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Characterization of Self-Growing Biomaterials Made of Fungal Mycelium and Various Lignocellulose-Containing Ingredients

Summary

Scientists developed environmentally-friendly foam-like materials by growing mushroom mycelium (the root-like network of fungi) on agricultural waste like hemp and sawdust. These natural composites are strong, biodegradable, and can be used for packaging or insulation instead of plastic foam. However, they absorb water easily and can develop mold if exposed to moisture, so they need protective coatings for some applications.

Background

Plastic waste accumulates rapidly in the environment at rates exceeding 400 million tons per year. There is an urgent need for biodegradable materials to replace non-recyclable petroleum-based products. Mycelium biocomposites represent a sustainable alternative using fungal growth to reinforce lignocellulose waste materials.

Objective

To develop and characterize novel mycelium biocomposites using combinations of birch sawdust and hemp shives with birch bark and wheat bran additives inoculated with Trametes versicolor. The study evaluated mycelial biomass increment, chemical composition changes, mechanical properties, water absorption, mold resistance, and biodegradability.

Results

Hemp substrates showed approximately 100% mycelial biomass increment compared to 50% in sawdust substrates. Cellulose degradation ranged from 7-28% and lignin degradation around 13% depending on substrate type. Promising mechanical properties were observed in hemp/bark (0.19-0.20 MPa) and sawdust/bran (0.23 MPa) combinations, though all samples showed high water absorption (350-880%) and susceptibility to mold after water immersion.

Conclusion

Mycelium biocomposites demonstrated high biodegradability after 12 weeks in compost, making them competitive with expanded polystyrene as packaging alternatives. While mechanical properties were promising, water management through protective coatings or hydrophobic treatments is necessary for building applications. These materials offer potential as ecological alternatives to synthetic foams.
  • Published in:Materials (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/ma15217608, PMID: 36363201
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