MycoCube - bioremediation of PFAS
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | MycoMine AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 950 000 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - August 2026 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Acceleration of deep tech companies |
| Call | Acceleration of deep tech companies 2023 |
Important results from the project
The aim of this project was to identify fungi that can degrade PFAS and implement them in a scaled-up pilot at a customer. A few fungal strains with the ability to degrade PFAS were identified but with very high capacity - up to 98% degradation of PFOS and PFOA. A modified version of MycoMine´s modular MycoCube system was installed at Viktoria fire station in Uppsala and operated for 12 months. The results were good but more development is required before the product is market-ready.
Expected long term effects
The goal of the project is to eventually achieve a cost-effective, climate-smart and low-energy solution for the total degradation of PFAS. Our methodology is based on a biological process that is implemented in a modular system, which means that we can perform in-situ management of PFAS on site and thereby reduce large costs and emissions from transportation.
Approach and implementation
The project was divided into three parts: 1) laboratory phase to identify fungi, 2) construction of pilot, and 3) installation and operation of pilot. The setup proved to work very well and all objective were achieved. During the project period, the project took an unexpected direction from water and soil management to being incorporated into filter solutions. This was to better reach a marketable product where large contaminated volumes can be handled more quickly.