Employing institution: University of Yaoundé 1
Host institution: Institute of Chemistry of Natural Substances – UPR 2301 Paris-Saclay University, France
Project title:
Metabolomics-based molecular networking and two-dimensional NMR-guided investigation of new mycotoxins from fungi associated with dried red powdered chilies available in Cameroonian markets.
Dr Jean-Bosco defended his PhD thesis on bioactive molecules from endophytic fungi and was subsequently in charge of the analytical platform for four years at the Higher Teacher Training College, University of Yaoundé 1. He is currently a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon. His research activities focus on finding bioactive molecules from natural resources, especially plants and microorganisms. He was encouraged to apply to AREF by Dr Véronique Eparvier, a Research Director at CNRS Paris.
AREF Fellowship research project
The growing interest in spicy foods leads to the global demand for spices, particularly dried chilies that are among the world’s most consumed spices. From farm to fork, chilies through cropping, harvest, drying, processing and storage, are susceptible to infection by aflatoxin producing fungi and subsequent contamination by aflatoxins at every stage. It is therefore important to detect new mycotoxins from the growth media of the single mycotoxin producing fungi early in the purification scheme in order to rationalize the targeted isolation procedure applied toward these substances. The discovery of new mycotoxins from fungi associated with dried red chili would contribute to the risk management of red chili handlings. This opportunity would strengthen his skills as Lecturer of analytical chemistry in my home Institute. After my return in Cameroon, my home institute will provide him with materials and will ease the shipment of samples for further analyses at the host institute.
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“For me, it is always an exciting time spent in the search for solutions to improve human and animal health.”
Dr Jean-Bosco expects to start her fellowship in September 2024