Mycelium composite The proper treatment of the decomposition process results in MBC. Feb 10, 2020 · The paper presents the results of ongoing research on employing mycelium to provide cleaner architecture and design products with sustainable lifecycles. The results of this study show that an environmentally friendly alternative to particleboards can be developed from Nov 1, 2023 · Mycelium composites offer a sustainable alternative to lightweight petroleum-based plastic products and are attracting great attention in various fields. Jun 1, 2024 · Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) show promising acoustic and thermal insulation, fire safety, and mechanical strength properties and are suitable for … Among the biobased materials, mycelium-bound biocomposites enhanced biologically or by nontoxic additives are one of the most creative and ecofriendly solutions because it fulfills the three pillars of sustainable development with positive impacts via circular economy design principles. Feb 17, 2025 · Fig. As the vegetative part of a fungus, mycelium has the unique capability to utilize agricultural crop waste (e. The diagrams on the Mycelium Foundry: Building Material Abundance Creating abundant materials by controlling mycelium growth: Driving Morphogenesis: We coax mycelium to weave and grow into complex structures through various phenotypic triggers Strain Development: Creating new strains with tailored properties for specific applications Fabrication process of mycelium-based composites (a) Process flow chart showing the applied fabrication method of mycelium-based composites. The paper opens with a critical review of current projects, products, and scientific literature using mycelium in design and architecture. Feb 1, 2020 · Fully processed mycelium composite materials are completely biodegradable and comprise ~95 wt% lignocellulosic material bound using ~5 wt% fungal mycelium for nutrient rich substrates (estimated based on an ergosterol concentration of ~870 ppm, corresponding to 50 mg of biomass for every 1 g wheat grains grown over 7 d) [41]. Although being very versatile in nature, these materials have certain limitations such as What might be some advantages and some disadvantages of using a second-growth period to create mycelium composite construction material, compared to growing the material directly in its mold? Where has mycelium composite been used in construction? What might be a good function for mycelium composite in construction: weight bearing, insulation Jul 10, 2020 · Mycelium-based composite materials, making up a promising class of bio-based materials, are produced by growing mycelium, the vegetative part of filamentous fungi, on solid organic substrates (Jones et al. Sep 30, 2021 · Mycelium-based bio-composite materials have been invented and widely applied to different areas, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and biomedical. Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that are ubiquitous. MCClellan (d) Floor Tiles, MoguTM Packaging (left) and core (right), Grown BioTM Apr 10, 2025 · Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) and pure-mycelium materials (PMMs) represent groundbreaking advancements in materials engineering, offering environmentally sustainable alternatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, as highlighted in a recent review by Hortense Le Ferrand and her team at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, significant barriers still stand in the way of mycelium-based products be May 8, 2025 · The process involves inoculating sterilized substrates with mycelium and allowing them to grow in two stages. Jul 9, 2024 · Fiber-reinforced mycelium (FRM) composites offer an innovative and sustainable approach to construction materials for architectural structures. Jan 10, 2025 · Mycelium production process and mycelium-based products Classification of mycelium-based products Mushroom mycelium has emerged as a versatile and sustainable material with applications across several industries. Nov 15, 2023 · Currently, biocomposites known as mycelium-based composites are among biomaterials under consideration as building and construction materials [2], [11]. Mycelium, which Mycelium-Based Composites (MBCs) are innovative engineering materials made from lignocellulosic by-products bonded with fungal mycelium. 1). Nov 3, 2024 · By growing mycelium on knitted textiles, the research team aims to create a composite that merges the tensile flexibility of textiles with the compressive strength of mycelium, resulting in materials that can be both lightweight and durable. Mar 13, 2024 · Organic polymer-based composite materials with favorable mechanical performance and functionalities are keystones to various modern industries; however, the environmental pollution stemming from their processing poses a great challenge. Mycellium-based composites derive their name from mycelium, the filamentous (mushroom-forming) part of a fungus. Assess the economic feasibility of mycelium as a competitive composite building material. g. Mycelium can fill the volume with a very dense network; one gram of soil can contain up