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Cross-linking impacts the physical properties of mycelium leather alternatives by targeting hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides and amino groups of proteins

Summary

Scientists have developed a leather-like material grown from mushroom mycelium (the root structure of fungi) that can match the strength of animal leather through a process called cross-linking or tanning. They tested different cross-linking chemicals—both synthetic ones like glutaraldehyde and natural plant extracts—and found that these chemicals improve the material’s strength and durability. The best results came from treating the mycelium with a low concentration of glutaraldehyde, which made it nearly as strong as real leather while using a sustainable, environmentally-friendly process.

Background

Mycelium-based materials are a sustainable alternative to animal leather, which has significant environmental concerns from cattle farming. However, mycelium materials have poor mechanical properties compared to leather. Cross-linking (tanning) is used to improve leather’s mechanical properties, enzymatic stability, and thermal stability.

Objective

This study assessed the effect of various cross-linkers on the mechanical properties and stability of Schizophyllum commune mycelium sheets. Both synthetic cross-linkers (glutaraldehyde and EDC) and vegetable extracts (from Ligustrum vulgare, Acacia mearnsii, and Caesalpinia spinosa) were evaluated.

Results

Treatment with 0.1% glutaraldehyde provided the best combination of tensile strength (11.1 MPa) and elongation at break (14.6%), comparable to leather standards. Cross-linking increased enzymatic stability, reduced water absorption, but did not increase thermal stability. Glutaraldehyde formed Schiff bases with protein amino groups and acetals with polysaccharide hydroxyl groups.

Conclusion

Both synthetic and vegetable cross-linkers improve mycelium material tensile strength to leather-like levels by targeting hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides and amino groups of proteins. However, elongation at break remains below optimal leather standards (>30%), suggesting future work should focus on optimizing plasticization for improved elasticity.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 39253274; DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36263
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