Research Topic: mycelium-based materials

Mycelium-Based Composites for Interior Architecture: Digital Fabrication of Acoustic Ceiling Components

Researchers developed acoustic ceiling tiles made from mycelium, the root-like part of mushrooms, grown in 3D-printed molds. These sustainable tiles reduce noise in interior spaces while using agricultural waste and requiring minimal energy to produce. The study shows that mycelium-based materials can effectively absorb sound similar to conventional acoustic panels while being completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

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Development and characterization of novelly grown fire-resistant fungal fibers

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.

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Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling up Architectural Applications of Mycelium-Based Materials with Digital Fabrication

Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be grown with agricultural waste to create building materials that are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. While these materials show promise for insulation and non-structural uses, scaling them up for large buildings faces challenges including lower strength compared to traditional materials and lack of standardized production methods. The paper reviews various fabrication techniques and existing projects to suggest how digital design and advanced manufacturing could help overcome these barriers.

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Harmonizing Nature, Education, Engineering and Creativity: An Interdisciplinary Educational Exploration of Engineered Living Materials, Artistry and Sustainability Using Collaborative Mycelium Brick Construction

This study shows how middle-school students can learn science, engineering, and art together by growing and building with mycelium, a fungal material that can replace plastic and other harmful materials. Students designed shapes, created molds, cultivated living mycelium bricks under sterile conditions, and assembled them into an artistic structure. The hands-on experience helped students develop practical skills like precise measuring and 3D thinking while learning about sustainability and nature’s cycles.

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