Research on Polish flax
Why flax specifically? What are mycotoxins and plant metabolites? Dr Justyna Mierziak-Derecka from the Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Wrocław discusses the topic of her research.
She received nearly two million PLN for the project “Can plant metabolites effectively reduce the content of mycotoxins in flax?” as part of the SONATA 18 competition funded by the National Science Centre (NCN).
Let’s start with flax. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It yields two valuable products – seeds and fiber. In the past, it was described as more valuable than gold because it provided clothing, food, animal feed, and even medicine. The seeds are pressed to obtain oil, which contains essential polyunsaturated fatty acids beneficial to human health. Additionally, the seeds are rich in many compounds with health-promoting properties, making them a good source of nutraceuticals. Flaxseed oil, along with the seeds themselves, is recommended for the prevention and treatment of various diseases of affluence such as hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and cancer. Flaxseed is also valued for its protective properties in gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, as well as its high fiber content. On the other hand, flax fiber is a high-quality fiber traditionally used in textile production. It also possesses numerous bioactive compounds, making it an important raw material for the production of wound dressings, implants, and biocomposites. Flaxseed oil and fiber find applications in various sectors of the economy. Flax is a zero-waste plant since by-products considered as waste in oil and fiber production (press cakes, shives) can be utilized in different industries (e.g., as feed additives or raw material for construction boards). Currently, fungal infections pose a significant problem for flax cultivation, leading to significant yield losses and contamination of flax materials with mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins are dangerous substances produced by certain types of fungi, primarily molds. They exhibit toxic effects on humans, animals, plants, and other microorganisms. In the case of humans, mycotoxins enter the body mainly through the gastrointestinal tract, along with contaminated food, further affecting cells, tissues, and entire organs, particularly damaging the kidneys and liver. They cause diseases of the circulatory and nervous systems, as well as respiratory problems, including pulmonary edema. Mycotoxins disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism, while also suppressing the immune system. They can lead to poisoning, including acute poisoning, even leading to death after a single large dose of the toxin.
The greatest threat of chronic poisoning, however, lies in the proven carcinogenic properties. Contamination of plant-based food with mycotoxins occurs during crop cultivation when the plants are attacked by fungal pathogens. Mycotoxins can also form later during improper storage and transportation of raw materials. Their presence in food poses a risk to consumers. They are invisible and can be found in products where fungal infection is no longer visible. Additionally, they are highly resistant to heat treatment, making it impossible to eliminate them through cooking or baking.
Mycotoxins affect various organisms, including plants. These toxins, along with the fungal infection itself, have a highly negative impact on the development, growth, and productivity of the affected plant. The most common method of protecting and combating fungal diseases in plants is the use of fungicides. However, this method has its drawbacks – it contributes to environmental pollution. Moreover, pathogenic microorganisms can develop resistance to the chemicals used, and there are also reports of potential harm to human and animal health from fungicide use. In addition, more and more consumers want to choose products from organic farms free of such chemicals.
Another method is the cultivation of plants resistant to fungal infections. However, there is a risk of the formation of so-called masked mycotoxins. Through processes carried out by plants, mycotoxins are transformed into compounds that do not exhibit toxic properties towards them but are harmful to animals and humans. A promising alternative to these methods could be the application of plant metabolites.
It has been discovered that many plant metabolites inhibit fungal growth, which can result in lower levels of mycotoxins in plant materials. Additionally, these compounds may directly influence the reduction of mycotoxin production by fungi.
Lastly, plant metabolites. These are products of metabolism, consisting of organic and inorganic compounds produced by cells. They are divided into two main groups: primary metabolites, which are essential for the proper progression of basic life processes, and secondary metabolites, which are not directly necessary for plant growth and development. Plant secondary metabolites form a diverse group of compounds and play important roles in plant interactions with the environment, including functions in fungal infection resistance.
So far, there is not much information available on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of mycotoxins in flax. The effectiveness of plant metabolites in reducing the content of mycotoxins in flax has also not been assessed. The results of the research included in the project can contribute to expanding our knowledge about mycotoxins in flax and help develop an effective method of protecting flax. This will have implications for the safe use of flax raw materials in food, cosmetic, and medical applications.
“The interest in this topic stems from the appreciation of how valuable and widely cultivated flax is, often referred to as ‘Polish gold,’ as well as the significant threat posed by fungal infections to its cultivation and raw materials. Flax and the improvement of its properties have been the subject of research at the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics for many years, and the team, comprised of wonderful individuals, can always be relied upon for assistance during the research work,” emphasizes Dr. Justyna Mierziak-Derecka.
Researchers from the University of Wrocław will receive nearly PLN 25 million to carry out their projects funded by the National Science Centre under the OPUS 24 and SONATA 18 competitions.
Ed. Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz
Translated by Ilona Mutke (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
