I am a PhD candidate in Microbiology at the University of Pretoria, under the supervision of Dr Thabiso Motaung and co-supervision of Prof Samkelo Malgas, Prof. Emma Steenkamp, Prof. Brenda Wingfield and Dr Francinah Ratsoma. My research focuses on understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in mycotoxin retention by Fusarium verticillioides. Specifically, the aim of the project is to investigate the interactions between extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), extracellular DNA (eDNA), and mycotoxin fumonisin B1. Using a combination of biochemical binding assays and microbiological approaches, the work aims to explain the mechanisms by which EPS and eDNA contribute to the retention of fumonisin B1 within the extracellular matrices. By characterising these interactions and assessing the impact of EPS and eDNA disruption on fumonisin B1 localisation, this research seeks to provide new insights into matrix-targeted strategies for mycotoxin control.