In Switzerland, researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have created a biodegradable material from the mycelium of the split-gill mushroom. The living, plastic-like substance is flexible, tough, and edible, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
The innovation lies in preserving the biological activity of the mushroom’s mycelium during processing. Scientists at Empa transformed the fungal fibers into a gel-like substance called Living Fiber Dispersions, which retains the mushroom’s natural ability to produce beneficial compounds. Unlike many biomaterials that use only fungal cells, LFD incorporates the extracellular matrix, enhancing its structural and functional properties.
Because the material remains biologically active, it continues to generate these molecules over time, potentially increasing its stability and performance.
The findings were detailed in a recent issue of Advanced Materials.