Current state and future prospects of pure mycelium materials

Abstract

In the context of the ongoing transition from a linear to a circular economy, ecologically friendly renewable solutions are put in place. Filamentous fungi can be grown on various organic feedstocks and functionalized into a range of diverse material types which are biobased and thus more sustainable in terms of their production, use and recycling. Pure mycelium materials, consisting only of mycelial biomass, can adopt versatile properties and appear promising as a substitute for current petrochemically produced polymeric materials or, in the case of myco-leather, as a substitute for animal-based leather. In recent years, a handful of private companies have been innovating to bring products based on pure mycelium materials to the market while scientific interest in these promising biomaterials is now starting to gain momentum. In this primer, we introduce pure mycelium materials, frame different production methods, review existing and potential future applications, thereby offering a vision on future advances for this emerging fungi-based technology.

Ten decadal advances in fungal biology leading towards human well-being

“…Fungal biomass forms a mat of mycelia containing chitinous biopolymers that resemble leather (Karana et al 2018 ). This biomass can be obtained from both liquid and solid fermentation processes (Javadian et al 2020 ; Vandelook et al 2021 ). After harvesting the fungal biomass, physical and chemical treatments are applied to improve the tissue density, tensile strength, and elastic properties (Vandelook et al 2021 ).…”

“…This biomass can be obtained from both liquid and solid fermentation processes (Javadian et al 2020 ; Vandelook et al 2021 ). After harvesting the fungal biomass, physical and chemical treatments are applied to improve the tissue density, tensile strength, and elastic properties (Vandelook et al 2021 ). The production of mycelium-based leather focuses on polypore fungal species in the genera Fomes , Ganoderma , Perenniporia , Pycnoporus and Trametes (Fig.…”

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

“…In accordance with the definition described by Vanderlook et al [ 16 ], PMM are mycelial bio-polymers that do not contain any lignocellulosic substrates. They are characterised solely by the biological properties of the fungal species, source of nutrients, and growing conditions.…”

“… Circularity and workflow of current manufacturing processes applied to mycelium-based materials, adapted from [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. …”

Connecting materials sciences with fungal biology: a sea of possibilities

“…The research articles by Elsacker et al [ 2 ], Chen et al [ 3 ] and Pohl et al [ 4 ] discuss the potentials of the white-rot fungi Trametes versicolor and Fomes fomentarius for the fabrication of fungal composite materials and highlight possibilities for their improvement and even use in 3D printing (additive manufacturing) when biopolymers, such as alginates or cellulose, are added as binders. Vandelook et al [ 5 ] contributed with a primer which features the endless application possibilities of pure fungal mycelium from Ganoderma , Fomes , Trametes , Pycnoporus , or Perenniporia spp. as leather alternatives, textiles, or foams and summarizes the main companies driving the development of such new consumer products.…”