Digesting various substances: fungi

1 of 3 The 8-spored asci of Morchella elata. / Peter G. Wer.. / License

Various fungi can digest petroleum, plastic, iron, and other hazardous waste products.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Other organic compounds

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Dealing with waste and pollution using products that mimic the various digestive abilities of fungi.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The variety of substances that fungi can digest is extraordinary. Some can live on petroleum, others on the thin films that coat lenses. Silica, magnesium, iron, even plastic are all consumed by one kind or another." (Attenborough 1995:179)

About the inspiring organism

Fungi
Fungi

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Dealing with waste and pollution using products that mimic the various digestive abilities of fungi.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Waste management, bioremediation

References

Attenborough, D. 1995. The Private Life of Plants: A Natural History of Plant Behavior. London: BBC Books. 320 p.

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Comments

Are any of these in production as petroleum waste clean-up packages?

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