A team from Newcastle University and Northumbria University in the UK has found that the thin, root-like threads produced by many fungi can potentially be used as a biodegradable, wearable material that's also able to repair itself.
A new approach involving a mix of mycelia, chlamydospores, carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients in a liquid encouraged the growth of a skin that could be removed and dried. The results are currently too thin and delicate to be turned into a garment, however the researchers are confident it's possible that future innovations could turn it into a tougher skin, possibly by combining layers or plasticizing in glycerol.
Crucially, the production process didn't kill off the chlamydospores, which could be revived to grow fresh hyphae over breaches in the skin.Tests on the material showed that it was indeed able to replace holes made in it, if it was placed under similar conditions it was grown in. The material was as strong as before, though it was still possible to see where the holes had been.
"The ability of this regenerative mycelium material to heal micro and macro defects opens interesting future prospects for unique product applications in leather-goods replacements such as furniture, automotive seats, and fashionwear,"
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