Applied Lichenology

Applied Lichenology: Bridging Nature, Science, and Society

Mohammad Sohrabi

Applied lichenology is the practical and interdisciplinary branch of lichen science that explores how the unique biological, chemical, and ecological properties of lichens can be harnessed to address real-world environmental and societal challenges. From biomonitoring air pollution to conserving cultural heritage, lichens have emerged as powerful allies in science, industry, and environmental management.

Lichens as Environmental Sentinels

Lichens are exceptionally sensitive to environmental changes—particularly in air quality, pollution, and climate—making them ideal bioindicators. They are widely used in environmental monitoring programs to assess pollution levels, track ecosystem health, and measure the impacts of urbanisation and industrialisation. Their physiological responses to sulfur dioxide, heavy metals, and nitrogen compounds provide critical insights that inform environmental policy and conservation planning.

Cultural Heritage and Stone Conservation

In the realm of cultural heritage, applied lichenology examines the interactions between lichens and historical stone monuments, archaeological remains, and ancient structures. Lichens can act both as agents of biodeterioration—through chemical and physical weathering—and as protective biofilms that shield surfaces from further degradation. Understanding these dual roles is key to developing sustainable conservation strategies that respect both cultural and ecological values.

Lichens as a Source of Natural Innovation

Beyond ecology, lichens represent a largely untapped biotechnological resource. Their diverse secondary metabolites exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dyes, and bio-based materials. Applied lichenology seeks to explore these opportunities ethically and sustainably, aligning with biodiversity conservation and international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol.

A Transdisciplinary Hub for Innovation

This webpage serves as a gateway into the world of applied lichenology, highlighting its growing relevance across environmental science, public health, cultural conservation, and biotechnology. Whether you are a researcher, consultant, heritage professional, or policy-maker, you will find here a hub of knowledge, tools, and inspiration for applying lichen science to the challenges of the 21st century.

Focus Areas in Applied Lichenology

• Ethnolichenology: Cultural knowledge and traditional uses of lichens

• Lichens as Biofactories: Extraction and characterization of secondary metabolites

• Lichens in Bioprospecting and Drug Discovery Pipelines

• Industrial and Biotechnological Applications of Lichen-Derived Compounds

• Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals from Lichens

• Lichen-Based Biodegradable Materials and Sustainable Packaging

• Controlled Cultivation and Biotechnology of Lichens

• Bioinspired Design: Innovation from lichen morphology and chemistry

• Lichens in Environmental Consulting and Policy

• Applied Lichenometry in Archaeology and Geomorphology

• Lichens in Heritage Science: Monitoring and preventive conservation

• Integrating Lichens into Climate Adaptation Strategies

• Market Development for Lichen-Based Products

• Citizen Science Tools for Monitoring Lichens

• Educational Outreach and Curriculum Design

• Genomic Resources and Bioinformatics in Applied Lichenology

• Lichens in Cosmetics and Skincare Industries

• Risk Assessment and Sustainability of Lichens

• Cross-Sectoral Collaborations in Lichen-Based Innovation

• Building Applied Lichenology as a Transdisciplinary Field