Fungal Biotechnology & Natural Dyes - Ricky Cassini

Meet Michroma — an innovative startup from Indie Bio making natural food and cosmetic dyes from fungi! We are joined by co-founder Ricky Cassini, a young entrepreneur and newfound scientist to talk about Michroma's projects and how impactful this research and development is for industrial colorants. Ricky shares some intriguing insights to their process of working with filamentous fungi and how the team is optimizing their methods for a safe, effective and versatile dye. We also discuss the culture and the hurdles of being a biotechnology startup, followed by our two sense for fellow up and coming businesses. Prepare to be amazed once again at the practical applications of fungi in crevices of our day to day lives..Ricky Cassini is the CEO and co-founder of Michroma, based in Argentina. The Michroma Team went through Indie Bio’s accelerator program and focuses on creating naturally derived colorants from fungi. Topics coveredSynthetic and natural dyes that are problematic for human health and/or the environmentStartup culture, specifically with biotech companiesPigmented metabolites of fungi and how to induce themHarvesting and application of fungal pigmentsThe science history of fungal pigmentsThe uniqueness of filamentous fungi as opposed to the yeast-like fungi currently used in fungal biotechnologyShow notesMichroma's Website: https://michroma.co/Medium Article: https://medium.com/indiebio-sf/michroma-reinventing-food-colors-3cc5ee99f92fwww.mushroomrevival.comWe are a functional mushroom company and make 100% certified USDA Organic and Vegan mushroom supplements. We are transparent with our lab results, and use actual fruiting bodies aka mushrooms! We provide our supplements in tincture, capsule, powder, and delicious gummy form. Energy (Cordyceps): Need a little pick-me-up before a workout or when you’re picking up your kids from school? The Energy Cordyceps is the mushy match for you.Focus (Lion’s Mane):  Needing a little more focus in your daily life? Lion’s Mane is known to be the mushroom for the brain and may support cognitive function.Calm (Reishi): Looking for some tranquility and zen in your life? Reishi will bring you into the zen state of mind you’ve been searching for.Daily 10 (Mushroom Mix): It’s like having 10 bodyguard mushrooms fighting off all those bad guys. This is a good place to start as it contains all of the daily mushies you need. Not sure where to begin? Take our mushroom quiz here.Use code ‘PODTREAT’ for a 30% discount.