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Project title

FungiTech: crop residues as a substrate for producing filamentous mycoprotein

Primary Funding Agency

Science Foundation Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

FungiTech will address the challenge of increasing the sustainability and circularity of our food systems through the bioconversion and valorisation of crop residues into fungal protein for food and feed use. This project is based on the novelty of exploiting the fact that plant-pathogenic filamentous fungi can attack lignocellulosic plant tissues, converting plant sugars into biomass, resulting in a product that is rich in both protein and fibre. Building on preliminary evidence that shows potential for the conversion of crop residues into fungal biomass, FungiTech will combine transdisciplinary expertise to determine the most promising fungi for the conversion of crop residues into nutrient-dense mycoprotein, and determine the potential of this technology within short food supply chains, using the evolving Northwest Bioeconomy hub as a model for economic modelling and product development. The Concept phase will select fungi based on nutritional profile when grown on spent brewers grain, while the Seed phase will prioritise key candidate for food and feed based on crop waste substrate utilisation, nutritional, food safety, potential for scale up and consumer acceptability, while at the same time determining the economic potential and focusing on short supply chain product development, using the Nortwest Bioeconomy Hub as a model.

Grant Approved

�317,975.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2025