Research Topic: fungal mycelium

Patent landscape analysis for materials based on fungal mycelium: a guidance report on how to interpret the current patent situation

This report analyzes patents protecting mycelium-based materials that could replace plastic and petroleum products in construction, packaging, and insulation. Researchers found 73 existing patents and 34 applications, mostly owned by three US companies, with concerns that overly broad patent protections may be slowing innovation in this promising sustainable materials field. The findings suggest that while mycelium materials show tremendous potential as eco-friendly alternatives, patent restrictions need better management to accelerate their development and commercialization.

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Fully Bio-Based Hybrid Composites Made of Wood, Fungal Mycelium and Cellulose Nanofibrils

Scientists developed a new type of eco-friendly composite material by combining wood particles, fungal mycelium, and cellulose fibers without using toxic formaldehyde glues. The fungus naturally bonds to the wood surface, and when combined with plant-based cellulose fibers, creates a strong, water-resistant material suitable for furniture and packaging. This fully natural composite requires much less cellulose fiber than previous methods, making it more practical for commercial production.

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MycelioTronics: Fungal mycelium skin for sustainable electronics

Researchers have developed a new type of electronic device substrate made from fungal mycelium, the thread-like root structure of mushrooms. This material is completely biodegradable and can be processed like traditional electronic materials to create flexible circuits and batteries. The mycelium-based devices can power wireless sensors and transmit data via Bluetooth, demonstrating that sustainable electronics can perform just as well as conventional ones while being composted at the end of their life.

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

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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