Materials Science – Page 2

Living Kombucha Electronics with Proteinoids

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Scientists created a new material by combining Kombucha cellulose with synthetic proteinoids (protein-like structures made from amino acids) to produce living electronics that can sense and process information. This hybrid material exhibits unusual electrical properties, including the ability to perform logic operations like computer circuits. The proportions of each component can be adjusted to customize the electrical behavior, opening possibilities for wearable technology and brain-inspired computing devices.

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.

Use of Limestone Sludge in the Preparation of ɩ-Carrageenan/Alginate-Based Films

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Researchers have developed a method to convert limestone waste from stone quarries into a useful material for making biodegradable plastic films. By dissolving limestone in acid to extract calcium ions, they created a crosslinking solution that strengthens films made from seaweed-derived compounds like alginate and carrageenan. These films show promise as environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging while helping solve industrial waste problems.

Extrusion-based additive manufacturing of fungal-based composite materials using the tinder fungus Fomes fomentarius

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Scientists have developed a way to 3D print objects using mushroom mycelium (the thread-like structure of fungi) mixed with seaweed-derived alginate. These lightweight, spongy printed objects are biodegradable and have properties similar to polystyrene foam, but are made from renewable resources. This breakthrough could eventually replace plastic foam in packaging and other applications with an eco-friendly fungal alternative.

Beeswax-poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films for bread packaging

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Scientists developed an eco-friendly plastic alternative made from polyvinyl alcohol and beeswax that can replace traditional petroleum-based plastics for wrapping bread. Through heat treatment and careful formulation, they created a material that keeps bread fresh nearly as well as regular plastic but is completely biodegradable. This innovation addresses environmental concerns about plastic waste while maintaining the freshness and quality of packaged foods.

Biomass carbon mining to develop nature-inspired materials for a circular economy

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This paper explains how we can turn waste biomass from agriculture and industry into valuable materials to replace petroleum-based products. By using computational methods and artificial intelligence, researchers can design more efficient processes to convert plant and animal waste into bioplastics, chemicals, and building materials. Over 100 companies are already successfully doing this, creating products from waste coffee grounds, seaweed, agricultural residue, and other biomass sources.

Characterization of Self-Growing Biomaterials Made of Fungal Mycelium and Various Lignocellulose-Containing Ingredients

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Scientists developed environmentally-friendly foam-like materials by growing mushroom mycelium (the root-like network of fungi) on agricultural waste like hemp and sawdust. These natural composites are strong, biodegradable, and can be used for packaging or insulation instead of plastic foam. However, they absorb water easily and can develop mold if exposed to moisture, so they need protective coatings for some applications.

From Nature to Design: Tailoring Pure Mycelial Materials for the Needs of Tomorrow

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Scientists are developing new materials made from mushroom mycelium that could replace leather, foam, and plastic products. These fungal-based materials grow on simple agricultural waste, are completely biodegradable, and have a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional materials. Companies like MycoWorks are already producing mycelium leather for major fashion brands, showing this technology is moving from laboratories into real products.

Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 3

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Scientists are developing new technologies inspired by nature at extremely small scales to solve real-world problems. This collection showcases five innovative studies using mushrooms and plants to create nanoparticles, developing new treatments for heart disease, and creating smart materials that can detect harmful chemicals. These nature-inspired approaches are often safer, more sustainable, and more effective than traditional methods.

Turning the Cocopith Waste into Myceliated Biocomposite to Make an Insulator

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Researchers developed an environmentally-friendly insulation material by growing mushroom mycelium (Ganoderma lucidum) on cocopith, a waste product from coconut fiber processing. The resulting biocomposite has thermal insulation properties comparable to commercial insulators like Styrofoam and polyurethane, but is completely biodegradable and made from agricultural waste. This innovation addresses waste management problems while creating a sustainable material for thermal insulation in buildings, food processing, and industrial equipment.

Research Topic: Materials Science