Growable Mycelium Coatings: The Effect of Fungal Species on Coating Properties, TAPPICon26

Sustainable and compostable plastic replacements are in growing demand as we learn more about the health and environmental hazards associated with single-use plastic packaging. However, many biomaterials readily absorb water, making them unsuitable as plastic replacements, while hydrophobic bio-derived plastic alternatives can be expensive to produce. Here, we explore a new approach: a hydrophobic layer of fungal mycelium grown over an oiland air-resistant coating of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). Building off previous proof-of-concept work demonstrating the feasibility of growing coatings with the Turkey Tail mushroom Trametes versicolor, we explored the differences in properties that could be achieved using three other species: Ganoderma lucidum, an organism known for creating unusually dense mycelial networks; the Oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, which is approved for food contact; and the bioluminescent fungus Panellus stipticus. Each fungus yielded different properties in water contact angle and water uptake tests, although the grease and air resistance remained high for all due to the underlying CNF coating. These findings highlight a new approach to creating coatings that can be adapted to specific applications.

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