Abstract: The composite material comprise acid functionalized inorganic supports such as silica dispersed in a functionalized and/or non-functionalized polymer matrix that is based on numerous polymers such as poly(aromatic ether ketones), or poly(benzoyl phenylene), or derivatives thereof. The composite material is characterized by good water retention capabilities due to the acidic functions and the hydrophilicity of the silica particles. Moreover, a good impermeability to gas and liquid fuels commonly used in fuel cell technology, like hydrogen gas or methanol solution, is also obtained due to the presence of silica particles. Good mechanical properties of the composite material let the material to be formed easily in thin film or membrane form. In that form, the composite material is usable for proton exchange membrane for fuel cells, for drying or humidifying membrane for gas or solvent conditioning, or as acid catalytic membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing mycorrhizal fungal propagules in vitro in a two-compartment container having a gellified medium, which comprises the steps of: a) cultivating aseptically transformed dicotyledon root organs, capable of autonomous growth in vitro, in a first compartment containing a mineral minimal medium with sugar, wherein the medium is suitable for root growth; b) inoculating the transformed root organs with endomycorrhizal spores; and c) cultivating the inoculated transformed root organs for a time sufficient for the mycorrhizal fungi to transfer to a second root-free and root exudate-free compartment containing the mineral minimal medium of step a) and for the mass production of fungal propagules to occur in the second compartment.