Pythium oligandrum

Microorganism Pythium oligandrum M1 is approved as an active substance for the use in biocidal product – COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/1610

Pythium oligandrum is a microorganism, classified in the kingdom of Stramenopila – Alveolata – Rhizaria (SAR), producing oospores as reproductive organs. These are very durable and in dry conditions can last for many years. In humid conditions they are activated with production of a number of enzymes, which can decompose cells of undesirable fungi.

Once activated by water, Pythium oligandrum uses its fibres (hyphae) to penetrate the parasite cells (yeast or fungi) and draw nutrients from them and then uses them for its own reproductive process. So, it is a kind of cannibalism.

Depending on the type of environment, after depletion of the food source (other fungi), Pythium oligandrum either sporulates and waits for another host to rest or dies and disappears from the area because it is not possible to utilise another living substrate.

Pythium oligandrum degrades interspecies of mycelia on plasters, under plasters and penetrates masonry too. After completing its task, it remains on guard for some time (preserved). When the masonry is contaminated again its activity is re-initiated and then it disappears. Thirty years of active research and verifications have not shown that an effective microflora composition is able to draw nutrients from organisms or materials, other than fungi that occur on masonry, for its propagation and does not release unwanted, let alone harmful, substances into the air.

In 2010 the authors Ing. arch. Martin Suchánek and  Radim Klimeš obtained patent  č. 302297 for the use of microorganism Pythium oligandrum to eliminate microflora from walls and other building materials.