Scientists at Newcastle University and Northumbria University have discovered that the root-like filaments produced by many fungi have the potential to be used as a biodegradable, self-renewing wearable material. Research published Advanced Functional Ingredients.
Scientists used fungal hyphae for experiments. Ganoderma lucidum. Hyphae are thin, branching filaments woven together into a structure called mycelium, whose main function is to absorb water and nutrients. Mycelium-based materials are currently used in a wide variety of applications. However, the process used to produce these materials can kill the fungal spores (chlamidospores) that help them regenerate.
Scientists have improved the tissue production process: the new technique allowed us to preserve the regenerating chlamidospores. Tests on the material have shown that if it is placed in the same conditions in which it was grown, it can actually seal the holes drilled in it.
Currently, the fabric is too thin for mass garment production, but the researchers are confident it could be strengthened in the future, for example by combining layers or using plasticization in glycerine.