Research team from Shinshu University successfully extracts mycelium fibers from fruiting bodies of fungi without disrupting microscopic structures, potentially transforming them into sustainable materials for leather and packaging.

According to the US news website "ScienceDaily," on October 21, 2023, Shinshu University published the results of this experiment under the research title "Preparation of Mycelium Pulp from Mushroom Fruiting Bodies" in the "ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering" journal. The report details the method of maintaining the structure of mushroom fruiting bodies while simplifying the extraction of mycelium fiber.

The online science news media "EurekAlert!" explains that a fruiting body is a multicellular spore structure of fungi. The size, shape, and color of fruiting bodies vary among different species of fungi. Typically, the umbrella-shaped large fungal bodies seen in substrates like soil, decaying wood, or trees are considered fruiting bodies of mushrooms. The mycelium fibers extracted by Shinshu University from the fruiting bodies of fungi are referred to as mycelial pulp. This mycelial aggregate is widely regarded as an environmentally friendly material with significant development potential.

Shinshu University further points out that besides being used for leather and packaging materials, mycelial pulp is also highly suitable for manufacturing soundproof building materials and textiles. Once the extraction technology for mycelial pulp matures, it is expected to be widely embraced by manufacturing industries and consumers alike.

"ScienceDaily" indicates that globally, millions of tons of waste are generated annually due to human activities, with 38% of this waste eventually ending up in landfills. Among these discarded items, a significant portion consists of plastics or other petroleum-derived products that do not degrade or undergo biodegradation over time. Therefore, it is crucial to seek plastic alternatives that can decompose naturally and are environmentally friendly. This pursuit aligns with the efforts of numerous scientists and industries towards ecological sustainability.

Satomi Tagawa, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Shinshu University, comments: "In the past, the fleshy spore-bearing fruiting bodies of large mushrooms were commonly used as a food source for the public. However, in recent years, these mushrooms have also been transformed into everyday household items. Compared to products manufactured using traditional petrochemical materials, the former are considered safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly."

Professor Satomi Tagawa also explains that the mycelial pulp extracted in the research consists of branched mycelial aggregates. These mycelial aggregates exhibit excellent plasticity, making them suitable for producing 3D porous sponge structures, 2D film materials, and 1D linear modules. This implies that mycelial fiber extracted from fruiting bodies can be widely utilized in various everyday products.

Professor Tagawa's research team believes that the technique of extracting mycelial pulp from fruiting bodies aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goals of "Sustainable Consumption and Production" and "Climate Action." They believe that this research can help reduce global waste and also has the potential to promote the development of the international bioeconomy.

According to Shinshu University's official website, Professor Tagawa stated that the seemingly simple technique of mycelial pulp extraction can also promote the development of the edible mushroom cultivation industry. She emphasized that the related technologies will continue to be refined in the future, laying the groundwork for mycelial pulp as a raw material for daily necessities.

"Our developed technology can bring about a more sustainable development for the edible mushroom industry, especially considering the unavoidable generation of organic waste during cultivation, harvesting, and packaging processes. By introducing this technology, it will facilitate the recycling of fungal waste," said Professor Tagawa, highlighting the positive impact of their research on society and academia.

She also believes that mushrooms, commonly perceived as renewable resources, are in line with the trend of environmental material development. Whether used as food ingredients, raw materials for products, or recycled from leftover waste, mushrooms have the potential to further expand the mushroom market and related industries, ultimately achieving a sustainable development vision of environmental friendliness, community revitalization, and increased employment opportunities.

※ This article is authorized and reproduced from "The News Lens," with the original title "Japanese Team Successfully Extracts 'Mycelial Pulp Fibers' from Mushrooms, Potentially Creating Sustainable Materials such as Leather and Packaging." It is not subject to CC licensing terms.

References:
*American Chemical Society （2023/10/21），Preparation of Mycelium Pulp from Mushroom Fruiting Bodies, DOI:10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c04795

*Shinshu University（2024/01/08），Novel Strategy for Extracting White Mycelial Pulp from Fruiting Mushroom Bodies

*EurekAlert!（2024/01/08），A novel strategy for extracting white mycelial pulp from fruiting mushroom bodies

*ScienceDaily（2024/01/08），

Researchers successfully extract mycelial fibers from fruiting bodies of mushrooms without destroying their microsized mycelial structures

Source:
Environmental Information Center