Optimizing the usability of Ganoderma lucidum -based biomaterials

Abstract

Mycelium composites have customizable material properties based on their composition and manufacturing processes and can replace foams, timbers, and plastics for applications, such as insulation, door cores, panelling, flooring, cabinetry, and other furnishing. Due to their low thermal conductivity, high acoustic absorption and fire safety properties outperforming traditional construction materials, such as synthetic foams and engineered woods, they show promise as thermal and acoustic insulation foams. Ganoderma lucidum contains high chitin percentage which makes them great fungus choice for making biomaterial design. This study gives an overview of various trends and development applications in which fungal mycelium is used as new and sustainable biomaterial. The future will show to what extent and in which areas fungus-based materials can replace current materials through their sustainable production and reuse, as well as with interesting new properties. However, it is very clear that this field represents a great potential and necessity for applied transdisciplinary research.