Universidad Católica del Maule develops sustainable biomaterials from fungi and waste

Researchers at the Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM), led by Dr. Rodrigo Morales Vera, are developing a project to transform organic and inorganic waste into sustainable materials. Supported by the Maule Regional Government through FIC-R funding, the initiative focuses on circular bioeconomy by utilizing the natural ability of certain fungi to act as binders for residual particles.

The project aims to convert industrial and urban waste into new biomaterials that could replace common products in construction and packaging. Potential applications include acoustic and thermo-acoustic insulating panels for the building sector. Governor Pedro Pablo Álvarez-Salamanca noted that the funding supports regional science, technology, and innovation to create concrete environmental and productive solutions.