Filamentous Fungi Are Potential Bioremediation Agents of Semi-Synthetic Textile Waste

Author: mycolabadmin
6/13/2023
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Summary

Researchers tested whether fungi could break down and remove dyes from textile waste as an environmentally friendly alternative to landfilling or burning. A white rot fungus called Hypholoma fasciculare successfully removed over 80% of dye from test textiles within 8 months. This study represents the first successful demonstration of fungi breaking down dyes directly from solid textiles, opening new possibilities for sustainable textile waste management.

Background

Textile waste is a major environmental pollutant contributing to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem degradation. Most modern textiles contain mixtures of processed plant-derived polymers and synthetic materials that are difficult to separate and recycle, resulting in the majority being sent to landfill or incinerated. Wood decay fungi possess enzymatic capacity to degrade complex polymers through lignocellulose degradation mechanisms.

Objective

To assess the potential of fungal bioremediation for textile-based dye removal as a sustainable disposal method. The study aimed to develop agar-independent microcosms, evaluate fungal growth on semi-synthetic textiles with varying elastane content, and assess dye bioremediation capability and process safety.

Results

H. fasciculare demonstrated significant dye loss (>80%) from all textile types, with greater efficacy on lower elastane content fabrics. S. himantioides showed minimal dye remediation except on 12% elastane textiles. Bioinformatic analysis revealed H. fasciculare possesses greater numbers of laccases and peroxidases, key enzymes for dye degradation. Volatile analysis showed no significant release of hazardous compounds during the 8-month incubation period.

Conclusion

This is the first demonstration of fungal bioremediation of dye from solid textiles and fungal growth on elastane-containing textiles. H. fasciculare shows promising potential as a bioremediation agent for textile waste. Further research is needed to address challenges of extended timescales, synthetic material degradation, and industrial scale-up viability.

Published in:Journal of Fungi,
Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
Source: 10.3390/jof9060661, PMID: 37367597