ecomyko

🍄 Fungi & algae: a natural alliance to clean our water 💧 What if wastewater could be treated using the quiet power of biology: no chemicals, no spinning centrifuges, and no high-tech infrastructure? New research (2022) explores how filamentous fungi and microalgae can work together to treat wastewater, capture pollutants, and even produce valuable biomass. It’s an elegant, nature-based solution that could help industries meet environmental goals while cutting costs. 🔬 How does it work? ✅ Effortless biomass harvesting Fungi such as Aspergillus, Trichoderma, and Mucor form dense, fibrous mycelial structures that entangle suspended microalgae into pellet-like aggregates. This physical interaction, driven by surface proteins, hydrophobic forces, and extracellular polymers enables low-energy, high-efficiency biomass harvesting without the need for centrifugation. In co-cultivation, microalgae and fungi support each other metabolically: algae produce oxygen and organic carbon through photosynthesis, while fungi provide CO₂ and help maintain a balanced microenvironment. ✅ Multi-pollutant removal These fungal–algal consortia do far more than just clean, they transform water through multiple layers of biological filtration: 🔹 Nutrient stripping They efficiently remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus, identified as key drivers of eutrophication, thus, helping restore ecological balance in treated effluents. 🔹 Heavy metal binding Fungal cell walls act as efficient biosorbents, driven by their diverse biochemical surface structures enriched with reactive groups that bind toxic metals like lead, copper, and cadmium with high affinity. 🔹 Organic pollutant degradation Fungal enzymes like laccase, peroxidases, and oxidases break down persistent contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and synthetic dyes through oxidative degradation pathways. ✅ Creates valuable byproducts The harvested biomass can be turned into: 🧪 Biofuels 🐄 Animal feed 🌾 Organic fertilizers   All while reducing chemical input and energy use. 🚀 When biotech meets the circular economy This hybrid fungal–algal approach has the potential to reimagine wastewater as a renewable resource, rather than a waste stream. It’s nature-based, energy-efficient, and adaptable, making it a promising solution for industries, municipalities, and agri-food systems aiming to close resource loops and reduce environmental impact. As environmental pressures grow, nature-based filtration systems like these may not just complement traditional methods: they could redefine them. #Bioremediation #Mycoremediation #WastewaterTreatment #CircularEconomy #FungalTech #Microalgae #Fungi #Sustainability #CleanWater #Biotechnology #Ecomyko

Exciting news! ecomyko has been named Startup of the Year 2025 by La French Tech at the French Tech Connect Poland 2025! Yesterday, Sandro Aeschlimann had the honor of receiving the award from the Consul General Cedric Peltier and the President of La French Tech Krakow Romain Rebour. With 63% of the votes from 72 C-level decision-makers, this recognition is a huge milestone for us. A big thank you to our team, partners, and supporters—this is just the beginning. Now, it’s time to deliver! #FTCP25 #StartupOfTheYear #Ecomyko #lafrenchtech #Innovation #Sustainability

🍄 From ancient medicine to sustainable innovation: Ganoderma, a fungus with endless potential 🎯 A sip of wisdom, a dose of longevity, Reishi is more than just a mushroom! For centuries, this “mushroom of immortality” has been a symbol of vitality in traditional Asian medicine, infused into teas, tinctures, and tonics, believed to fortify immunity, fight inflammation, and slow ageing. But what if I told you this same fungus is now at the forefront of biotechnology and sustainable materials science? 🔬 From medicine to materials: Mycelium-based biomaterials The future of materials isn’t built, it’s grown! Beyond its legendary health benefits, Reishi is now revolutionizing sustainable materials. Scientists and engineers are harnessing its fast-growing mycelial networks to create biodegradable, high-performance composites that rival plastics, foams, and synthetic fibres; yet grow into shape, decompose naturally, and reshape the future of sustainable design. 🛠 How is Ganoderma reshaping materials science? ✅ Sustainable Packaging – A compostable, biodegradable alternative to polystyrene, creating protective, lightweight materials that leave no toxic trace behind. 🏡 Construction & Architecture – Fire-resistant, thermally insulating, and soundproof, these low-carbon mycelium composites grow into walls, panels, and insulation, redefining eco-friendly building materials. 🛋 Furniture & Textiles – Soft, strong, and shaped by nature. From moulded chairs to vegan leather, mycelium is making waves in fashion, interior design, and sustainable manufacturing. Unlike synthetics, these fungal-based composites grow into form rather than being manufactured, requiring minimal energy, no fossil fuels, and leaving zero toxic waste. Companies like #Ecovative, MycoWorks, and MOGU (to name just a few) are already scaling these circular bioeconomy innovations. 🍄 Beyond biomaterials: Reishi’s potential in bioremediation And it doesn’t stop there, scientists are uncovering how Ganoderma's natural enzymes can help break down complex organic matter, offering low-impact solutions for industries aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. A 2025 study from Veracruz, Mexico, highlights that certain Ganoderma strains produce lignocellulolytic enzymes, notably laccases and lignin peroxidases, which are crucial in degrading lignin and other organic compounds. These enzymes are already being explored for: 🌿 Biopulping & Paper Bleaching – Replacing harsh chemicals in the paper industry. 💧 Wastewater Treatment – Breaking down dyes, polyphenols, and persistent pollutants. ⚗ Biofuel Production – Enhancing biomass conversion for higher bioethanol yields. So next time you see a Reishi mushroom, think beyond its medicinal roots, this humble fungus is shaping the future of green industries! 💡♻️ #Biomaterials #FungiForTheFuture #Ganoderma #CircularEconomy #SustainableInnovation #Biotechnology #Reishi Image source:  gettyimages.com

