Sustainable materials – Page 5

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 have developed a leather-like material grown from mushroom mycelium (the root structure of fungi) that can match the strength of animal leather through a process called cross-linking or tanning. They tested different cross-linking chemicals—both synthetic ones like glutaraldehyde and natural plant extracts—and found that these chemicals improve the material’s strength and durability. The best results came from treating the mycelium with a low concentration of glutaraldehyde, which made it nearly as strong as real leather while using a sustainable, environmentally-friendly process.

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

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Scientists developed a new method to measure how much fungus is in mycelium-based composite materials by analyzing fungal DNA. They tested three types of fungus with eight different agricultural waste materials to see which combinations made the strongest composites. The results show that the amount of fungus needed and the resulting material quality depends on both which fungus is used and which waste material is chosen, with some combinations needing as little as 5% fungus while others required much more.

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

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Scientists have developed a new method to measure how much fungal material is actually in mushroom-based composites, which are sustainable alternatives to plastics. By extracting and analyzing fungal DNA, they found that different mushroom species require different amounts of fungal growth to create stable materials, and the type of waste material used also matters significantly. This research helps manufacturers optimize production of these eco-friendly composites while also showing that various agricultural and industrial waste streams can be successfully converted into useful materials.

Bacterial Cellulose for Scalable and Sustainable Bio-Gels in the Circular Economy

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Bacterial cellulose is a naturally produced material that offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastics and synthetic fabrics. Scientists are developing efficient ways to produce it using waste products from food and agricultural industries through fermentation with special bacteria. This approach not only creates useful materials for textiles, packaging, and medical applications but also helps reduce environmental waste. The technology is advancing rapidly with genetic engineering techniques that can increase production yields and customize the material properties for different uses.

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.

Filamentous fungal pellets as versatile platforms for cell immobilization: developments to date and future perspectives

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Filamentous fungi, commonly known as molds, can be grown into small spherical structures called pellets that act as excellent platforms for attaching and growing various types of cells. These fungal pellets are sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials and can support different cell types for applications ranging from producing cultivated meat to treating wastewater. The porous structure of fungal pellets allows cells to attach and grow while maintaining the ability to transfer nutrients and oxygen efficiently.

Biochar from fungiculture waste for adsorption of endocrine disruptors in water

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Researchers developed a new material called biochar from leftover mushroom growing waste that can effectively remove harmful hormones from water. By heating the mushroom waste to 600°C, they created a porous material with a large surface area that can trap and remove synthetic estrogen and progesterone from contaminated water. Testing showed this biochar removed over 95% of these hormones, making it a promising sustainable solution for cleaning water supplies.

Binder Jetting 3D Printing of Biomass–Fungi Composite Materials: A Preliminary Experimental Study

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Researchers developed a new 3D printing method called binder jetting to create eco-friendly materials made from agricultural waste and fungi. The fungi’s root-like structures naturally bind plant particles together, creating a biodegradable alternative to plastic. This method produces complex shapes with better precision than previous techniques and could revolutionize sustainable manufacturing for packaging and furniture.

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

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Researchers created strong, eco-friendly composite materials by growing fungi inside delignified wood. The fungi naturally aligned with the wood fiber structure, which significantly strengthened the resulting material. By adjusting the type of wood, fungal species, and nutrient content, scientists could fine-tune the material properties. These sustainable composites show promise for use in building materials and packaging applications.

Growth Propagation of Liquid Spawn on Non-Woven Hemp Mats to Inform Digital Biofabrication of Mycelium-Based Composites

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Researchers developed a method to grow mushroom mycelium (fungal threads) in liquid form and apply it to hemp mats to create sustainable building materials. By testing different growth conditions and concentrations, they found ways to control how fast the mycelium spreads and covers the surface. This liquid-based approach offers advantages over traditional methods because it allows for more precise application and better control of material properties.

Research Topic: Sustainable materials