INSIGHTS THAT DRIVE DISCOVERY
Stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge research, industry trends, & expert insights in fungal
biotechnology, AI-powered bioinformatics, & sustainable biomaterials.
Explore our collection of resources designed to inform, educate, & inspire.
Our Discovery Lab
THE NEXUS PLEURAN:
SAWUBONA’S FIRST SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY
A throwback to 2018, when Sawubona Mycelium made its first major breakthrough: the discovery and production of Pleuran, a potent β-glucan (Beta-Glucan) derived from oyster mushrooms using submerged fermentation technology.
This foundational achievement marked the beginning of
our journey into fungal bioactives, unlocking Pleuran’s potential for immune modulation, skin health, & biomedical applications. It laid the groundwork for our continued exploration of mycelium-based compounds with healing & regenerative properties.
MYCELIUM SKIN HEALING MEMBRANE:
A REVOLUTIONARY STEP IN SKIN REGENERATION
Introducing an advanced, scientifically engineered mycelium membrane, designed to revolutionize skin healing. This cutting-edge material harnesses the natural properties of mycelium to promote anti-inflammatory responses and skin regeneration, offering a breakthrough solution for wound care and skin healing.
Unlike traditional methods, this bio-sustainable membrane fosters an optimal healing environment by actively supporting skin regrowth and reducing inflammation, speeding up the recovery process.
This groundbreaking innovation is currently under patent (Patent filed: 2025/00259), marking a significant leap forward in regenerative medicine and material science.
COMMUNEGEL:
A BREAKTHROUGH IN SKIN, HAIR, & FUR CARE
Discover CommuneGel, a highly viscous, bio-fermented gel designed to elevate your skin, hair, and fur care formulations. This multi-purpose gel serves as a powerful active ingredient that enhances product
performance with natural effectiveness.
Not only does CommuneGel promote deep hydration and nourishment for the skin and hair, but it also offers a unique advantage by demonstrating inhibitory effects against enzymes linked to Type II diabetes,
making it a promising addition to health-conscious product lines.
Reach out to us for more details on how CommuneGel can elevate your formulations.
MYCELIUM-DERIVED LIPIDS:
NATURE’S ADVANCED SUN PROTECTION
Harnessing the power of fungi, we’ve developed mycelium-derived lipids that exhibit naturally high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) properties. Extracted through a precision fermentation process, these lipids offer
an eco-conscious and bioactive alternative to conventional UV-blocking agents.
Tested under South African sun conditions, this breakthrough formulation presents a sustainable, skin-compatible solution for next-generation sun care products.
Interested in formulation partnerships or product integration? Contact us to learn more.
3D MYCELIUM HYDROGELS: ADVANCED
ENCAPSULATION FOR BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Explore the potential of mycelium-derived 3D hydrogels—high-performance, bioengineered materials
designed for encapsulation and controlled delivery of active compounds. These polysaccharide-based structures provide an innovative platform for stabilizing sensitive ingredients, including alkaloids and
other bioactives, enhancing their bioavailability and effectiveness.
This emerging technology opens new possibilities in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic
applications, where precision, sustainability, and biocompatibility are key.
Contact us to discover the integration potential of mycelium encapsulation in your formulations.
MYCOMOLECULES: UNLOCKING THE
POWER OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN FUNGI
Dive into the frontier of fungal biotechnology with access to exclusive research on Southern African fungi,
their fermentation profiles, and documented biological activities. Our data-driven insights into these unique mycomolecules uncover untapped potential for B2B partnerships, bioactive formulation, and product innovation across health, wellness, and sustainable material sectors.
Let’s explore how these regional fungal strains can fuel your next breakthrough.
Contact us to request data access or discuss collaboration opportunities.
Industry Events
ENGAGING WITH LEADING EXPERTS:
HOW FUNGI IS SHAPING CURRENT AND PREVIOUS R&D FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
At the SynBio Conference 2023 in California’s Bay Area, we took part in transformative conversations surrounding the future of fungal innovation. Held on a rooftop overlooking the skyline, this unique gathering brought together thought leaders in synthetic biology, including a landmark dialogue with Paul Stamets, world-renowned mycologist and advocate for fungal solutions.