🔬 Yet another promising avenue for Pleurotus ostreatus in mycoremediation! ♻️🍄 What if fungi could transform agricultural waste into fuel, biofertilizers, and valuable enzymes while driving sustainable waste-to-resource innovation? Industries generate millions of tons of agro-industrial waste yearly, much of which is discarded, incinerated, or left to rot. However, new research shows that Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) is a powerful bio-converter that can turn waste into bioethanol, enzymes, and nutrient-rich byproducts. 🔬 How does it work? ✅ Ferments agricultural waste into bioethanol Instead of leaving agricultural residues to decompose, P. ostreatus can help convert plant biomass into clean energy: 1️⃣ The fungus secretes lignocellulolytic enzymes (like cellulases & xylanases) that break down complex plant fibres (cellulose & hemicellulose) into fermentable sugars. 2️⃣ These sugars are then fermented by yeast (such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to produce bioethanol, a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. 3️⃣ The process is low-cost, scalable, and reduces reliance on petroleum-based fuels. ✅ Produces high-value industrial enzymes Pleurotus ostreatus secretes powerful enzymes that have applications across multiple industries: 🍃 Laccases & peroxidases – Used in bioremediation, paper bleaching, textile dye decolourization, and wastewater treatment. 📜 Cellulases & hemicellulases – Essential for bioethanol production, pulp & paper processing, and textile softening. 🛢️ Lignin-degrading enzymes – Applied in biofuel processing to break down plant lignin for improved bioethanol yields. ✅ Creates biofertilizers & animal feed from spent substrate The story doesn’t end with fermentation, what remains, the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a nutrient-dense byproduct with game-changing potential: 🌱 Biofertilizers – SMS retains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, making it an excellent soil conditioner that enhances crop growth and microbial activity. 🐄 Animal feed – The fungal pre-digestion process improves agro-waste's nutritional value, increasing livestock's digestibility. SMS is already used as a feed supplement for poultry, cattle, and fish farming. 🚀 The future of waste bioconversion? Bio-fermentation with fungi isn’t just a green alternative; it’s a smart one! By leveraging nature’s biochemical toolkit, we can convert waste into fuel, fertilizers, and industrial enzymes, reshaping the future of sustainable bioprocessing. With low-cost scalability and multiple applications, could fungal biotechnology be the key to a circular bioeconomy? 🍄🌱 #Mycoremediation #Biofermentation #Bioethanol #FungalBiotech #CircularEconomy #Sustainability 🔗 Link to the study: https://lnkd.in/eyWEUBkb

