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Growth Propagation of Liquid Spawn on Non-Woven Hemp Mats to Inform Digital Biofabrication of Mycelium-Based Composites

Summary

Researchers developed a method to grow mushroom mycelium (fungal threads) in liquid form and apply it to hemp mats to create sustainable building materials. By testing different growth conditions and concentrations, they found ways to control how fast the mycelium spreads and covers the surface. This liquid-based approach offers advantages over traditional methods because it allows for more precise application and better control of material properties.

Background

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based building materials for construction applications. Traditional fabrication uses grain spawn, but liquid spawn presents advantages for digital biofabrication due to precision and ease of deposition. This study investigates liquid spawn growth kinetics on non-woven hemp mats for controlled mycelium-based material production.

Objective

To develop a protocol for producing liquid spawn and understand the growth kinetics of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus on non-woven hemp mats. The research aims to establish parameters for controlling mycelium growth through digital biofabrication systems using liquid inoculation.

Results

Lower dilutions promoted faster growth with full coverage, while higher dilutions showed slower growth with partial coverage. Shaking conditions resulted in slightly higher coverage and faster growth rates. CYM medium outperformed YPD for both species. G. lucidum achieved more consistent full coverage than P. ostreatus across conditions.

Conclusion

Liquid spawn demonstrates feasibility for digital biofabrication of mycelium-based composites on non-woven hemp mats. Static conditions with optimized nutrient media (CYM for P. ostreatus, YPD for G. lucidum) enable precise control over mycelium growth kinetics for tailored material properties in building applications.
  • Published in:Biomimetics,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39851749, DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics10010033
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