Researchers from Newcastle University and Northumbria University in the UK
have discovered that many fungus create thin, root-like threads that have the potential to be utilized as a
biodegradable, wearable material that can also self-heal.
The
Ganoderma lucidum
fungus, which produces a skin from branching filaments known as hyphae,
which collectively weave into a structure called a mycelium, was the subject
of the researchers' studies.
The delicate skins might replace leather with a little more effort,
fulfilling vegan, environmental, and fashion preferences. However, before it
can be used to make the jacket of the upcoming season, the production
process must be sped up and scaled up.
The researchers conclude in their recently published report that their
findings "indicate that mycelium materials can survive in dry and
oligotrophic
environments, and self-healing is possible with minimal intervention after a
two-day recovery period."
Materials made from mycelium are already employed in several industries,
including textiles and building. The chlamydospores, the fungal spores that
support the organism's ability to replenish itself, are usually killed off
during the process used to create these materials.
Mycelia,
chlamydospores, carbohydrates, proteins, and
other nutrients
were combined in a novel method to promote the formation of a skin that
could be removed and dried. Although the findings are now too thin and
delicate to be used as clothing, the researchers are sure that future
developments might make it into a tougher skin, perhaps by layering or
plasticizing in glycerol.
Importantly, the chlamydospores survived the manufacturing process and
could be resurrected to develop new hyphae over skin breaks.
If the material is used in the same circumstances it was developed in,
tests on it have shown that it can actually repair holes that have been
created in it. Although the material was still as robust as before, the
holes were still visible.
The researchers
add, "The capacity of this regenerative mycelium material to heal micro and
macro defects opens interesting future prospects for novel product
applications in furniture, automotive seats, and fashion apparel."
Additionally, the researchers worked with the
Pleurotus ostreatus
fungus, which is free of chlamydospores. It was clear that the
chlamydospores were what gave the material its capacity to renew because it
was unable to self-heal in the same way.
Before you start donning fungus-made clothing, there is a long way to go.
For instance, the current growing and healing processes take several days to
complete; but, over time, this might be sped up.
Engineered living materials, or ELMs as they are known by researchers, are
intriguing because they can be altered in a variety of ways and can adapt to
their surroundings since they include live cells.
Because of its useful qualities, including self-assembly, sensing, and
self-healing, engineered living materials made completely of fungi "offer
significant potential," the researchers
wrote.
The research has been published in
Advanced Functional Materials.