to 600 km of hyphae [1]. This network grows by tip extension, allowing the mycelium to colonize and bind various organic substrates, resulting in a dense, fibrous composite material [[36], [37], [38], [39]]. Dec 14, 2022 · Plastic waste inefficiently recycled poses a major environmental concern attracting attention from both civil society and decision makers. Nov 19, 2023 · Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are eco-friendly materials made by combining mushroom mycelia with lignocellulosic biomass, offering diverse applications such as packaging and construction. These composites can be employed across a range of industrial applications that involve the manufacturing of packaging materials as well as Jul 1, 2025 · Here, the authors report the growing of mycelium onto 3D-printed stiff wood-polylactic acid porous gyroid scaffolds as a method to produce strong and thermally insulating mycelium-bound composites. MBC have been used in different industries to substitute common materials to address several challenges such as limited resources and large landfill In order to create mycelium-based composites, it was necessary to establish a sterile work environment and develop shaping procedures for objects on a scale of architectural building elements. Incorporating NF like hemp, jute, or bamboo into the mycelium matrix enhances mechanical Mar 12, 2022 · The composite made of fungal mycelium and the organic substrate is emission-free, nontoxic, low cost, and recyclable. Initially, focus was mainly placed on the development of composite mycelium materials (CMM). May 19, 2024 · Mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus can be shaped either into pure mycelium materials or composites. Scientific Reports 8 (1): 17583. Structural and morphological features Mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, forms a network of filamentous cells known as hyphae [35]. Mycelium, the root-like structure that comprises the main vegetative growth of fungi, has been identified as an ecologically friendly stand-alone / composite substitute to a litany of materials throughout different industries, including but not limited to packaging, design, building, fashion and cosmetics applications. These materials have outstanding physical and mechanical properties which are at par with traditional materials. In the present study, mechanical properties of mycelium bricks and Jun 17, 2025 · The development of mycelium-based composite materials (MBCs) using Ganoderma lucidum and Colombian agro-industrial wastes (Arboloco and Kikuyu grass) illustrates significant potential as a lightweight thermal insulation material with a low environmental impact, consistent with the principles of sustainable construction. This study is centered on exploring the impacts of different mixing methods on the appearance, mechanical properties, water absorption, and chemical and thermal decomposition Dec 20, 2021 · Clear signs of innovations and a rising trend in patent applications indicate that the use of fungal mycelium as a raw resource will help in providing a scalable solution for sustainable material alternatives [6]. Sisman & B. Apr 27, 2022 · Mycelium-based composites (MBC) are being investigated in design and materials engineering by leveraging the saprotrophic lifestyle of ligninolytic fungi, taking inspiration in the XIXth to early In the coming decades, the use of finite and ever-scarcer primary materials will become more and more difficult, and especially more expensive. The intention is to replace these Nov 12, 2022 · When growing, the fungus develops a highly branched network of cells, called mycelium, that binds the particles from the substrate together, yielding a composite material. (2018) Thermal degradation and fire properties of fungal mycelium and mycelium – biomass composite materials. They display an enormous diversity in morphology and lifestyle. Mycelium grows by apical tip expansion and the use of hyphae from a spore or an inoculum, and with time, hyphae begin to branch out to form tree-like colonies. T. 3). This material can be used for packaging materials, building materials, environmental repair, wearable materials. Jan 18, 2025 · Jones M, Bhat T, Kandare E, et al. Mycelium can grow its network in lignocellulosic material, combining separate pieces into a solid material which results in Mycelium-Based Composites (MBCs). Mycelium is the vegetative root of fungi through which they decompose organic matter. Our study aimed at investigating the possibility of The current physical goods economy produces materials by extracting finite valuable resources without taking their end of the life and environmental impact into account. The material can be used for things like protective packaging, acoustic panels, and insulation and interior components: Mar 1, 2025 · Mycelium-based composites hold significant potential as sustainable alternatives to traditional materials, offering innovative solutions to the escala… Mar 12, 2022 · The composite made of fungal mycelium and the organic substrate is emission-free, nontoxic, low cost, and recyclable. Due to its unique structure and composition we foresee Jul 1, 