Authors
Katarzyna Miśkiewicz (katarzyna.miskiewicz@lit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl), Iwona Masłowska-Lipowicz, Magdalena Lasoń-Rydel, Dorota Gendaszewska, Katarzyna Ławińska
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Łódź Institute of Technology, Łódź, Poland
Aim of the project
The main purpose of the project is the cultivation of selected species of higher fungi that bind organic matter from waste through a network of fibers in a natural biological process, resulting in a lightweight and flexible construction material.
Short description of the problem addressed by this project
The unique properties of our product make it ideal for replacing non-biodegradable materials that are commonly used in packaging, construction, wall panels, etc. Additionally, thanks to the fine-tuning of mechanical properties, the material can be used to produce biodegradable packaging materials, materials used in the manufacture of furniture or sound-absorbing materials.
Main results and achievements
Materials derived from mycelium have several key advantages over traditional synthetic materials: low cost, low consumption of energy required for production, biodegradability, low environmental impact, and a low carbon footprint, which is particularly important in climate protection. Due to the use of waste materials for growing, the proposed product perfectly fits the current trends of a circular economy. So many advantages and, above all, confirmation of the possibility of producing this type of material is an innovation on a European scale.
Our product won the Energy Transformation Leader Award in 2023 and the grand prize at the Demo Day of the Łukasiewicz Accelerator in 2023.
Conclusion
Obtained mycelium fibers are uniform, thermally stable, and have excellent adhesive, hydrophobic, and mechanical properties. These mycelium-based products have the potential to replace non-biodegradable materials in many industries.
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by the state budget, project of the President of Łukasiewicz Center, grant number 2/Ł-ŁIT/ZP/2023.
