Versatile fungi-based living material is tear-resistant and can even be safely eaten

Researchers develop living material from fungi

Fungi are considered a promising source of biodegradable materials. Researchers have developed a new material based on a fungal mycelium and its own extracellular matrix. This gives the biomaterial particularly advantageous properties.

Swiss researchers develop living material from fungi

A Swiss research team has developed a new type of material from fungi. This could be used to create compostable films, moisture sensors or edible additives for food and cosmetics, they say.

Versatile fungi-based living material is tear-resistant and can even be safely eaten

Sustainably produced, biodegradable materials are an important focus of modern materials science. However, when working with natural materials such as cellulose, lignin or chitin, researchers face a trade-off. Although these substances are biodegradable in their pure form, they are often not ideal when it comes to performance. Chemical processing steps can be used to make them stronger, more resistant or more supple—but in doing so, their sustai…

Biodegradable materials produced in a sustainable manner are an important objective of the science of modern materials. However, when you work with natural materials such as cellulose, lignin or chitin, researchers are faced with a compromise. Although these substances are biodegradable in their pure form, they are often not [...]

Empa scientists have developed a new living material from fungi. This edible material could be used to make compostable films, humidity sensors, or additives for food and cosmetics.

Empa Researchers Develop Groundbreaking Biodegradable Mycelium Material for Sustainable Applications

The thin mycelial film is almost transparent and has good tensile strength. It could be used as a living bioplastic. Picture: Empa (IN BRIEF) Empa researchers have developed a new biodegradable material using fungal mycelium, which shows great potential for various applications. This material, which uses the mycelium’s natural extracellular matrix, is tear-resistant and can be used as a plastic-like film or an emulsifier in liquids. The material…