Living Mushroom Material Offers Edible, Biodegradable Plastic Alternative
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📰 The quick summary: Swiss scientists have created a flexible, biodegradable material from living mushroom fibers that can replace plastic in various applications while naturally decomposing at the end of its life cycle.
📈 One key stat: The living fiber dispersions (LFD) made from split-gill mushrooms create the only type of emulsion that becomes more stable over time, making it valuable for food and cosmetic applications.
💬 One key quote: “The fungus uses this extracellular matrix to give itself structure and other functional properties,” says materials scientist Ashutosh Sinha from Empa. “Why shouldn’t we do the same?”
1️⃣ The big picture: Swiss researchers have developed an innovative alternative to plastic made from living mushroom fibers. This material, called living fiber dispersions (LFD), maintains the natural biological functions of mushroom mycelium while being moldable into various forms. Unlike regular plastics, LFD is completely biodegradable, edible, and versatile enough to use in products ranging from compost bags to food emulsifiers. By harnessing specific molecules produced by the split-gill mushroom, scientists created a material that combines durability with environmental sustainability.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This mushroom-based material addresses one of our biggest environmental challenges by offering a truly biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics. The living nature of LFD means it continues releasing beneficial molecules, actually improving stability over time rather than degrading. Its non-toxic, edible properties make it safe for food and cosmetic applications without harmful chemical additives. Beyond current applications, the research opens doors to developing numerous customized materials with specific properties, potentially revolutionizing how we create sustainable materials across multiple industries.
3️⃣ What’s next: Researchers plan to explore more practical applications for LFD across various industries. The team believes their approach can be modified to produce materials with other specific properties, functioning like an on-demand materials maker. Scientists will continue investigating fungi as foundations for new biomaterials to replace conventional plastics.
Read the full story here: ScienceAlert – Scientists Create Biodegradable Plastic Alternative That’s Literally Alive