🍄 Revolutionizing wastewater treatment: How fungi can do the dirty work ☣️ Industries face significant challenges in treating contaminated wastewater. The mix of heavy metals, organic compounds, and synthetic dyes varies widely, making it hard to find one-size-fits-all solutions. Adding to the challenge, industries must meet strict environmental regulations while keeping costs and energy use manageable. Traditional treatment methods can be expensive, chemical-intensive, and energy-hungry; but could a "simple" fungus outperform high-tech treatments? 🔬 Recent research highlights the remarkable potential of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) mycelium for mycoremediation. More than just a culinary delight, this fungus is a natural detoxifier! 🍄 How does it work? ✅ Breaks down toxic dyes within 6 days: 95% removal of Methyl Red 80% removal of Malachite Green 70% removal of Remazol Brilliant Blue R This happens through powerful fungal enzymes like laccase and catechol oxidase, degrading toxic compounds at the molecular level. ✅ Absorbs heavy metals within 5 days: 89% of Nickel (Ni) removed 55% of Chromium (Cr) removed 25% of Lead (Pb) removed Mycelium acts as a natural biosorbent, capturing metals from wastewater and reducing their toxicity. ✅ Cost-effective & sustainable: Unlike conventional methods, mycoremediation is low-energy, chemical-free, and easily scalable. It could be integrated into existing wastewater treatment plants, reducing environmental impact while keeping costs down. 🚀 The Future of Bioremediation While industries spend billions on wastewater treatment, what if nature could do it better, cheaper, and greener? This research opens new doors for fungi-powered wastewater treatment, an affordable, nature-driven approach that could transform how industries handle water pollution. With the ability to detoxify contaminants in just days, could harnessing fungi be the breakthrough we need to protect our water and build a more sustainable future? #Bioremediation #Mycoremediation #WastewaterTreatment #CircularEconomy #Fungi #Sustainability #Cleantech Link to the study: https://lnkd.in/eqtRt7KE

🌊🧫 Can Marine Fungi Revolutionize the Fight Against Plastic Waste? 🍄♻ Marine fungi, though largely overlooked, inhabit every corner of the #ocean, from deep-sea sediments to coral reefs, playing essential roles in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Despite their #ecological importance, these fascinating #organisms remain vastly understudied, with millions of species yet to be #discovered. Recent research is unlocking the hidden #potential of #marine #fungi to tackle one of the planet’s most persistent challenges: #plastic #pollution. A newly published study by Aurélie Philippe and colleagues (2024) has explored how fungi living in marine environments #colonize and potentially #degrade traditional #plastics like #polystyrene (PS) and newer #biodegradable alternatives. The findings shed light on the promising potential of fungal #biodegradation: 🔍 What’s the story? When submerged in the marine environment, polystyrene (PS) and biodegradable plastics are rapidly colonized by marine fungal communities. However, there’s a challenge: PS, known for its resilience and long-lasting nature, showed little degradation, with only minor surface changes observed. In contrast, biodegradable plastics were far more receptive to fungal activity, exhibiting #significant signs of #degradation, including: 🔬 Surface erosion ⚖️ Mass loss 🦠 Biofilm formation 🍄 Who are the key players? The study identified key fungal species, such as #Aspergillus and #Penicillium, which are recognized for their robust #enzymatic #capabilities in breaking down complex polymers. Their enzymatic abilities make them ideal candidates for further exploration in the fight against #plastic #waste. ⏳ Time is on fungi’s side Interestingly, the longer these plastics were exposed to fungi, the more degradation was observed, particularly for biodegradable plastics. These findings indicate that marine fungi, under the right conditions, could become pivotal #allies in #reducing specific types of plastic waste. 💡 What does this mean for us? Biodegradable plastics: These materials show promise in aligning with fungi’s natural enzymatic processes, offering a #sustainable path forward. Traditional plastics like PS: These remain a significant #challenge, highlighting the need for innovative material design and advanced #bioremediation #strategies. This study underscores the vast potential of #mycoremediation to combat plastic pollution. With further research into fungal enzymatic pathways and adaptations, marine fungi could reshape the future of waste #management and #environmental #sustainability. Link to the study: https://lnkd.in/gQixWHbr

