Biotechnologists from Newcastle University and Northumbria University in the United Kingdom created a self-healing wearable material out of mycelium, a thread-like structure produced by several species of fungus, Phys.org tells us in a report.
The study published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials outlines the method and how the material performs when tested.
Creating a Self-Healing Material from Mycellium
When intertwining branching occurs in mycelium, it is known to generate matted structures. Researchers have previously utilized this procedure to create mycelium leather. However, the treatments used to create the leather kill chlamydospores.
Chlamydospores are small nodules that allow the material to regenerate under the right conditions, although this was not achievable with previous treatments.
The research team sought to change this by preventing chlamydospores from being wiped out during the leathering process. They created their mycelium by combining active chlamydospores with a fluid mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients.
The team gave the liquid ample time to build a thick skin before taking the skin off and laying it out to dry.
They used a combination of temperatures and chemicals to dry the material, making it leather-like without destroying the implanted chlamydospores. You can read about their whole process here.
Similar Studies
Back in February, we reported that Finnish researchers reached a fundamental material engineering discovery by finding hoof mushrooms' intricate structural, chemical, and mechanical features.
The researchers determined that the tinder fungus's unique microstructure could serve as the foundation for a completely new class of high-performance materials that could replace plastics.
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While the previous study centered on the durability of hoof mushrooms, this new research conducted by UK researchers is showing promise in creating a leather-like material with the ability to self-heal.
Discovering a Unique Kind of Material
The final material was tested and found visually and functionally comparable to other mycelium leathers.
The researchers then punched holes in the material and placed it in a container filled with the same liquid bath used to create it to see if it might cure itself.
The chlamydospores filled in the holes as they dried, and the freshly restored material was just as strong as an undamaged control sample, but the holes could still be seen.
However, this is not the first time a self-generating material has been developed. The paper, published in Nature Materials, describes a new method for developing 3D-printed materials that can grow and repair themselves.
The materials consist of a gel containing living fungus cells. Because these cells can metabolize nutrients in the water, the printed structure can continue to develop and repair itself over time.
Potential Uses of the Material
The self-healing material from mycelium has a lot of potential for usage in wearables, especially outdoor clothing and other items that get a lot of wear and tear. The material could also be employed in medical implants, allowing for healing and regeneration.
Meng Zhang, one of the project's researchers, stated that the team was thrilled about the material's future applications.
"We believe that the material has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about wearable technology and medical implants. It has the ability to heal itself and regenerate, providing endless possibilities for its use," he said.
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