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The Effects of the Substrate Length and Cultivation Time on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mycelium-Based Cushioning Materials from Salix psammophila and Peanut Straw

Summary

Researchers developed eco-friendly cushioning materials by growing mushroom mycelium (fungal networks) on agricultural waste like willow and peanut straw. These materials match the performance of plastic foam used in packaging but are completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. By adjusting how long the mushrooms grow and the size of the substrate pieces, scientists can control the final product’s strength, flexibility, and water resistance.

Background

Mycelium-based biocomposites represent a novel class of environmentally friendly materials that can serve as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based foam plastics. Current cushioning materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS) are non-biodegradable and pose significant environmental challenges. Agricultural residues such as Salix psammophila and peanut straw offer abundant, renewable substrates for cultivating mycelium-based composites.

Objective

This study investigated the potential of Salix psammophila and peanut straw as substrates for cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum to fabricate mycelium-based cushioning materials. The research evaluated how substrate length and cultivation time affect the physical and mechanical properties of these materials compared to conventional foam packaging.

Results

Both materials showed optimal comprehensive properties at 30 days cultivation, with POSM outperforming GLPM overall. Density ranged from 0.13-0.16 g/cm³, contact angles exceeded 120°, elastic springback rates reached 50.2% (POSM) and 43.2% (GLPM), and thermal conductivities were 0.049 and 0.051 W/m·K respectively. Short substrate fibers enhanced compressive strength while long fibers improved elastic recovery.

Conclusion

The developed mycelium-based cushioning materials from Salix psammophila and peanut straw demonstrate physical and mechanical properties comparable to expanded polystyrene, making them viable sustainable alternatives. These materials promote efficient utilization of agricultural residues with promising applications in transportation and packaging sectors. Optimization of substrate length and cultivation time is critical for controlling material properties.
  • Published in:Biomimetics (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40558341, DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics10060371
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