🎓 Academic Background and Research Affiliations
Gandia holds a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology of Plants from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. He is affiliated with the Institute for Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMCP) in Valencia, Spain, where he collaborates with Diego Orzáez's lab. Since 2022 he also collaborates with the ETH Zürich, Switzerland. His expertise encompasses plasmid cloning, PCR, molecular cloning, and cell culture techniques. Source: ResearchGate
🧪 Research Contributions and Innovations
Gandia's research has led to significant developments in the field of fungal-based materials:
-
Flexible Fungal Materials (FFMs): He co-authored a study on FFMs, which are sustainable materials derived from fungal biomass. These materials, such as chitin- and β-glucan-based foams and textiles, offer environmentally friendly alternatives for various applications. Source: Google Scholar
-
Leather-like Material Biofabrication: In a publication in Nature Sustainability, Gandia and colleagues explored the production of leather-like materials using fungi. This research highlights the potential of fungal biomass as a sustainable substitute for traditional leather, addressing environmental concerns associated with animal-based and synthetic leathers. Source: Universität Wien
-
Fungal Electronics and Wearables: Gandia has been involved in pioneering work on integrating fungi into electronic devices. His research includes studies on the electrical responses of mycelium-bound composites to environmental stimuli, paving the way for the development of smart, responsive materials for use in wearables and building materials. Source: PubMed
🏢 Industry Experience and Collaborations
Beyond academia, Gandia has held key positions in various companies focused on mycelium-based technologies.
- Strain Development Specialist at Ecovative Design LLC: An American company based in NY pioneering the biofabricaton of fungal-based materials and foods.
- Chief Technology Officer at MOGU S.r.l.: An Italian company specializing in sustainable materials derived from mycelium.
- R&D Specialist at Planted Foods AG: A Swiss company focused on plant- and microbial-based food innovations.
His industry roles have involved developing and scaling up mycelium-based technologies for applications ranging from mycoproteins to biodegradable materials. Source: keller-lab.ch
📚 Publications and Outreach
Gandia has authored numerous publications and actively engages in science communication:
-
Research Publications: His work is featured on platforms like ResearchGate and Google Scholar, where he shares his findings on fungal biotechnology and sustainable materials. Google Scholar
-
Crowdfunding and Public Engagement: He has initiated projects on platforms like Experiment.com, aiming to develop low-cost bioreactor systems for sustainable microbial cultivation, thereby promoting accessible scientific research. Experiment - Moving Science Forward
🌍 Significance and Impact
Antoni Gandia's work is at the forefront of sustainable material science, offering innovative solutions to environmental challenges. By harnessing the capabilities of fungi, he contributes to the development of biodegradable, biohybrid, and eco-friendly materials that have the potential to replace less sustainable options in various industries. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between biology, materials science, and environmental sustainability, making his contributions vital in the pursuit of greener technologies.
⚠️ Important notification:
Antoni doesn't work at Mediamatic anymore, his @mediamatic.net email is expired or redirected to another person. Please, you can contact him through Instagram (@Fungicultura) or LinkedIn. Thanks!
