| Idea Name: |
Mycoremedy |
| Slogan: |
Fungi, the material of future |
| Supervisor Name: |
Dr. Muhammad Faraz Bhatti |
| Supervisor Designation: |
Head of Department, Plant Biotechnology |
| Supervisor School: |
ASAB |
| Supervisor Department: |
Plant Biotechnology |
| Contact number: |
03338554648 |
| Email ID: |
[email protected] |
| Abstract: |
| Plastic is currently an important material in the global environment, it is becoming a huge threat to nature. Plastics have low natural degradation rate, accumulate in natural environments and cause damage to biodiversity. Mycoremediation concerns how we can use fungi as a remedy, to reverse environmental damage. One key player is oyster mushroom that convert plastics into bioavailable food. |
| What is the unmet need in society that your idea will fulfill ? |
| Physical and chemical methods currently available for plastic biodegradation have constraints. So, mycoremediation is a biological alternative with minimum harmful effects, no toxic by-products efficient compared to bacterial degradation, cost-effective, and does not require much energy. |
| Who needs it ? How many would benefit ? |
| Bioremediation is the need of time and society. It is beneficial for every living creature including birds, fishes, marine mammals, and humans. Plastic pollution and microplastics poses serious health risks to humans and has endangered hundreds of different species. |
| How will the solution works |
| A setup will be established to mimic “Fungi Mutarium” in which fungi will be cultivated on specifically designed agar shapes called as FU. Starch and sugar will be added as a nutrient base for the fungi. The "FUs" are filled with plastics. The oyster mushrooms will be then inserted, it will release enzymes that will digest the plastic and convert it to food. |
| Who are your competitors ? How is your solution different |
| Research groups using bacteria for bioremediation are competitors. Solution is different as use of bacteria for degrading plastics is observed to be slow process due to their narrow degradation ability whereas fungal enzymes are efficient and can degrade within months. |
| Status: |
new |
| Entry Date & Time: |
2022-12-15 (1703) |
