Yucatán Turns Sargassum Into Waterproofing & Antifungal Products

Yucatán, Mexico — The state of Yucatán is currently pursuing 15 active research initiatives aimed at transforming sargassum, the seaweed that washes up on its shores, into commercially viable products. Researchers, students, and local entrepreneurs are collaborating to explore innovative applications for the algae, according to Geovana Campos Vázquez, head of the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (Secihti).

Innovations: Waterproofing and Antifungal Solutions from Sargassum

Campos highlighted several practical applications under development, including an experimental mixture that uses sargassum as a base for waterproofing and antifungal treatments. This product could help combat mold commonly found in homes across the region.

“In Yucatán, we have at least 15 active research lines in collaboration with CICY, CINVESTAV, and UADY. We continue working to generate more studies, but above all, innovative proposals to make sargassum useful,” Campos stated.

Success Stories: Plastic Wood and Water Filters

Mayra Rubí Segura Campos, director of the Yucatán Scientific Research Center (CICY), noted that the institution has been researching sargassum conversion for years, including its transformation into plastic wood.

One notable project, developed by students from the Talento CICY program—Sofía Peraza Crisóstomo, Franco Carrasco Loyola, and Joshua Moreno—proposed using sargassum as a water filtration system to remove dyes from contaminated water, a solution particularly beneficial for the textile industry.

Another initiative, “Zarcil,” created by students from the Instituto Tecnológico de Software during an international competition at Texas A&M, involves a sargassum-based construction coating that reduces humidity and offers antifungal properties.

Call for Private Investment to Scale Solutions

Segura Campos emphasized the need for private-sector involvement to commercialize these innovations.

“It is crucial for investors to take interest so these scientific developments can be scaled, turning sargassum into a commercially viable product with positive impact,” she said.

While Yucatán experiences annual sargassum influxes, Campos Vázquez clarified that the issue is not as severe as in Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Nevertheless, coordinated efforts between authorities and the scientific community are underway to study its origins, impact zones, and potential uses.

Coastal Municipalities Under Watch: Chabihau and Dzilam de Bravo

Campos confirmed that Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena is prioritizing preventive measures to avoid the escalation seen in Quintana Roo. Municipalities such as Chabihau and Dzilam de Bravo are under close monitoring due to higher sargassum accumulation.

Federal Proposal: Biorefinery by Claudia Sheinbaum

At the federal level, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has proposed establishing a biorefinery in Quintana Roo to process sargassum as raw material.

“The challenge there will be collecting the seaweed before it reaches the shore,” Campos Vázquez noted.