Roles of medicinal mushrooms as natural food dyes and Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSC): synergy of zero hunger and affordable energy for sustainable development

• Main Authors: Ahmad, Nurfadzilah, Vunduk, Jovana, Klaus, Anita, Dahlan, Nofri Yenita, Ghosh, Soumya, Muhammad Sukki, Firdaus, Dufosse, Laurent, Bani, Nurul Aini, Wan Mohtar, Wan Abd. Al Qadr Imad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI 2022
• Subjects: Q Science (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/104404/1/NurulAiniBani2022_RolesofMedicinalMushroomsasNaturalFood.pdf; http://eprints.utm.my/104404/; http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su142113894
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

In 2015, approximately 195 countries agreed with the United Nations that by 2030, they would work to make the world a better place. There would be synergies in accomplishing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Synergy using a single sustainable resource is critical to assist developing nations in achieving the SDGs as cost-effectively and efficiently possible. To use fungal dye resources, we proposed a combination of the zero hunger and affordable energy goals. Dyes are widely used in high-tech sectors, including food and energy. Natural dyes are more environment-friendly than synthetic dyes and may have medicinal benefits. Fungi are a natural source of dye that can be substituted for plants. For example, medicinal mushrooms offer a wide range of safe organic dyes that may be produced instantly, inexpensively, and in large quantities. Meanwhile, medicinal mushroom dyes may provide a less expensive choice for photovoltaic (PV) technology due to their non-toxic and environmentally friendly qualities. This agenda thoroughly explains the significance of pigments from medicinal mushrooms in culinary and solar PV applications. If executed effectively, such a large, unwieldy and ambitious agenda may lead the world towards inclusive and sustainable development.