic impact our project might have.
One of the most significant issues we recognized was the unequal burden of aflatoxin contamination across the world. Regions like Latin America and Africa are disproportionately affected, while Europe faces fewer challenges in this area. We realized that while our initial idea of developing a probiotic could be a solution, it might inadvertently widen the gap between developed and underdeveloped regions due to accessibility issues. In response, we thought that alternatives like preventing contamination directly in the field or creating a more affordable, freeze-dried version of the probiotic could ensure that it could reach the people who need it the most.
We also reflected on the environmental and economic consequences of aflatoxin contamination. With between 60 to 80% of global agricultural food production affected each year, we understood the scale of the problem and the economic losses it causes, particularly for farmers and food producers. While AflaxOFF has the potential to address some of these challenges by providing a simple detection method, we recognize that implementing such a solution is a huge undertaking. It was clear that we need to collaborate with organizations capable of large-scale production to reduce costs and ensure that our solution is accessible, especially in the most vulnerable areas.
We are aware of the regulatory challenges surrounding GMOs too, especially when it comes to human applications. We understand that this could limit the reach of our project in certain regions. However, we’re exploring alternatives, such as using processed fragments of GMOs already dead to bind aflatoxins, and are committed to following strict safety protocols to minimize any risks to the environment. We recognize that these are complex challenges, and we are learning as we go, always keeping in mind the need for responsible innovation.
Throughout our journey, we have embraced scenario planning and used SWOT analysis to explore different outcomes and pathways for our project. By reflecting on our strengths, addressing weaknesses, and anticipating challenges, we’ve been able to refine our ideas and adapt them thoughtfully. This process has been key in shaping the project’s evolution, allowing us to move forward with a clearer, more purposeful vision.
Our interactions with companies have helped us sharpen our strategic focus, underscoring the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination. This is a major issue not only in the agricultural and agrarian sectors within our country, but also a significant health concern in regions outside our borders.
Guided by industry feedback and public perception, we have set the following key objectives to address the challenges of AFB1 contamination:
This organism should act as a biological safeguard against AFB1 ingestion, allowing the toxin to be safely expelled from the body through feces. Beyond its immediate health benefits, this solution has broader implications for the food industry, as it can function as a rapid detection system for AFB1 contamination early in the supply chain. By identifying contaminated products before they reach consumers or livestock, we can reduce the risks of AFB1 exposure, protect animal products from contamination, and improve overall food safety.
Our implementation strategy takes a comprehensive, dual approach aimed at improving both public health and food safety. On the one hand, we aim to revolutionize food safety protocols by integrating efficient contamination detection methods that streamline agricultural and food production processes. On the other hand, we focus on a plausible future biological solution based on the current regulations that mitigates Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure, safeguarding individuals from its harmful effects. To achieve this, we've collaborated closely with the Dry Lab team, designing a molecular strategy tailored to address this pressing issue.
A key element of our design is the use of a visible reporter—a red fluorescent protein triggered by the presence of AFB1. This decision, to prioritize a red fluorescent protein over a far-red variant, was made deliberately to align with our project goals and better meet public needs. The visible marker ensures a practical and straightforward application, allowing end users to easily detect contamination. By employing this strategic approach, we ensure that the groundwork already laid is effectively implemented, while also meeting the immediate needs of the communities affected by aflatoxin exposure.
Our innovative design endows yeast with novel capabilities, making it applicable across various sectors. This versatility allows the yeast to tackle aflatoxin contamination from different angles and offers a potential solution to this global threat. Additionally, the highly adaptable signaling platform we've developed is capable of detecting not only AFB1, but other harmful substances as well. This multi-purpose functionality transforms the yeast into a powerful tool that can serve as a detector, diagnostic agent, and even a therapeutic option in specific contexts.
In its primary function, the yeast acts as an early-warning system, detecting AFB1 contamination in food products before they reach consumers. This has significant implications for the agricultural sector, where it can prevent the distribution of contaminated food shipments, reducing health risks and minimizing economic losses associated with aflatoxin exposure.
Furthermore, our future approach relies on its application when administered as a probiotic. In this case, the yeast would offer a dual-action benefit: it would detect AFB1 within the digestive system and actively sequester the toxin in the intestine. This prevents the absorption of AFB1 following the ingestion of contaminated food, offering an in vivo solution that not only protects human health but also demonstrates the powerful potential of biological tools in food safety and public health. Through this multi-faceted strategy, we address both immediate and long-term challenges posed by AFB1 contamination, ensuring a safer food supply and healthier population.
Throughout the development of our ideas, and through our close engagement with communities affected by aflatoxin B1 contamination, we have come to realize that our original concept may be better suited as a future phase of our project. While our initial vision remains crucial, the insights and feedback gathered during our Human Practices cycles have allowed us to refine our approach and prioritize more immediate solutions that address today's pressing needs. By listening to the concerns of stakeholders and understanding the real-world impact of AFB1, we've been able to reorganize our efforts and create a project that not only meets current demands but also paves the way for future innovation. Our work now strikes a balance between addressing urgent challenges and remaining adaptable to what lies ahead, ensuring a lasting and meaningful contribution to public health and food safety.