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Mycofabrication of sustainable mycelium-based leather using Talaromyces sp. and irradiated eggplant peel waste

Summary

Scientists developed a new type of eco-friendly leather made from fungal mycelium grown on eggplant peel waste. Using radiation to treat the eggplant peels made them stronger and more flexible, and optimizing the growing conditions improved the material’s quality. The resulting mycoleather has mechanical properties comparable to real leather but is completely biodegradable and sustainable, offering a promising alternative to traditional leather production.

Background

Agro-industry and leather manufacturing are major sources of global pollution and waste. The fashion industry consumes significant water and energy while producing substantial textile waste. This study explores using fungal mycelium grown on food waste as an ecofriendly alternative to traditional leather production.

Objective

To develop sustainable mycelium-based leather using Talaromyces sp. isolated from eggplant peel waste as a biodegradable scaffold and nutrient source. The study aimed to optimize cultivation conditions and evaluate mechanical properties and safety of the resulting mycoleather.

Results

Exposure to 15 kGy irradiation produced flexible material with tensile strength of 8 MPa compared to 5 MPa for non-irradiated samples. Increasing sucrose concentration from 20 to 40 g/L enhanced mycelial network and exopolysaccharide production. All post-treatment methods (incubation at 40°C, ionizing radiation, UV, and sodium hypochlorite) effectively eliminated viable spores without compromising material integrity except UV which caused deformation.

Conclusion

Talaromyces atroroseus grown on irradiated eggplant peel waste demonstrates great potential as an ecofriendly leather alternative with competitive mechanical properties. The novel use of eggplant peel waste and ionizing radiation at pre- and post-fabrication stages provides proof of concept for sustainable mycoleather commercialization aligned with circular economy principles.
  • Published in:AMB Express,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s13568-025-01935-0; PMID: 40844721
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