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A team of engineers has pioneered a novel construction material that harnesses the root-like mycelium of fungi in combination with bacterial cells. Their findings, published in the April 16 edition of Cell Reports Physical Science, indicate that this biologically-based material is produced using living cells at lower temperatures and possesses remarkable self-repairing capabilities. This innovation could pave the way for a greener alternative to traditional building materials such as concrete, which are notorious for their high carbon emissions.
According to Chelsea Heveran, the principal investigator and an assistant professor at Montana State University, “Although biomineralized materials may not currently match the strength of concrete universally, ongoing research aims to enhance their properties, extending their applicability.”
Unlike other biomaterials that often have a limited functional lifespan of only a few days or weeks, the materials developed by Heveran’s team demonstrate usability for at least a month due to their composition of fungal mycelium integrated with bacterial cells.
“This development sparks enthusiasm because we envision these cells executing additional valuable functions,” Heveran remarked, highlighting the potential of these living materials.
The extended lifespan of these bacterial cells within the material suggests they can engage in beneficial processes such as self-repair or decontamination, although these capabilities were not directly investigated in this research. Nonetheless, their enhanced viability lays a solid foundation for future exploration into these functionalities.
The market for materials derived from once-living organisms is gradually expanding, yet those that incorporate living organisms have faced hurdles. The challenges largely stem from their limited viability and the absence of intricate internal architectures necessary for various construction projects.
To overcome these obstacles, first author Ethan Viles and his colleagues at Montana State University turned to fungal mycelium as a foundational structure for biomineralized materials. This approach was inspired by the successful use of mycelium in the production of packaging and insulation materials. By working with the fungus species Neurospora crassa, the researchers were able to create diverse and complex material structures.
The research team aspires for their innovative biomaterials to serve as a substitute for conventional building materials with significant carbon footprints, such as cement, which accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions attributable to human activity. Looking ahead, the next phase involves enhancing the materials further, with aspirations of extending the viability of the cells and refining large-scale manufacturing processes.
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