- Zeotech (ZEO) is collaborating with Bioproton to find a solution for the growing mycotoxin problem
- ZEO has sent a range of zeolites to Bioproton, a leading manufacturer of animal feed additives, for screening of mycotoxin binding
- Zeotech and Bioproton will assess the initial results to see if there is potential for using synthetic zeolites to develop targeted mycotoxin binder products
- Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds, such as fungi, and can be harmful to humans and animals
- On the market, Zeotech is down 3.95 per cent and is trading at 7.3 cents
Zeotech (ZEO) is collaborating with Bioproton to find a solution for the growing mycotoxin problem.
The company has sent a range of zeolites to Biporoton for in-vitro screening of mycotoxin binding, across seven toxins.
Bioproton is a leading Australian manufacturer of advanced animal feed additives.
Zeotech and Bioproton will assess the initial test results to see if there is the potential of using synthetic zeolites to develop targeted mycotoxin binder products.
Synthetic zeolites are manufactured aluminosilicate minerals with a sponge-like structure, made up of tiny pores (frameworks) that make them useful as catalysts or ultrafine filters.
They are commonly known as molecular sieves and can be designed to selectively adsorb molecules or ions (that is adhere to the surface of molecules or ions) dependant on their unique construction.
The aim of the program is to create a commercial collaboration partnership between the parties.
Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds, such as fungi. Many of these toxins are known to be harmful to humans and animals and can be the source of negative health effects.
When eaten they cause a toxic response, therefore posing a significant health danger to livestock, horses, companion animals and humans.
Mycotoxins reduce weight gain and growth rate while increasing mortality. Some of the effects include tumour growth, anaemia, kidney and liver damage, reproductive disorders and immunosuppression.
In animal food, moulds that create mycotoxin develop on crops such as corn grain. The toxin can be grown on the field, after harvest, during storage or on the food under warm and humid conditions.
Zeotech Managing Director Peter Zardo believes mycotoxins are increasing due to climate change and will have a detrimental impact on global protein production.
“Zeotech is committed to new product development and values the opportunity to work with Bioproton, a leading and innovative manufacturer of high-quality animal feed additives,” Mr Zardo said.
“This is another example of where Zeotech’s patent-pending technology is applicable to a high value industry. Mycotoxin feed additives is a billion-dollar industry and is playing an increasingly critical role in sustainable food production.”
The global mycotoxin detoxifier additives market is valued at over $1.1 billion and grows at 5 per cent every year.
Bioproton General Manager Juhani von Hellens said the company remained focused on developing high-quality additives, which are unique and relevant to the global feed industry.
“Zeolites are unique adsorbents and our aim is to leverage outcomes of this preliminary mycotoxin testing program to support further commercial collaboration with Zeotech,” he said.
On the market, Zeotech was down 3.95 per cent and is trading at 7.3 cents at 12:50 pm AEST.