🔥 From flames to flourish: How fungi can transform wildfire recovery 🍄 In the wake of the recent devastating wildfire in #California, countless families have lost their homes, their belongings, and the very foundations of their lives. Entire #communities have been displaced, grappling with the emotional and financial toll of starting over. The once-vibrant #landscapes are now charred, leaving behind not only #scarred #ecosystems but also the shattered dreams of those who called these areas home. As we come together to #support those affected, one question looms large: How can we #recover from such immense loss, and how can we #prevent this #devastation from happening again? Surprisingly, some of the most promising #solutions come not from cutting-edge technology but from an ancient life form: #fungi. 🔥 The challenge #Wildfires devastate ecosystems, leaving soils eroded and depleted. Traditional #recovery methods can be slow and resource-intensive, but fungi offer a natural, innovative way forward. 🌟 Fungi to the rescue 1️⃣ A study explored the use of #mycelium derived from Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) as a potential natural fire-retardant. The concept involves transforming mycelium into a water-based spray that can be applied to trees in fire-prone areas. Preliminary #findings suggest that the mycelium coating could #reduce #flammability by charring under heat, potentially creating a protective thermal barrier. While promising, further research is needed to validate its effectiveness on a larger scale and under real-world wildfire conditions. Importantly, this approach could also #enhance soil health and #forest #restoration by fostering microbial activity. https://lnkd.in/evv34wvs 2️⃣ Another study found that fire-loving fungi, like Geopyxis carbonaria and Pyronema omphalodes, aggregate soil particles after a fire. By #stabilizing the soil and improving its water retention, these fungi combat #erosion and create the #foundation for #regrowth, literally turning ash into fertile ground for life. https://lnkd.in/eJkx9qaB 3️⃣ Mycorrhizal fungi, partnering with plant roots, are essential for #rebuilding #ecosystems after wildfires. These fungi recycle nutrients from burned debris, stabilize soil, and improve water retention, creating fertile ground for new life. By enhancing plant #resilience and fostering #biodiversity, they accelerate recovery and establish healthier, less fire-prone landscapes. https://lnkd.in/eiFctYrQ 💡 What’s next? Could we integrate fungal solutions into LA's fire #management #strategies? Could sprayable mycelium or fungal inoculants become the new standard in fire-prone regions? These are questions we must answer together, leveraging innovation, #science, and #community #action. Image credit: Getty Images

🍄 Exploring the untapped potential of #fungal secondary #metabolites ✨ The world of fungi continues to inspire #innovation across #industries, from #healthcare to sustainability. In a newly published study, Khushbu Wadhwa and colleagues (2024), have highlighted the fascinating potential of fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) and their transformative role in innovation. These compounds, with their diverse applications in #medicine, #agriculture, and environmental #sustainability, are paving the way for groundbreaking advancements. 🌟 What are fungal SMs? Fungal secondary metabolites are chemical compounds produced during different growth stages of fungi. These include #terpenoids, #alkaloids, #polyketides, and non-ribosomal #peptides. While not essential for fungal survival, they offer extraordinary benefits for humans and the environment. 📈 Broad spectrum of applications: 1️⃣ Healthcare: Life-saving #antibiotics like penicillin and #anticancer drugs like vinblastine owe their origins to fungi. These #metabolites also drive innovations in immunosuppressants, and other #therapeutic agents, showcasing their critical role in advancing modern medicine. 2️⃣ Agriculture: Fungal SMs double as natural #biopesticides and plant growth promoters, paving the way for more #sustainable #farming. 3️⃣ Environmental sustainability: SMs are at the heart of #bioremediation efforts, serving as powerful agents in detoxifying #pollutants and restoring environmental balance. 🔮 The future of fungal SMs: 💡 Co-cultivation: By growing multiple fungal species together or in tandem with bacteria, #researchers can stimulate the production of novel secondary metabolites. This approach mimics natural ecosystems where fungi interact with other microorganisms, triggering unique #biosynthetic #pathways that are otherwise dormant in monocultures. 💡 Synthetic biology: #CRISPR and omics technologies are unlocking the #genetic potential of fungi, allowing precise tailoring of their metabolic pathways for higher yields and novel metabolite production. 💡 Scalability: Advances in bioprocessing and fermentation #technologies, such as optimized growth media and #bioreactor designs, are paving the way for large-scale production of fungal secondary metabolites, ensuring their viability for industrial applications. 📢 The takeaway: Fungal secondary metabolites are more than chemical compounds; they’re game-changers. From replacing harmful #pesticides to breaking down pollutants, fungi are reshaping industries while protecting our #ecosystems. 👩🔬👨🔬 As research into genetic pathways and advanced production methods evolves, the possibilities for fungal secondary metabolites continue to expand. These remarkable compounds are emerging as key drivers in addressing global #challenges and creating sustainable #solutions across industries. #Sustainability #Biotechnology #Fungi #Mycoremediation #CircularEconomy #Innovation #Healthcare #GreenTech

