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Characterization of Novel Biopolymer Blend Mycocel from Plant Cellulose and Fungal Fibers

Summary

This research developed a new sustainable material called mycocel by combining plant fibers with fungal fibers to create biodegradable filters and packaging materials. The study showed these materials could effectively filter viruses while being environmentally friendly. Impacts on everyday life: – Could provide more sustainable alternatives to synthetic face masks and filters – Offers new biodegradable packaging options for food and other products – Demonstrates potential for natural materials in virus protection – Provides an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based polymers – Could reduce environmental waste from disposable protective equipment

Background

Biopolymers from renewable resources are increasingly important in multiple fields including health, food, energy and environment due to their biocompatibility and degradability. While fungal chitin nanofibrils have been used to manufacture nanopapers and fungal mycelium has been combined with nanocellulose, there are no studies on blended biopolymers from plant cellulose and fungal hyphae.

Objective

To develop and characterize a novel blended biopolymer called mycocel made from softwood/hemp cellulose fibers mixed with fungal fibers, and evaluate its microstructure, air permeability, mechanical properties, and virus filtration efficiency.

Results

Fungi with trimitic hyphal systems (G. applanatum, F. fomentarius) combined with Kraft fibers formed microporous membranes with high air permeability (>8820 mL/min) but limited strength. Hemp fiber combinations formed dense networks with low permeability (77-115 mL/min) and higher strength. Monomitic fungal fibers (T. versicolor, A. bisporus) created tight structures with increased strength (26-43 Nm/g) but limited air flow. The KF FF blends showed high virus filtration capacity with log reduction values up to 4.54.

Conclusion

The novel mycocel biopolymer blends demonstrated properties suitable for various applications including virus filtration membranes, water microfiltration, and food packaging. The materials’ characteristics were influenced by the microstructural features of the raw materials, with hemp fibers providing strength while Kraft fibers enhanced air permeability. The biopolymers showed promise particularly for virus filtration applications, outperforming conventional surgical masks.
  • Published in:Polymers,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/polym13071086
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