At the University of Borås, Sweden, a team of researchers led by associate professor Akram Zamani has developed a method for transform old bread into textile materials. This revolutionary initiative, which combines creativity and sustainability, is the result of four years of research and is inspired by the natural processes of recycling of microscopic mushrooms.
The process is based on the use of the surplus of bread, coming from supermarkets, to grow mushrooms. These organisms produce a fungal biomass rich in thin fibers, which can be used for make yarnsmaterials similar to skin and even bioplastic.
The biomass is processed to obtain innovative fabrics that have exceptional characteristics, such as the resistance to bacteria and the ability to Promote cell regeneration. This makes the fabrics ideal for medical applications, such as bandages for burns or medications for wounds, with the potential to improve health treatments.
Alternative materials can also be created to animal skin
Another use of fungal biomass is the creation of Alternative materials to animal skin. This product stands out for being soft and natural to the touch, representing a valid alternative to both traditional and synthetic skin.
The production process is quick and completely sustainablewith time of realization of a few days. In addition, from the same biomass it is possible to obtain Bioplastics biodegradable which could be used in sectors such as the food packagingoffering an ecological solution to reduce the use of conventional plastic.
In addition to providing innovative materials, this project faces two large environmental challenges: The strong ecological impact of the textile industry and food waste. Every year in Sweden large quantities of bread are discarded, and reusing them to produce fabrics offers a practical and sustainable solution to both problems.
Looking to the future, the research team aims to further develop this technology, collaborating with companies of the textile, biotechnological and paper sectors. Since the machinery necessary for production are already widely available, the process is easily scalable.
This project could mark an important step towards a more respectful industry of the environment, introducing innovative solutions that combine sustainability and efficiency. The potential economic and environmental benefits of this discovery could influence different sectors, from fashion to health, opening new perspectives for the future of ecological materials.
