Fungal mycelium: A sustainable solution for face mask production
Innovative research explores mycelium-based materials as an alternative to petrochemical-based face masks
image: Innovative Research Explores Mycelium-Based Materials as an Alternative to Petrochemical-Based Face Masks
Credit: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Vancouver Bioproducts Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T
In a breakthrough that could revolutionize the face mask industry, researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a method to create sustainable face masks using mycelium, the root structure of fungi. Traditional face masks, primarily made from petrochemical-derived materials like polypropylene, contribute to environmental waste and pollution. This study presents an alternative mask material that utilizes the natural growth of fungal mycelium to enhance the efficiency of individual mask layers, potentially reducing the environmental impact.
The researchers used Pleurotus ostreatus, a non-pathogenic fungus, to cultivate mycelium on peach palm fruit peel flour and sugar cane bagasse wet dust. By controlling the growth pattern and time, they optimized the breathability and filtration efficiency of the mycelium-modified masks. Remarkably, a single layer of the mycelium-modified mask could replace all three layers of a conventional mask, demonstrating significant potential for sustainability.
The mycelium-modified masks exhibited asymmetric hydrophobicity, with super-hydrophobicity at the composite-air interface and lower hydrophobicity at the composite-medium interface. This unique property enhances mask performance by protecting it from external liquids without trapping water vapor from the user's breath. The study found that the mycelium primarily degraded polysaccharides in the media, contributing to the mask's structure and functionality.
The research concludes that mycelium can be a crucial component in mask applications, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrochemical-based masks. This discovery not only addresses the need for sustainable PPE but also highlights the potential of mycelium as a self-growing material for other biobased products.
See the article:
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2023.07.001
Original Source URL
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969823000543
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