Ralitza Koleva

Dr. Ralitza Koleva


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 June 2025 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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GAGalena Angelova
Galena Angelova
Hyusein YemendzhievHyusein Yemendzhiev
Hyusein Yemendzhiev
RZRoumiana Zaharieva
Roumiana Zaharieva
Mariya BrazkovaMariya Brazkova
Mariya Brazkova
Ralitza KolevaRalitza Koleva
Ralitza Koleva
Albert KrastanovAlbert Krastanov
Albert Krastanov
The bio-fabrication of sustainable mycelium-based composites (MBCs) from renewable plant by-products offers a promising approach to reducing resource depletion and supporting the transition to a circular economy. In this research, MBCs were obtained by cultivating Ganoderma resinaceum GA1M on essential oils and agricultural by-products: hexane-extracted rose flowers (HERF), steam-distilled lavender straw (SDLS), wheat straw (WS), and pine sawdust (PS), used as single or mixed substrates. The basic physical and mechanical properties revealed that MBCs perform comparably to high-efficiency thermal insulating and conventional construction materials. The relatively low apparent density, ranging from 110 kg/m3 for WS-based to 250 kg/m3 for HERF-based composites, results in thermal conductivity values between 0.043 W/mK and 0.054 W/mK. Compression stress (40–180 kPa at 10% deformation) also revealed the good performance of the composites. The MBCs had high water absorption due to open porosity, necessitating further optimization to reduce hydrophilicity and meet intended use requirements. An aerobic biodegradation test using respirometry indicated ongoing microbial decomposition for all tested bio-composites. Notably, composites from mixed HERF and WS (50:50) showed the most rapid degradation, achieving over 46% of theoretical oxygen consumption for complete mineralization. The practical applications of MBCs depend on achieving a balance between biodegradability and stability.