Mechanical characteristics of bacterial cellulose-reinforced mycelium composite materials

Fungal Biology and Biotechnology

Lars De Laet¹  Bastien Damsin¹  Aurélie Van Wylick²  Elise Elsacker³  Eveline Peeters⁴  Simon Vandelook⁴ 

[1]Architectural Engineering Research Group, Department of Architectural Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

[2]Architectural Engineering Research Group, Department of Architectural Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

[3]Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

[4]Architectural Engineering Research Group, Department of Architectural Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

[5]Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

[6]Newcastle University, Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Devonshire Building, NE1 7RU, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

[7]Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

关键词: Mycelium materials;    Trametes versicolor;    White-rot fungi;    Bacterial cellulose;    Biocomposite;    Hybrid materials;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40694-021-00125-4

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundWhile mycelium is considered a promising alternative for fossil-based resins in lignocellulosic materials, the mechanical properties of mycelium composite materials remain suboptimal, among other reasons due to the weak internal bonds between the hyphae and the natural fibres. A solution could be provided by the hybridisation of mycelium materials with organic additives. More specifically, bacterial cellulose seems to be a promising additive that could result in reinforcing mycelium composites; however, this strategy is underreported in scientific literature.ResultsIn this study, we set out to investigate the mechanical properties of mycelium composites, produced with the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor, and supplemented with bacterial cellulose as an organic additive. A methodological framework is developed for the facile production of bacterial cellulose and subsequent fabrication of mycelium composite particle boards based on a hybrid substrate consisting of bacterial cellulose and hemp in combination with a heat-pressing approach. We found that, upon adding bacterial cellulose, the internal bond of the composite particle boards significantly improved.ConclusionsThe addition of bacterial cellulose to mycelium composite materials not only results in a strengthening of internal bonding of mycelium material, but also renders tuneable mechanical properties to the material. As such, this study contributes to the ongoing development of fully biological hybrid materials with performant mechanical characteristics.

【 授权许可】

CC BY