Biosurfactants
are biochemical compounds that occur naturally in a variety of organisms and
biological materials. According to research from the University of Buenos Aires
(Argentina), they represent an environmentally friendly alternative to
petroleum-based products.
Marybel
Montoya Álvarez (Colombia, 32) is the co-founder of Fungi Life, a company that
develops biosurfactants using fungi. This approach supports more sustainable
industrial processes compared to those that rely on chemical ingredients or
petroleum derivatives. Since 2022, Montoya and her team have focused on
developing a 100% biodegradable and efficient biosurfactant derived from
agro-industrial waste.
Montoya
highlights the issue of hydrocarbon pollution in water and soil that occurs
every year. “This phenomenon accelerates ocean acidification, intensifies
extreme weather events, and causes health problems such as respiratory
irritation and cancer. The industry urgently needs to reduce its environmental
and social impact to meet efficiency and sustainability requirements.
Biosurfactants offer a superior alternative,” she asserts.
In response
to this reality, Fungi Life offers a scalable and competitive solution that
could revolutionize high-consumption industries, contributing both to
environmental protection and the health of affected communities, explains the
biotechnologist, who studied at Colegio Mayor de Antioquía and holds a Master’s
in Biological Sciences from CES / EIA University.
The
company’s first pilot project was conducted in Vaca Muerta, one of the largest
oil reserves in the world, located in the Argentine Patagonia. In this pilot,
Fungi Life's biosurfactant proved to be highly effective, achieving up to 96%
degradation of contaminants in water and soil. This initial success has led the
company to sign partnerships with various firms to develop additional pilots
and to work on replacing petroleum-based surfactants with their biosurfactants
in multiple industrial applications.
Montoya
describes herself as a passionate advocate for fungi. “They’re the driving
force behind everything I do in my role as Chief Scientific Officer. I’ve
always been fascinated by their immense ability to sustain life on Earth and
maintain ecosystem balance. They belong to an incredibly powerful kingdom that
remains vastly unexplored. For me, fungi are not just organisms, they are silent
masters of adaptation and transformation, present at every stage of the
planet’s history, showcasing their extraordinary resilience,” she reflects.
She adds:
“Fungi, with their unique capacity to transform their environment, have
inspired me to discover innovative ways of applying them in industrial
processes, proving that a greener, more balanced future is possible.” Montoya
sees Fungi Life as the realization of that vision. “It is tangible proof that
the transformative power of fungi can revolutionize industries and help restore
harmony with nature. Every step we take with Fungi Life is a reminder that
fungi have the power to guide us toward a future where nature and
sustainability are deeply intertwined,” she affirms.
Montoya
believes her project enhances industrial efficiency while restoring damaged
ecosystems, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Her
work has earned recognition from international organizations such as UNICEF and
the Royal Academy of Engineering, which have highlighted its impact on
sustainability and climate change mitigation.
This
entrepreneur is one of the 35 Innovators Under 35 selected by MIT Technology
Review in Spanish. In addition, her work has been recognized by Innovation30,
UNICEF’s leadership program, and she was chosen as an ambassador for Puentes de
Talento Madrid in 2023.
