Research Keyword: Biocomposites

Tailoring the Mechanical Properties of Fungal Mycelium Mats with Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of PHBH and PLA Biopolymers

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Researchers have developed a new method to strengthen mushroom-based materials by using 3D printing to apply layers of plant-based plastics onto them. These reinforced materials have significantly improved strength while remaining fully biodegradable and compostable. This innovation makes fungal mycelium materials suitable for more demanding applications like flexible textiles and wearable electronics, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products.

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Biocomposites Based on Mould Biomass and Waste Fibres for the Production of Agrotextiles: Technology Development, Material Characterization, and Agricultural Application

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Researchers developed a new biodegradable material for agriculture made from mould mycelium and waste plant fibres. This eco-friendly crop cover can be used instead of synthetic plastic sheets that damage soil and pollute it with microplastics. The material breaks down naturally in soil within 10 days and can help seeds germinate better, offering farmers a sustainable alternative for protecting their crops.

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Impact of Fomes fomentarius growth on the mechanical properties of material extrusion additively manufactured PLA and PLA/Hemp biopolymers

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This research explores how mushroom mycelium can be integrated with 3D-printed plastic materials to create sustainable biocomposites. Scientists tested whether Fomes fomentarius fungus growing on printed PLA and hemp-reinforced plastic specimens affected their strength and stiffness. Results showed that while pure PLA remained largely unaffected by mycelium growth, hemp-reinforced materials experienced some weakening, with effects depending on the duration of fungal colonization and the internal structure of the printed materials. These findings suggest potential applications in developing eco-friendly building materials and insulation products that combine the benefits of living organisms with manufactured polymers.

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You Are What You Eat: How Fungal Adaptation Can Be Leveraged toward Myco-Material Properties

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Fungi can be grown to create eco-friendly materials that could replace plastics and petroleum-based products. By controlling what fungi eat and where they grow, scientists can engineer the properties of these materials to be stronger, more flexible, or water-resistant. This approach leverages the natural ability of fungi to break down organic matter and adapt to their environment. Companies like IKEA and Dell are already using these fungal materials in product packaging.

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The Fungus Among Us: Innovations and Applications of Mycelium-Based Composites

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Mycelium-based composites are eco-friendly building materials made by growing mushroom fungus on agricultural waste like sawdust and straw. These materials are lightweight, provide excellent insulation and soundproofing, and are much more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. However, they absorb water easily and aren’t strong enough for load-bearing structures, making them best suited for insulation and non-structural panels.

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Radiation protection and structural stability of fungal melanin polylactic acid biocomposites in low Earth orbit

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Scientists sent biocomposite materials containing fungal melanin into space for six months to test if they could protect equipment and astronauts from radiation and other harsh conditions. The results showed that fungal melanin-infused materials lost significantly less mass and showed better radiation protection than plain plastics. This research suggests that fungal melanin-based materials could be valuable for long-duration space missions because they are lightweight, biodegradable, and could potentially be grown in space.

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