The event, How Fungi is Shaping Current and Previous R&D for a Sustainable Future, offered deep insight into the evolving role of mycelium in regenerative science, biotechnology, and sustainable material development—highlighting the fungi kingdom’s vast potential for global impact.
ANNUAL BIOAFRICA CONVENTION:
SHOWCASING MYCELIUM INNOVATION
We were proud to exhibit at the Annual BioAfrica Convention, where biotechnology meets opportunity across the African continent. With support from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), our display focused on pioneering mycelium fermentation technologies, spotlighting the role of fungi in advancing sustainable bio-industrial solutions.
This platform enabled dialogue with leading biotech researchers, innovators, and investors—positioning mycelium-based systems at the forefront of Africa’s bioeconomy.
Look out for our participation in future BioAfrica events.
View TIA’s 2022 highlights on Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn
FERMENTATION & THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY:
MYCELIUM IN PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE
At the Professional Beauty Convention 2023, held at Kyalami Racetrack, Sawubona Mycelium’s CEO, Mrs. Busisiwe Moloi, took the stage to spotlight the intersection of fungal biotechnology and beauty.
Her session explored the fermentation of local South African mushrooms and the innovative extraction of mycelium-based actives for use in high-performance skincare and haircare formulations. The presentation demonstrated how natural biotechnology is reshaping the professional beauty landscape—offering clean, effective, and sustainable solutions sourced from indigenous fungal species.
As consumer demand shifts toward biocompatible ingredients, mycelium continues to emerge as a powerful ally in the future of beauty.
AFRICA HEALTH CONVENTION:
MYCELIUM FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION
At the Africa Health Convention 2024, hosted at CITICC, Sawubona Mycelium joined forces with Medical Devices of South Africa (MDMSA) to spotlight the transformative role of localized biotechnology in
healthcare.
The focus was on the application of mycelium in biomedical innovation, particularly its potential in wound care technologies. Through live demonstrations and data presentations, attendees witnessed how mycelium membranes and compounds offer a sustainable, biocompatible solution for next-generation medical materials—reinforcing the message that localization is key to unlocking Africa’s bio-health potential.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
1 Where is your mushroom farm?
We grow only the roots of mushroom in liquid and we don’t have a traditional farm where we grow mushrooms.
2 Do you produce the mushrooms?
We grow mycelium in a similar way that you would grow yeast or ferment beer and wine but instead of producing alcohol, as mycelium grows they produce biologically active compounds that we can harvest, Identify and use in product formulation.
3 Do you produce psylocibin?
No we don’t but we are interested in identifying compounds from mushrooms of Southern Africa that have mental health benefits.
4 What industries can benefit from Sawubona Mycelium’s innovations?
Our bio-based materials and mycelium-derived compounds cater to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biomaterials, food, and sustainability-driven industries looking for eco-conscious alternatives.
5 How does AI enhance the discovery process in your research?
Our AI-powered bioinformatics platform accelerates bioprospecting, molecular analysis, and precision fermentation, helping us uncover high-value biomolecules faster and more efficiently.
6 Can businesses collaborate with Sawubona Mycelium for product development?
Absolutely! We offer collaborative R&D, raw material supply, and custom bio-based ingredient development for B2B partners looking to integrate sustainable alternatives into their product lines.
7 How do I request a sample of your bio-based raw materials?
Visit our Products & Applications page, select the material of interest, and click “Request a Sample” to start the process
8 What sustainability practices do you follow?
Our precision fermentation and liquid-state cultivation processes significantly reduce water and energy consumption, ensuring low-carbon, biodegradable, and ethically sourced materials.
9 Do you provide investment opportunities?
Yes! We welcome strategic investors interested in advancing biotech innovation, AI-driven research, and sustainable manufacturing. Visit our Invest in Innovation page for more details.