Surface engineering of a superamphiphilic, self-growing fibrous Janus membrane prepared from mycelium

The increasing demand for effective oil-water separation materials has encouraged the exploration of sustainable and ecofriendly solutions. In this study, we investigate the surface engineering of a superamphiphilic, self-growing fibrous membrane derived from the Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium. A nanoporous membrane contactor facilitated the harvest of a fibrous Janus membrane by blocking the contact between the mycelium and the growth medium yet allowing nutrient transport to the mycelium. The analysis of the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface and at the mycelium-membrane interface revealed improved wettability and surface fine-tuning. The hydrophilic side was observed at the membrane-mycelium interface, whereas the hydrophobic side displayed a dense layer of closely packed fibrous hyphae. A gradient in the hypha density was revealed through Z-stack fluorescence confocal microscopy and two-dimensional segmentation analysis. The selectivity in oil-water separation was fine-tuned, which provided a sustainable and ecofriendly approach for addressing environmental challenges. The findings of this study emphasize the significance of harnessing natural compounds and self-growing fibrous mycelium as an innovative approach to surface engineering for advanced separation technologies. For the first time, we have successfully demonstrated a new application of membrane contactors for developing superamphiphilic mycelium materials. Fully biobased and self-growing Janus membrane without additives or blending. Interface design enabling mycelium growth and facile harvesting. Exploitation of hydrophobins for Janus membranes. Membrane contactor was leveraged to grow mycelium.

Automated summary

The increasing demand for effective oil-water separation materials has led to the exploration of sustainable and ecofriendly solutions. In this study, a superamphiphilic, self-growing fibrous membrane derived from Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium was investigated. The surface engineering of the membrane improved wettability and fine-tuning, and a nanoporous membrane contactor facilitated the harvesting of the membrane. The findings emphasize the significance of harnessing natural compounds and self-growing fibrous mycelium for advanced separation technologies.