Textile residue-based mycelium biocomposites from Pleurotus ostreatus

Author: mycolabadmin
11/15/2023
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Summary

Researchers successfully grew oyster mushroom mycelium on textile waste to create eco-friendly biocomposites that could replace plastic packaging. The fungus naturally binds textile fibers together, creating lightweight materials with useful structural properties. This approach transforms textile waste into sustainable products while addressing plastic pollution, offering a promising solution for converting unwanted clothing and fabric scraps into useful materials.

Background

Plastic contamination is a growing environmental problem, prompting research into renewable alternatives. Mycelium-based biocomposites are emerging as sustainable replacements for plastic-based products. Pleurotus ostreatus, a white-rot fungus, has potential to degrade cellulose and grow on various waste substrates.

Objective

This study explores the ability of Pleurotus ostreatus to grow on textile residues and form mycelium-based biocomposites. The research investigates four types of textile residues including white and colored cotton and polyester mixtures to develop sustainable alternatives to polystyrene-based products.

Results

Mycelium successfully grew on all four textile types, acting as a binder between fibers. Compressive strength ranged from 100-270 kPa, with cotton-based composites showing higher values. A 1-5% mass loss was observed during fungal deactivation, attributed to water and internal moisture loss from fungal cells.

Conclusion

P. ostreatus can effectively grow on both polyester and cotton textile residues to produce lightweight biocomposites suitable as alternatives to polystyrene. Further optimization through supplementation and process modifications could enhance mechanical properties and enable various industrial applications including packaging and coating materials.

Published in:Mycology,
Study Type:Experimental Study,
Source: 10.1080/21501203.2023.2278308, PMID: 39678639