Slashdot
Follow
Dress Made of Living Mycelium Can Renew and Repair Itself
Researchers in China have created a living mycelium textile, an engineered living material, from dormant cordyceps militaris fungus. This innovative fabric possesses the remarkable ability to self-clean due to its hydrophobic nature. When treated with a nutrient solution, the material can renew its surface by triggering new fungal growth. Furthermore, it can partially repair holes by applying the nutrient solution and fresh fungus, allowing the cells to grow and bridge the gap. The textile's properties can be customized by co-culturing it with other fungi or yeast. This allows for the addition of features like blue pigmentation or enhanced UV resistance. The researchers describe this as a "programmable fungal platform," treating the mycelium as a modular system. Additional biological abilities can be plugged in as add-ons. This technology moves closer to the ideal of self-repairing and environmentally responsive engineered living materials. While promising, further advancements in durability, moisture resistance, and manufacturing consistency are necessary for widespread applications in clothing or architecture.