2025 · This study evaluates the environmental performance of Mycelium-Based Straw Insulation Composite (MBSIC), an innovative material combining mycelium and agricultural waste to create a biodegradable, lightweight, and thermally efficient insulation alternative. The sp Aug 6, 2022 · In today’s world, depletion of virgin resources is a major issue in the construction sector. Mycelium, an innovative bio-material, can be an alternative material in the construction industry. Aug 16, 2018 · This work investigates the mechanical behavior of mycelium composites reinforced with biodegradable agro-waste particles. Feb 9, 2024 · University of Bristol studies mycelium composites as alternative building materials Affordable, lightweight and sustainable composite materials made from mycelium — mushroom roots — may have potential for packaging materials, insulation panels, floor tiles and furniture. (Zhang et al. These innovative materials integrate mycelium, a natural biological adhesive, with lignocellulosic by-products, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach that Mar 15, 2022 · In order to create mycelium-based composites, it was necessary to establish a sterile work environment and develop shaping procedures for objects on a scale of architectural building elements. etc. Jan 24, 2017 · Mycelium is mainly composed of natural polymers as chitin, cellulose, proteins, etc, so it is a natural polymeric composite fibrous material. The first stage is the initial growth of the mycelium on the substrate, followed by a second phase where additional nutrients are introduced to support the mycelium’s growth into structural composite pieces. The composite made of fungal mycelium and the organic substrate is emission-free, nontoxic, low cost, and recyclable. Apr 12, 2024 · In order to create eco-friendly composite materials for industries like construction and furniture, it is necessary to find substitutes for commonly used materials that harm the environment. It is expected to be applied as insulation in buil Jun 1, 2023 · At present the dominant use of mycelium composites in packaging will likely see little benefit by hybridization and reinforcement, given that unhybridized mycelium composite foams presently meet the required functionality. However, creating a mycelium composite with both superior thermal insulation and mechanical strength remains a significant challenge. Mycelium production process and mycelium-based products Classification of mycelium-based products Mushroom mycelium has emerged as a versatile and sustainable material with applications across several industries. Mycelium-based composites (MBC) are biodegradable, lightweight, and regenerative materials. One potential solution is to explore biopolymer alternatives to synthetic polymers. Finally, when dried, this complex provides a porous naturally-made bio-composite. 1 The application and effectiveness of mycelium–coir-based composite (MCBC) boards as sustainable construction insulation panels. This review examines their production techniques, advantages, and limitations, emphasizing their … Mar 15, 2022 · Mycelium-based composites (MBC) are biodegradable, lightweight, and regenerative materials. Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are characterized as biodegradable materials derived from fungal species. Mycelium-based materials offer an alternative fabrication paradigm, based on What is a mycelium composite? Mycelium composites (MC) can be defined as “mushroom-based composites” Acoustic and thermal insulation panel, MoguTM Chair, “the living room project” by M. We performed various material characterizations to evaluate its functionality. These materials harness the natural growth of fungi as a low-energy bio-fabrication method, converting abundant Nov 13, 2025 · Mycelium composites are biobased materials grown by combining fungal mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi—with agricultural by-products such as cellulose-rich plant waste or textile residues. Utilization of mycelium in the development of composites and bricks can be a better option for sustainable building industry. Mycelium in a composite form, the second component, acts as a bulk material that gives sufficient compressive strength to the knitted structure to enable the production of a 1. Mar 22, 2025 · At present, the research on mycelium composites mainly focuses on the optimization of the preparation process, while the initial culture stage of the mixing method of fungi and substrates is often overlooked. Jul 4, 2023 · A hierarchical porous structural mycelium composite is produced by assembling loosely-distributed sawdust with filamentous fungus mycelial networks. The left part of the figure shows that agricultural biomass (e. , wood trim, agriculture waste, and coir) combined with mycelium is used to generate MCBCs. Fundamentals of MBCs 3. Recently, mycelium-derived products have been examined as a viable solution for large-scale production. The Nov 1, 2023 · Mycelium based composites: A review of their bio-fabrication procedures, material properties and potential for green building and construction applications When mycelium penetrates