원예작물 부산물의 버섯배지 자원화 및 균사체 이용기술 개발을 위한 특허 동향 분석

This study analyzed patent trends for technologies that convert horticultural crop residues into mushroom substrates and developed mycelium-based utilization technologies. Environmental pollution caused by disposable plastics and Styrofoam has increased. Therefore, the demand for innovative and eco-friendly solutions has substantially increased. Agricultural residues such as fruit pruning residues and citrus waste provide economically and environmentally viable alternatives to imported raw materials because of their rich cellulose and lignin contents. Recent studies have shown that substrates containing these residues can produce mushrooms of equivalent quality as conventional sawdust-based media, thereby reducing production costs and improving resource independence. In addition, mushroom mycelia have been developed as sustainable materials for non-animal leather, packaging, building, and insulation. A patent analysis of ECOVATIVE confirmed important innovations in processing, material mixing, and product applications. The results provide the foundation for building an integrated system for utilizing horticultural residue resources with mycelium-based materials, as well as offers strategic insights and future directions for the research and development of sustainable industrial materials. The results also demonstrate the potential of agricultural byproducts to reduce dependence on imported substrates, lower cultivation costs, and mitigate environmental impacts, ultimately contributing to a circular economy for the development of sustainable materials.