Man has always dreamed of turning lead into gold, and now that dream has become reality. Almost. Because it's not lead, but mushrooms. And not about magic, but about science. Thanks to a group of brilliant Indian researchers, who discovered how to extract gold nanoparticles from a local species of fungi, i Termitomyces.
A breakthrough that could revolutionize not only the world of nanoscience, but also the economy and environment of an entire region. Prepare to be amazed.
The hidden treasure in the woods of Goa
Forget the gold diggers with the sieve in hand. In the Indian region of Goa, the real treasure is hidden underground, but it has nothing to do with gold nuggets or veins. We are talking about mushrooms Termitomyces, known locally as “roenolmi”. These delicious mushrooms (they are said to be fantastic grilled), deeply rooted in the gastronomic culture of the area, have turned out to be a gold mine. Literally.
Thanks to the doctor's sensational discovery Sujata Dabolkar and of Dr. Nandkumar Kamat from Goa University. In their study “Biosynthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles produced using Termitomyces pellets” (I link it here), the two scientists have revealed the secret to transforming these fungi into real gold "generators" on a nanometric scale. When, among the first in Italy (or perhaps the first ever) we introduced the theme ofagromining we didn't think that plants and fungi could become real mines.
From soil to test tube: the recipe for nanoparticles
But how do you get gold out of mushrooms? Don't worry, you don't need a magic wand. The trick is all in the cultivation method. Already in 2019 an Australian research (this) he had noticed the ability of mushrooms to "mine" gold. In that case it was about fusarium oxsporum. Today in India they have discovered that by cultivating Termitomyces in a strictly controlled environment, they can obtain pure pellets, perfect for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles.
It is a real green revolution in the field of nanosciences. No more polluting chemical processes or expensive machinery: just a mushroom (and a pinch of know-how). Dr. Kamat has no doubts: this technique marks the beginning of a new era in the sustainable production of nanoparticles.
More than gold: here we're talking about "green"
The advantages of this discovery, of course, are not limited to the laboratory. Dr. Dabolkar notes that the demand for gold nanoparticles in international markets is skyrocketing. Translated: extracting gold from mushrooms could bring a nice nest egg to Goa's coffers.
And it's not just a question of money. The region, in fact, is a true oasis of biodiversity. Thanks to the Nagoya Protocol (an international agreement on biodiversity), Goa could sustainably exploit this natural heritage, sharing the profits equally with local communities. A true green treasure of social justice.
The gold of the future? Sustainable (and mushroom flavoured)
In summary, Goa's "golden" mushroom may be much more than a scientific curiosity. It could be the symbol of a new way of doing research and innovation, attentive to the environment, communities and traditions.
In a world that is moving towards an increasingly technological future, but also increasingly uncertain from an ecological and social point of view, examples like this are more precious (it must be said) than gold. Because they remind us that another way is possible. That we can exploit nature's resources without destroying it, and that we can create wealth without impoverishing territories and people.
Maybe it won't be the philosopher's stone, but it's close.
