Revision as of 14:22, 19 May 2012

Moldable mycelium is proposed to be a new material similar to bioplastics. Mycelium is a form of growth of fungi where cells form a mesh network of strung together cells. Unlike other bioplastics the material is made of whole cells rather than harvested components. The process involves inoculating a feedstock with a fungal mycelium and placing in a mold that will shape that the mycelium grows into. Moldable mycelium could be an advantageous process that produces a high quality product with minimal energy input and hardware as compared to other bioplastics. More research is necessary to identify mycelium with favorable traits. Depending on the mycelium different feedstocks may be used including low-value biomass that has had its sugars removed leaving cellulose and lignin.

Background

Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus are both reported to be suitable for growth as mycelium bioplastic and have been cultivated by humans for thousands of years. Both are reported to be cultivated on logs or wood chips and might be able to be fed biomass post cellulose extraction, supplementation might be used. Fungi are respirators and need oxygen while producing CO2. Sterilization with steam or UV might control for contamination. Molds of different shapes can be tested and degrees of controlled growth.

Proposed protocol

1. Establish food and medicinal growths of both species. What is the decay of the nonfruiting body like? Experiment with chipping and cutting and shaping of material. Dessicate to make stable?

2. Try to establish growth on cellulose extracted material. Have defined characteristics of the extracted material. Experiment with supplementation of depleted nutrients, such as major and trace metals.

3. Create molds of different shapes that allow gas exchange with minimal design obstruction. Fill with appropriate feedstock, inoculate, and incubate. Study allergy and environmental concerns.

4. Heat treat and dessicate to preserve.

5. Investigate sporeless strains.