Scientists have created a living, biodegradable fabric using fungal hyphae that can be repaired by applying fresh fungal pellets.
Key facts
- •The textile is made from Cordyceps militaris, a fungus that is harmless to humans.
- •Repair is achieved by applying fresh, wet fungal pellets to damaged areas of the fabric.
- •The material degrades in soil in just over 40 days under humid conditions with nutrients.
- •Aspergillus niger is used to add UV protection by creating a melanin-rich layer.
- •The material is treated with glycerol to act as a plasticizer and increase flexibility.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a living textile made from the parasitic fungus Cordyceps militaris. The material, which has been fashioned into a dress, is capable of self-repairing when damaged and can be programmed with various properties, such as UV protection or water repellency, by incorporating other microbial components.
Material composition and properties
The textile is created by growing the fungus as small, spherical pellets in a liquid culture, which are then washed and placed into molds to form a continuous, self-supporting sheet. The material consists of intertwined fungal filaments known as hyphae and does not require a conventional fabric or polymer mesh scaffold. To improve flexibility and prevent brittleness, the researchers soak the material in glycerol, which acts as a plasticizer. The resulting fabric is described as feeling denser than cotton, resembling a soft, non-woven sheet or flexible leather.
Biological functionality and customization
The team can modify the textile's characteristics by introducing other organisms. For instance, yeast cells engineered to produce orange, blue, or purple pigments are used to color the material biologically, avoiding synthetic dyes. Additionally, the researchers incorporated the mold Aspergillus niger to provide UV protection through melanin pigment. The material is also designed to be biodegradable, showing near-complete visible degradation in soil after just over 40 days when exposed to humid conditions and nutrients.
Repair and practical considerations
If the fabric sustains damage, it can be repaired by applying fresh, wet fungal pellets to the affected area, allowing the fungus to grow over the breach. While the material is currently a display piece, researchers note that its biological activity remains largely dormant under dry conditions. Experts have highlighted the potential of this material for reducing fast fashion waste, though they also pointed out the challenge of ensuring the fabric does not begin to biodegrade while being worn.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by New Scientist.
