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This research aims to reduce solid waste, resource depletion, and material toxicity in the footwear industry. Mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, binds together substrate materials as it grows, offering opportunities for composite development. Mycelium composites were developed using edible mushroom species alongside other natural materials. The 4 × 2 experiment tested four mushroom species (reishi, oyster, king oyster, and yellow oyster) and two fabric levels (with or without a natural fabric mat). Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed mycelium growth within the composite and around the substrates. Two-way analysis of variance tests found that both species and fabric significantly affected the density, and the species significantly affected the compressive strength. A positive and significant linear relationship was found between density and compressive strength, with higher density leading to higher compressive strength. The compressive strength of the mycelium composites, especially those made from king oyster mycelium, provides opportunities for renewable and biodegradable footwear inputs.

BACKGROUNDWhen considering how to design medical devices considering the needs of the patient and hospital staff may seem sufficient. Hospitalized infants are patients who cannot speak or advocate for their needs; the parents and the hospital staff caring for infant patients have different roles that together are integral to an infant's recovery. Figure 1 shows how mothers, nurses, and infants form a system of care to promote infant patient healing. In particular caregiver behaviors such as kangaroo care (KC), are dependent upon the involvement of family. KC, defined as bare skin-to-skin contact between an infant and an adult caregiver, is usually done chest-to-chest. The design of wearables for the caregivers holding the infant patient can make KC easier and be part of wearable medical device design that improves infant patient outcomes.

The textile and apparel production and consumption generate a huge amount of solid textile waste. Mechanical recycling is one main method to recycle cotton waste; however, shredding in mechanical recycling shortens fiber length and reduces fiber quality. As a result, the application of mechanically recycled textiles may be limited. This research investigated mechanical methods to recycle post-consumer cotton textile waste and designed and developed second-life products. This study applied research through design methodology and documented step-by-step textile and product development practices to communicate the results. Using the textiles from deconstructed end-of-use garments with a high cotton content (80% or higher), combined with other materials, the researchers developed yarns, and nonwoven, woven, quilted, tufted fabrics. The researchers tested textile properties such as “yarn” tensile strength and elongation, fabric thickness, thermal resistance, air permeability, and stiffness. Using fabrics developed from end-of-use cotton waste, the researchers designed and developed high-value products such as bags, decorative textile, a hat, cell phone and glasses cases, and garments to contribute to the sustainability and circularity of cotton.

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