FungiZap - Innovative method for mycelium growth deactivation

Mycelium biocomposites (MBCs) are a fairly new group of materials. MBCs are non-toxic and carbon-neutral cutting-edge circular materials obtained from agricultural residues and fungal mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi. Growing within days without complex processes, they offer versatile and effective solutions for diverse applications thanks to their customizable textures and characteristics achieved through controlled
environmental conditions.

This project involves a collaboration between MNEXT and First Circular Insulation (FC-I) to tackle challenges in MBC manufacturing, particularly the extended time and energy-intensive nature of the fungal incubation and drying phases. FC-I proposes an innovative deactivation method involving electrical discharges to expedite these processes, currently awaiting patent approval. However, a critical gap in scientific validation prompts the partnership with MNEXT, leveraging their expertise in mycelium research and MBCs.

The research project centers on evaluating the efficacy of the innovative mycelium growth deactivation strategy proposed by FC-I. This one-year endeavor permits a thorough investigation, implementation, and validation of potential solutions, specifically targeting issues related to fungal regrowth and the preservation of sustained material properties. The collaboration synergizes academic and industrial expertise, with the dual purpose of achieving immediate project objectives and establishing a foundation for future advancements in mycelium materials.

This project explored innovative ways to deactivate fungal mycelium in bio-based materials using electrical techniques, aiming to replace traditional high-temperature drying methods with more sustainable alternatives. Mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi—is increasingly used as a building block for biodegradable, circular materials. However, to stop its growth and ensure long-term stability, it must be effectively deactivated.

The team investigated two main approaches: Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) and Cold Plasma treatments, applied both individually and in combination. The combination of PEF and cold plasma showed encouraging potential, with early results suggesting that synergistic effects could improve deactivation while preserving the structural integrity of the material. Although complete inactivation was not consistently achieved under the tested conditions, the dual treatment demonstrated greater efficacy than either method alone and warrants further optimization.

The project fostered interdisciplinary collaboration within MNEXT, enabling valuable exchanges with research groups such as the Smart Energy lectorate. Involving students in the experimental work also enriched the educational dimension, providing them with practical experience in sustainable material research. .

Building on these findings, the team is preparing a follow-up study to further develop and scale these sustainable techniques, while also exploring other non-thermal methods such as vibrations and magnetic fields. This work contributes to broader sustainability goals by reducing energy use in biofabrication and supporting the transition to circular materials in construction, packaging, and design.