Printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics

Abstract The increasing demand for high-performance electronics and sustainability challenges, requires innovative recycling technologies. This study explores the potential of fungal microorganisms in degrading conductive inks, promoting their circular economy integration. Taking advantage of the ab...

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Main Authors: Tatiana Robledo-Mahón, Sonia Gómez-Gijón, Álvaro Blasco, Victor Toral, Francisco J. Romero, Elisabet Aranda, Almudena Rivadeneyra
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:npj Materials Sustainability
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44296-025-00055-x
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author Tatiana Robledo-Mahón
Sonia Gómez-Gijón
Álvaro Blasco
Victor Toral
Francisco J. Romero
Elisabet Aranda
Almudena Rivadeneyra
author_facet Tatiana Robledo-Mahón
Sonia Gómez-Gijón
Álvaro Blasco
Victor Toral
Francisco J. Romero
Elisabet Aranda
Almudena Rivadeneyra
author_sort Tatiana Robledo-Mahón
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The increasing demand for high-performance electronics and sustainability challenges, requires innovative recycling technologies. This study explores the potential of fungal microorganisms in degrading conductive inks, promoting their circular economy integration. Taking advantage of the ability of fungi to process complex compounds, seven fungal strains—Trametes versicolor, Funalia floccosa, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, Aspergillus niger HM81, Aspergillus versicolor HM30, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis HM03 and Thielavia sp. HM70—were tested to degrade copper-based conductive papers (CPs) for 60 days. Post-incubation assessments include gravimetric approach, oxidoreductase enzyme production, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that all the strains reduced the weight by more than 50% and modified the cellulosic composition, being P. cinnabarinus the strain that showed the best results with 77.8% reduced weight. This technique significantly enhances the recyclability of high-performance, yet polluting materials, reducing their environmental impact, and minimising electronic waste.
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institution OA Journals
issn 2948-1775
language English
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publisher Nature Portfolio
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series npj Materials Sustainability
spelling doaj-art-fe5fc87f0b534c69bf3d06ab530444c62025-08-20T02:30:59ZengNature Portfolionpj Materials Sustainability2948-17752025-06-01311910.1038/s44296-025-00055-xPrinted technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronicsTatiana Robledo-Mahón0Sonia Gómez-Gijón1Álvaro Blasco2Victor Toral3Francisco J. Romero4Elisabet Aranda5Almudena Rivadeneyra6Institute of Water Research, University of GranadaDepartment of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of GranadaInstitute of Water Research, University of GranadaDepartment of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of GranadaDepartment of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of GranadaInstitute of Water Research, University of GranadaDepartment of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of GranadaAbstract The increasing demand for high-performance electronics and sustainability challenges, requires innovative recycling technologies. This study explores the potential of fungal microorganisms in degrading conductive inks, promoting their circular economy integration. Taking advantage of the ability of fungi to process complex compounds, seven fungal strains—Trametes versicolor, Funalia floccosa, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, Aspergillus niger HM81, Aspergillus versicolor HM30, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis HM03 and Thielavia sp. HM70—were tested to degrade copper-based conductive papers (CPs) for 60 days. Post-incubation assessments include gravimetric approach, oxidoreductase enzyme production, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that all the strains reduced the weight by more than 50% and modified the cellulosic composition, being P. cinnabarinus the strain that showed the best results with 77.8% reduced weight. This technique significantly enhances the recyclability of high-performance, yet polluting materials, reducing their environmental impact, and minimising electronic waste.https://doi.org/10.1038/s44296-025-00055-x
spellingShingle Tatiana Robledo-Mahón
Sonia Gómez-Gijón
Álvaro Blasco
Victor Toral
Francisco J. Romero
Elisabet Aranda
Almudena Rivadeneyra
Printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics
npj Materials Sustainability
title Printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics
title_full Printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics
title_fullStr Printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics
title_full_unstemmed Printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics
title_short Printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics
title_sort printed technology as a comprehensive paradigm for circular economy of electronics
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s44296-025-00055-x
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