mycelium composites – mycolab.ai

Potential environmental impact of mycelium composites on African communities

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Scientists studied how mushroom-based building blocks made from agricultural waste affect the environment in Africa. They found these eco-friendly materials can be better for the planet than concrete if produced with renewable energy like solar power or firewood. The biggest environmental cost comes from the energy used in growing and drying the mushroom composites, so using cleaner energy sources could make them much more sustainable.

Thermal Degradation and Fire Properties of Fungal Mycelium and Mycelium-Biomass Composite Materials

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This research explores how mushroom mycelium (fungal threads) can be grown with wheat grains to create fire-resistant composite materials. The study found that these mycelium-based composites are significantly safer than plastic polymers, catching fire less easily and releasing less heat when burned. The mycelium acts like a natural fire shield by forming a protective char layer. These findings suggest mycelium composites could be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic plastics for packaging and insulation applications.

A review on architecture with fungal biomaterials: the desired and the feasible

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This review examines how mushroom mycelium can be used as a sustainable building material to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. Six notable architectural projects from 2014-2021 demonstrate different approaches to using mycelium-based blocks and panels for constructing pavilions and temporary structures. The research shows that while mycelium composites offer environmental benefits and exciting design possibilities, they typically need reinforcement with traditional materials and careful production control to be effective in larger structures.

Fungal Biorefinery: Mushrooming Opportunities

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Scientists are discovering how fungi can be grown to create useful materials as alternatives to plastics and other petroleum-based products. By cultivating fungal filaments on agricultural waste, researchers can produce foam-like materials for packaging, strong fibers for textiles, and special carbon materials for energy storage. These fungi-based materials are biodegradable, help recycle waste, and require less energy to produce than traditional synthetic materials.

Effects of Incorporating Ionic Crosslinking on 3D Printing of Biomass–Fungi Composite Materials

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Researchers developed an improved method for 3D printing with fungal composite materials made from agricultural waste and mushroom mycelium. By adding sodium alginate (a seaweed-derived thickener) and treating the printed objects with a calcium salt solution, they significantly improved the structural integrity and precision of the printed parts. This technique addresses a major challenge in the field where printed objects would shrink and warp after printing, making it possible to create complex shapes from sustainable, biodegradable materials.

Development and characterization of novelly grown fire-resistant fungal fibers

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Scientists developed fire-resistant fibers from fungal mycelium grown with silica, offering a natural alternative to synthetic plastic fibers used in concrete. These fungal fibers burn more slowly, retain more material after heating, and create protective char layers that help prevent concrete spalling during fires. The new fibers are more environmentally friendly, cheaper to produce, and significantly outperform traditional polypropylene fibers in fire-resistant applications.

Quantification of fungal biomass in mycelium composites made from diverse biogenic side streams

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Researchers developed a new method to measure how much fungal growth occurs in mycelium-based composite materials, which are sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging and insulation. By analyzing fungal DNA, they tested 20 different combinations of three mushroom species with various waste materials from agriculture and food production. The results show that the amount of fungal growth needed for stable, usable materials varies significantly depending on which mushroom species is used and what waste material serves as the base.

Mycelial Beehives of HIVEOPOLIS: Designing and Building Therapeutic Inner Nest Environments for Honeybees

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Scientists created experimental beehives made from living mushroom mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms) combined with 3D-printed scaffolds. These hives are designed to keep bees warmer while providing natural antimicrobial compounds that protect them from diseases. The research combines digital design technology with biology to create homes that mimic the natural tree cavities where wild honeybees live, potentially making them healthier and more resilient to climate change and diseases.

Effects of Environmental and Nutritional Conditions on Mycelium Growth of Three Basidiomycota

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Researchers tested how three types of edible and medicinal mushroom fungi grow on different substrate mixtures to develop better biodegradable materials for packaging and insulation. They found that substrates rich in cotton fibers combined with specific carbon dioxide levels produced the fastest and densest fungal growth. These findings help optimize the production of eco-friendly mushroom-based materials that could replace plastic and foam products while being fully compostable.

Study on the Properties and Design Applications of Polyester–Cotton Matrix Mycelium Composite Materials

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Researchers developed eco-friendly composite materials by growing oyster mushroom mycelium on waste polyester-cotton textile fibers. The optimal blend was 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which balanced strength, water resistance, and ability to break down in soil. These materials could replace foam plastics in packaging and home products while helping solve the problem of textile waste.

Research Keyword: mycelium composites