Implementing bio-design tools to develop mycelium-based products

The proposed research offers an integrated methodology fusing material-driven design process with biotechnological tools, to explore the potential of mycelium-based composites as sustainable alternatives in design and architecture applications. The ecological role of saprophytic fungi as organic matter decomposers in is recently harnessed to construct highly porous materials made with regional pruning waste bound by fungal mycelium. This study aims to establish a primary framework to imply mycelium composites in circular production scenarios. According to literature, the physio-mechanical performances of mycelium are affected by parameters such as substrate content, incubation conditions and fabrication process. Our study explores how substrate composition affect mycelium development and derivative material performance. The relations between visual, chemical, and physical properties of mycelium composites were inspected. Results indicate clear variance in material properties of assorted compositions tested. By altering these variables, mycelium-based composites can be inherently modified to suit diverse implications.