| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biological Materials Science
|
| Presentation Title |
A-13: Understanding and Modifying the Microstructure of Fungi for Tunable Mechanical Properties |
| Author(s) |
Atul Agrawal, Steven E Naleway |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Atul Agrawal |
| Abstract Scope |
The increasing demand for sustainable materials has propelled the rise of fungal materials for diverse applications, including leather and foam alternatives. Despite their demonstrated potential, the underlying mechanics influencing the mechanical properties of end mycelium product remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the structural and mechanical attributes of mycelium. Initial assessments on mycelial colony grown on grown on potato dextrose agar reveal a spectrum of techniques employed by fungi to ensure colony stability in response to various environmental factors. Several secondary structures which work as strengtheners such as generative hyphae extension frameworks, surface protein sheets, clamp connections, and binding hyphae extensions are extensively analyzed for their contributions to the colony strength. This work seeks to establish guidelines for understanding the underlying mechanics of mycelial colony to enable tailored properties, thereby expanding the application potential of such materials for a more sustainable future. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Mechanical Properties, |