Fungi Fabrics
Mycelium as a Source
Fungal mycelium can be used as a source for creating a more eco-friendly alternative to the textile fabric. Mycelium resembles a textile fabric in the way its threads are intertwined in a network and has insulating and moisture-absorbing properties similar to cotton fabrics. Mycelium’s cell walls are mainly composed of a natural polymer called chitin, which is similar to cellulose found in plants and gives strength to it. The mechanical properties of the mycelium (e.g. the thickness of the fiber, its length and connections) are determined by the species of the fungus. The types of fungi most frequently referenced in scientific papers related to fabricating mycelium composites are Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus.
The Future Process
To grow the mycelium, the fungus needs to be first inoculated on a smaller dish and then transferred in a larger container (mold) that will contain a substrate.
The substrate is a liquid rich with sugars (e.g. fruit compost blended with water). The container has openings so that the substrate can be replaced over time as the substrate sugars will ferment.
The process of the mycelium's growth is organic. The optimal temperature for mycelium growth is room temperature
(24–25°C) and the humidity needs to be relatively high (up to 98%).
The mycelium will spread and take the shape of the mold as it grows.
Once the mycelium has uniformly covered the surface of the substrate, it needs to be removed and dried.