🐦 How birds help truffles thrive in the Southern Hemisphere 🍄 As we continue to uncover the secrets of nature’s intricate relationships, recent research has revealed an extraordinary #partnership between #fungi and #birds in Patagonia’s forests. These birds aren’t just foraging for fruits, they’re consuming #truffles and playing a vital role in dispersing their #spores! 📊 Key Findings: In a groundbreaking study, Nicholas P. Money (2021) analyzed faecal samples from two bird species, chucao tapaculo and black-throated huet-huet, confirming the presence of viable spores from 45 truffle #species (yes, 45!). This evidence positions birds as key spore dispersers in these #ecosystems - a role previously thought to belong exclusively to #mammals. 🌍 What this means for forest ecosystems: This research sheds light on the complex #ecological #networks where birds step into roles traditionally attributed to mammals. Here’s why it matters: 🔄 Shift in perspective: Birds, particularly in mammal-scarce ecosystems like #Patagonia, are now recognized as vital vectors for truffle spore dispersal, challenging traditional views. 🌏 Global implications: Bird-truffle partnerships likely extend beyond Patagonia to Southern Hemisphere regions like #New #Zealand and #Australia, where similar interactions are already observed. 🧬 Evolutionary genius: Some truffles mimic berries to attract birds, leveraging visual cues for dispersal, an advanced #strategy that complements the scent-based #mechanisms used for mammals. 🌱 Biodiversity conservation: Protecting bird populations ensures the continuation of these critical fungal dispersal systems, directly supporting tree growth and #forest #health. 🔍 What’s next? ➡️ Investigating whether spores dispersed by birds successfully germinate into new truffles. ➡️ Conducting more field studies to uncover the nuances of bird-foraging behaviours and their impact on fungal life cycles. 🌟 Key takeaway: This discovery isn’t just about fungi; it’s about the intricate connections that sustain our planet. Birds aren’t just songbirds, they’re #ecological #engineers shaping the wellbeing of our forests! #FungalEcology #Biodiversity #Truffles #Birds #Patagonia #NatureLovers #Ecosystems #Science #Innovation #Sustainability #Conservation Image credit: https://lnkd.in/e4n66pY7

⚠️ 🌍 An Urgent Call: Global leaders set to decide #plastics and #climate’s #future This is a moment of profound #decision-making for our #planet. This week, countries are #negotiating what could be the most significant #environmental #treaty since the #Paris #Agreement, this could be the #UN’s most impactful treaty #addressing plastic #pollution. Here’s why it matters: 🌐 Plastics and Climate Change Accounting for #5% of #global #greenhouse #gas #emissions, plastics generate emissions three times higher than #aviation! Most of these emissions come from the #production process, heavily reliant on #fossil #fuels like #oil and #gas, and #incineration of non-recyclable plastics. Without intervention, #emissions from plastics could consume up to 65% of the remaining #carbon #budget to limit global #warming to 1.5°C by #2050. 🛢️ Plastics Driving Oil Demand As the world #transitions to #renewable #energy, the plastics #industry is projected to become a primary driver of oil demand growth. It’s a lifeline for oil-dependent #economies, but also a key barrier to #reducing plastic production. 📝 The Power of a Global Treaty 🔊 This treaty could: ▪️ Set global production limits for plastics, similar to the Montreal Protocol (https://lnkd.in/dUTPJcD). ▪️ Introduce legally binding national targets to curb emissions. ▪️ Push for #innovative #solutions like #recycling, bio-based plastics, and #carbon #capture. ♻️ A Path to Net-Zero Plastics? The plastics sector could align with net-zero goals through: ▪️ Recycling rates of 61%. ▪️ Shifting to 38% bio-based materials while leveraging advanced technologies. ▪️ #Massive #investment in renewable energy. ⛔ Yet, challenges remain Despite the promise of this #treaty, several barriers must be addressed: ▪️ #Lobbying pressure: Strong opposition from fossil-fuel interests seeks to limit #ambitious #targets. ▪️ #Geopolitical resistance: Oil-dependent #nations are hesitant to support production caps, seeing plastics as an economic lifeline. ▪️ Governance hurdles: Establishing effective voting mechanisms is critical to avoid stagnation and ensure #progress. What’s your take on this pivotal moment? Could this treaty spark the change we need? Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/ewYrVEQG #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #ClimateAction #UNPlasticsTreaty #CircularEconomy #DecisionMaking #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalTreaty #PolicyMatters #EndPlasticWaste #RecyclingInnovation #ClimateCrisis Image credit: "A sculpture titled "Giant Plastic Tap" by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong. The Canadian Press / Alamy Stock Photo