a substrate, it acts as a natural self-assembling binder, holding a loose mixture in a monolithic form, creating a solid composite of biopolymers cellulose matrix and very dense chitin reinforcement. , 2017a). , sugarcane bagasse Jul 23, 2025 · Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are an emerging category of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable materials that are attracting significant research and commercial interest across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and biomedicine. The compressive behavior of mycelium composites is investigated using an integrated experimental and computational approach. block) and lumber-framed homes under different mycelium price conditions. In the EU Taxonomy, the European Union stipulates that, in order to benefit from public funding, buildings must reduce their primary-materials footprint by 50 % by the year 2030 and even by 75 % by the year 2050. Jul 22, 2019 · The mycelium-based material is heat-killed after the growing process. The material by Ganoderma lucidum exhibits exceptional sound-absorbing properties at frequencies below 700 Hz, which is a crucial aspect of creating sound-absorbing materials that effectively absorb low Aug 8, 2023 · Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungi or the roots of the mushroom which can be used in producing bio-composite materials with agricultural waste (substrates) called mycelium-based composite material (MBC), whereby the mycelium acts as a natural glue binding the substrates. Our study aimed at investigating the possibility of using wood Nov 10, 2024 · The incorporation of living systems into it has attracted considerable attention for the synthesis of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. In this paper, we investigate the production process, the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of mycelium-based composites made with different types of lignocellulosic reinforcement fibres combined with a white rot fungus, Trametes versicolor. 1. (b) Preparation of samples in moulds for the Feb 10, 2020 · During its growth process, the fungal mycelium decomposes plant matter while gradually colonizing the substrate, covering it with a three-dimensional network of mycelium, acting both as fiber and bonding material (Fig. The composite material exhibited qualities that make it suitable for compression-only structures, temporary assemblies, and acoustic and thermal insulation. These applications include mycelium-based composite, mycelium-based textiles, and many fusion technologies (Fig. Mycelium-based composites hold significant potential as sustainable alternatives to traditional materials, offering innovative solutions to the escalating challenges of global warming and climate change. , 2022). Thus, mycelium-based foams and composites are an evolving class of biocomposites that are based on growing fungal mycelium (specifically white rot fungus) on lignocellulosic agricultural wastes. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be combined with various natural fibers (NF) to create a strong and lightweight material with environmental benefits. Sep 1, 2025 · Mycelium, the root network of fungi, feeds on lignocellulosic substrates, such as rice straw, banana leaves, coconut coir, or other agricultural wastes. Nov 5, 2024 · Mycelium-based lignocellulosic composites are defined as green composites which are made up of fungal biomass and organic waste materials, having versatile properties and applications. Mycelium-based composites offer an innovative, sustainable approach to developing bio-composite sound-absorbing surfaces for interior fittings. Abstract Plastic waste inefficiently recycled poses a major environmental concern attracting attention from both civil society and decision makers. Most researchers agree that fungal species belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota such as Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum show better results in composite production. While some performance characteristics of MBCs are inferior to those of currently used engineering materials, The term “mycelium-based composite material” refers to any new degradable material formed by combining and optimizing mycelium with materials of different properties through process design. 8 m high, free-standing vault. Nov 11, 2021 · A mycelium-based composite was successfully developed in this project. Mycelium, the intricate network of fungal hyphae, has emerged as a promising candidate for creating biodegradable, eco-friendly materials. Counteracting the phenomenon is an important challenge today. New possibilities are being explored to find alternatives to plastics, and one of them refers to mycelium-composite materials (MCM). MBC . In this study, by finding an autonomous phase separating ability of fungal mycelium, a new material fabrication approach is introduced that leverages such Jan 24, 2025 · 3. In the composite, the mycelium acts as a supportive matrix which binds reinforcing particles within its filamentous network structure. jbedz mdzb mzigiey wkiaa chyo ktnvjb zqrxre pqsaf pyspd agmtza thovtwan nklvw gsxgt keszqlo uedusch