OUR INNOVATIONS:
FROM DISCOVERY TO INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

We are developing scalable biomolecules & biomaterials to bring new functionalities to replace synthetic & animal derived ingredients.

UNLOCKING SOUTH AFRICA’S BIOLOGICAL TREASURES

SAWUBONA MYCELIUM CREATES A MYCOMOLECULES DATA MINE

From 718 compounds to 1.6 million compounds — revolutionizing biomolecules for personal & wound care.

2025

ACHIEVEMENTS

Tested 718 compounds.

45 biological activity

2030

GOAL

3000 strains screened.

1.6 million compounds with diverse biological activities.

Potential commercialization
across industries.

2027

PROJECTED PROGRESS

Continued testing & biological
activity confirmations.

Early growth in biomolecule
discovery, reaching hundreds
of thousands of compounds.

Personal Care

Wound Care

Chelating

Healthcare

Encapsulation

Personal Care

Wound Care

Chelating

Healthcare

Encapsulation

GAUTENG STRAINS

  • Flammulina velutipes
  • Schizophyllum Commune
  • Knoppieslaagte
  • Dacryopinax spathularia Knoppieslaagte
  • Ganoderma austrofricanum
  • Centurion isolate 1
  • Centurion isolate 2
  • Trametes hirsuta Knoppieslaagte
  • Terana caerulea Knoppieslaagte
  • Bjerkandera adusta or fulgida
  • Coprinellus aureogranulatus
  • Coprinellus micaceus
  • Lenzites belulinus
  • Lecanicillium fungicola
  • Lentinus sojar-caju
  • Nectria pseudotrichia
  • Phanerodontia chrysosporium
  • Simplicillium lamellicola
  • Trametes parvispora

MPUMALANGA STRAINS

  • Fusarium pseudograminearum
  • Ganoderma resinaceum
  • Fusarium solani
  • Fusarium oxysporum

KwaZulu Natal STRAINS

  • Pleurotus ostreotus
  • Lentinula edodes
  • Trichoderma hirsutum

MYCELIUM-DERIVED BIOACTIVES

SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES

We offer a portfolio of sustainable, high-performance bio‐based ingredients that
empower companies to integrate eco‐friendly components into their products, reducing
reliance on synthetic & animal‐derived materials.

PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

CommuneGel™

Schizophyllum commune fermentation filtrate.

 

Composition

Fermentation derived gel with Fermented mushroom Beta-glucan, alpha-glucans, Mannose, Protein & Vitamin.

 

Benefits

Vegan Alternative to Snail Slime – Offers similar skin-regenerating benefits without animal-derived ingredients
Collagen Booster – Stimulates the growth of Type I Collagen for
firmer, youthful skin
Supports Skin Cell Renewal – Promotes fibroblast proliferation
to enhance skin repair and elasticity
Anti-Inflammatory – Helps soothe irritation and reduce
inflammation
Brightening Effect – Effectively reduces skin pigmentation by
inhibiting enzymes responsible for hyperpigmentation
Diabetes-Friendly Potential – Demonstrates alpha-glucosidase
inhibition, making it a candidate for anti-type II diabetic applications

 

Industrial Applications

Skincare – Ideal for enhancing moisturizing, anti-aging, and healing formulations
Haircare – Perfect for nourishing and strengthening hair products
Wound Care – Supports healing and regeneration in wound care treatments
Fur Care – Suitable for pet care products, promoting healthy fur and skin
Ingestible Formulations – Can be used in tonics and kefir for immunomodulatory benefits

Mycelium Fermented PolysaccharideTM

Carboxymethylated Beta-glucan, sodium salt.

 

Composition

A combination of mycelium cell wall and extracellular Schizophyllum commune beta-glucans called Schizophyllan; converted to a sodium salt to improve solubility in water.

 

Benefits

Prevents Collagen Degradation – Slows down enzymes that break down collagen, promoting skin firmness
Anti-Inflammatory – Provides soothing and inflammation-reducing benefits

 

Industrial Applications

Skincare – Ideal for anti-inflammatory and collagen-supporting formulations.
Haircare – Suitable for nourishing and strengthening hair products.
Wound Care – Promotes healing and reduces inflammation in wound treatments.
Fur Care – Effective in pet care products for healthy skin and fur.
Anti-Inflammatory – Ideal for formulations targeting inflammation reduction.
Drug Delivery – Its fibrilla morphology makes it a great candidate for carrying and preserving active compounds in drug delivery applications.
Commercial Cosmeceuticals – Successfully used in formulating high-quality cosmeceutical products

Chitosan 1 + 2 + 3

Chitosan

 

Composition

A combination of mycelium cell wall and extracellular Schizophyllum commune beta-glucans called Schizophyllan; converted to a sodium salt to improve solubility in water.

 

Benefits

Anti-Microbial – Helps protect against harmful microorganisms.
Chelating – Effectively binds and neutralizes metals and other contaminants.
Emollient – Provides moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.
Wound Healing – Supports skin regeneration and accelerates healing.
Sustainable Materials – Derived from mycelium strains, offering a non-animal alternative.

