Research Keyword: biomaterials

Anisotropic Growth of Filamentous Fungi in Wood Hydrogel Composites Increases Mechanical Properties

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Researchers developed new composite materials by growing fungi on specially treated wood. The fungi naturally grow along the wood’s fiber direction, creating stronger, more organized structures than they would in regular gelatin. By adjusting the wood type and nutrient levels, scientists could precisely control the mechanical strength of these eco-friendly materials, which could eventually be used in building products and packaging.

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Mycelium-Based Composites: Surveying Their Acceptance by Professional Architects

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Researchers surveyed 50 professional architects and interior designers about their views on building materials made from mycelium (the root network of fungi). While most weren’t familiar with these materials, 90% found them visually appealing after seeing examples. Interestingly, architects were more willing to use mycelium in projects for clients than in their own homes, suggesting some personal concerns about the material. Thermally processed mycelium was preferred over its natural appearance.

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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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3D printed gyroid scaffolds enabling strong and thermally insulating mycelium-bound composites for greener infrastructures

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Scientists developed a new eco-friendly building material by growing mushroom mycelium on specially designed 3D-printed scaffolds made from wood and plant-based plastic. These mycelium bricks are stronger, better insulators, and more fire-resistant than traditional bricks or foam insulation, while being completely biodegradable. This breakthrough could help reduce the construction industry’s massive carbon footprint and provide a sustainable alternative to harmful conventional building materials.

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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

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Scientists developed a leather-like material made from mushroom mycelium by treating it with chemical cross-linkers similar to those used in traditional leather tanning. The best results came from using glutaraldehyde, which chemically bonded to the mycelium’s proteins and carbohydrates, creating a stronger and more durable material. While the mycelium leather now has comparable strength to conventional leather, it needs to be more flexible. This research offers a more environmentally sustainable alternative to animal leather.

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3D printed gyroid scaffolds enabling strong and thermally insulating mycelium-bound composites for greener infrastructures

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Scientists developed a new eco-friendly building material made from mushroom mycelium grown on 3D-printed scaffolds. This material is as strong as traditional bricks, provides excellent insulation like foam, resists fire better than conventional materials, and is completely compostable. The innovation could help reduce carbon emissions from construction by replacing harmful petroleum-based and energy-intensive traditional building materials.

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