Evaluation of the Potential of Fungi as Plastic Biodegraders and Biomaterial Producers (Phase 2)

This interdisciplinary research project addresses the growing problem of plastic pollution, specifically polyethylene, which takes hundreds of years to degrade. The main objective is to investigate the potential of certain fungal strains to biodegrade plastics and, simultaneously, explore their capacity to produce biomaterials from mycelia. The methodology involves the isolation and identification (microbiological and molecular) of fungal strains with enzymatic characteristics suitable for breaking polymer chemical bonds. Subsequently, their biodegradation capacity will be evaluated in liquid and solid media, including determining enzymatic activity and measuring CO2 produced (Sturm test). Concurrently, mycelia will be cultivated on organic substrates (such as barley or wheat straw with gypsum and molasses) to evaluate their physical-mechanical characteristics (compression strength, water absorption, density) and determine their viability as substitute biomaterials. The project aims to generate a scientific article indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, offering an environmentally sustainable solution for reducing plastic waste and promoting the development of new biodegradable materials.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To evaluate the potential of fungi as plastic biodegraders and producers of biomaterials.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources<br/>Technologies applied to natural resources