Biofabrication of Nanocellulose–Mycelium Hybrid Materials

• DOI: 10.1002/adsu.202000196
• Publication Date: 2020-11-25T11:00:32Z
• Authors: Noam Attias; Michael Reid; Sylwia Carolina M...; Illia Dobryden; Marcus Isaksson; Boaz Pokroy; Yasha J. Grobman; Tiffany Abitbol
• Keywords: Nanocellulose; Biocomposite

Abstract Healthy material alternatives based on renewable resources and sustainable technologies have the potential to disrupt environmentally damaging production consumption practices established throughout modern industrial era. In this study, a mycelium–nanocellulose biocomposite with hybrid properties is produced by agitated liquid culture of white‐rot fungus ( Trametes ochracea ) nanocellulose (NC) comprised as part media. Mycelial development proceeds via formation pellets, where NC enriched in pellets depleted from surrounding Micrometer‐scale elements become engulfed mycelium, whereas it hypothesized that nanometer‐scale fraction becomes integrated within hyphal cell wall, such all system essentially surface‐modified mycelium. The confers mechanical strength films processed biocomposite, mycelium screens typical cellulose–water interactions, giving fibrous slurries dewater faster exhibit significantly improved wet resistance comparison pure films. biocomposites are processable ways familiar papermaking suggested for diverse applications, including packaging, filtration, hygiene products.