 

Industrial Applications

Cosmetic Formulations – Used in a variety of skincare and beauty products.
Medicinal Formulations – Applied in wound care, drug delivery, and other health-related products.
Structural Formulations – Utilized in creating structures for various industrial applications.
3D Nano Material – Explored as a scaffold for cellular meat culture in recent innovations.
Commercial Use – Successfully integrated into multiple commercial products.

Water Soluble Beta-Glucan

Derived from mycelium of Pleurotus Sojar-caju

 

Composition

At Sawubona Mycelium, we ferment and produce different β-1-3,1-6-D-glucan, beta-glucans from a range of mycelium strains.

 

Benefits

Hydration Boost – Enhances moisture retention in skin, promoting a hydrated and plump appearance.
Anti-Inflammatory – Helps reduce skin inflammation and irritation, promoting a calmer complexion.
Supports Skin Barrier Function – Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, improving protection against environmental stressors.
Stimulates Collagen Production – Encourages collagen synthesis for improved skin elasticity and reduced signs of aging.
Antioxidant Protection – Provides a protective shield against oxidative stress, helping to maintain healthy skin.
Anti-Microbial – Offers protection against harmful microorganisms, contributing to clearer skin

 

Industrial Applications

Naturally Sourced – Found in the cell walls of yeast, oats, barley, seaweeds, algae, bacteria, and mushrooms.
Polysaccharides – Composed of large molecules made up of multiple glucose (sugar) molecules.
Biologically Active Compounds – Belong to a group of compounds known as Biological Response Modifiers (BRM).
Physiological Benefits – Known to produce notable physiological effects in humans and animals.
Growing Attention – Their beneficial properties have gained significant interest in recent years.

P2 HydroGel

P2 Hydrogel Proof of Concept stages

 

Composition

Schizophyllum commune fermentation extracts Intracellular and extracellular polysaccharides.

 

Benefits

Reversible – Reactivates with changes in temperature or hydration for multiple uses.
Water-Discharging– Helps release excess moisture to keep skin feeling fresh and balanced.

 

Industrial Applications

Versatile Application – Used in a variety of skincare and beauty productsz
Reversible Performance – Reactivates with moisture or temperature changes
Moisture Control – Releases excess water to maintain balanced skin hydration
Targeted Delivery – Supports precision drug delivery mechanisms, enabling controlled release of therapeutic compounds.
3D Bio-Scaffolding – Ideal for use in 3D nano scaffolding, providing structural support for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

Our solutions meet the growing demand for natural, high
–performing ingredients across industries, below are areas where
Sawubnona Mycelium biomolecules & materials have been used
in commercial products

COMMERCIALIZATION VERTICALS

PERSONAL CARE
& COSMETICS

Clean beauty alternatives that
boost hydration & collagen
synthesis while replacing
synthetic additives.

BIOMEDICAL
MATERIALS

Biocompatible, biodegradable
options for tissue engineering,
controlled drug delivery, &
wound healing.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Functional additives—such as
fungal proteins & fermented
bioactive compounds—that
enhance nutritional value & texture.

AVAILABLE SUPPLEMENTS FOR YOUR HEALTH

So Mucsh Se Kizofellani Beta-Glucan

Fermented beta-glucans derived from extracellular ferment liquid & from mycelium cell walls.

 

Benefits

Immunomodulation – Enhances the body’s natural defenses by activating immune cells like macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T lymphocytes
Boosts Immune Response – Supports the body in fighting infections and diseases
Cancer Treatment Support – Used in some countries as an adjunct to cancer treatments, particularly for cervical cancer
Antioxidant Properties – Known for its potent antioxidant benefits, protecting against oxidative stress
Gut Health – Shows potential in improving gut health by supporting the gut microbiome

Fermented Reishi Adaptogen

Mycelium powder obtained from the fermentation of molasses.

 

Benefits

  • Stress Regulation – Helps the body manage and adapt to stress, promoting overall resilience
  • Hormonal Balance – May support estrogen balance, which is particularly important during menopause
  • Stress Reduction – Linked to the reduction of stress hormones, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation
  • Promotes Relaxation – Supports a relaxed state, helping to alleviate tension and anxiety

AFRICA’S FIRST
MYCELIUM-POWERED
SKINCARE BRAND

Blu Beryl harnesses the power of fermented mycelium
actives to deliver exceptional skincare
benefits—enhancing hydration, reducing wrinkles, &
promoting overall skin health

Blu Beryl Skincare

Formulations

  • Serums, moisturizers, and face masks that are natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Benefits

  • Enhanced hydration & moisture retention.
  • Anti-aging effects with wrinkle reduction.
  • Acne control & skin repair.

MUSHROOM EXTRACTS

 TESTING SERVICES

Ensuring the purity, potency, & functionality of mycelium-derived
ingredients through advanced analysis —supporting applications in
cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, & biomaterials.

KEY COMPONENTS

Beta-Glucan, Alpha-Glucan, Total Polysaccharides, FTIR, pH, Conductivity, & Viscosity.