Edinburgh Napier University

  Fungal dye resources can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing a sustainable solution for clean energy production and addressing food security challenges. To combine the zero hunger and affordable energy goals, FUSE proposed using mushroom-derived natural dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) along with Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) technology to increase its electrical performance. Natural dyes are environmentally friendly and offer medicinal benefits. Fungi are a natural source of dye that can be substituted for plants. Medicinal mushrooms offer a wide range of safe organic dyes that may be produced inexpensively and in large quantities. Mushroom dyes may provide a less expensive choice for photovoltaic (PV) technology due to their non-toxic and environmentally friendly qualities. This project is expected to have significant impacts on the renewable energy sector and provide new opportunities for commercialization of sustainable technologies.