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Mycelium-based biodegradable insulation topic of webinar

A University of Alaska Anchorage professor has developed a way to use cellulose-mycelium foams to replace plastics, which make up nearly half of marine debris. 

Philippe Amstislavski will present a free webinar, “Turning Off the Tap on Plastic Pollution with Mycelium Materials,” at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The webinar is hosted by ������ Cooperative Extension Service. 

Amstislavski, an assistant professor of public health and director of the UAA Biomaterials Laboratory, leads a marine debris prevention project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Plastic pollution in Alaska and the Arctic is rising. 

Amstislavski and his team have developed a mycelium-based foam, comparable to rigid polystyrene plastic (Styrofoam), that is insulating and repels water. He will discuss how native fungi use wood as a scaffold and nutrient source for mycelium growth. These Arctic-tough microbes can then be harnessed to create lightweight, eco-friendly fish coolers, insulation, filters and even furniture that is compostable and safe for people and wildlife. 

to complete the required registration for the webinar.

For more information, contact Molly Johansson at 907-786-6313 or mjohansson@alaska.edu .

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Johansson. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

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