Researchers develop leather alternative from mycelium

Researchers in Finland have developed a leather-like material made from mushroom mycelium, the network of fine fibres that grows beneath fungi. The new material can be made into a strong, flexible and compostable fabric, and researchers have already used it to create a working handbag prototype. The study was led by Manuel Arias-Barrantes, Géza Szilvay and their colleagues at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The study has been published in ACS Applied Bio Materials.

The researchers developed a different method using the fungus Trichoderma reesei. Instead of growing the fungus on trays, they cultivated it in a nutrient-rich liquid inside tanks similar to those used in brewing. This process produced a thick, pulp-like material rather than a solid sheet.

After harvesting, the fungal pulp was washed and combined with sorbitol and cellulose. Sorbitol helps keep the material flexible and prevents it from becoming too hard or brittle, while cellulose strengthens the fungal fibres. The mixture was then spread into thin layers and dried, producing a nonwoven fabric with a leather-like appearance.

Another major advantage is its ability to break down naturally. The material decomposed in water within 28 days and completely disintegrated under industrial composting conditions in around six weeks. This gives it an advantage over plastic-based leather alternatives that do not readily biodegrade.

However, the material still needs further development before it can be used in everyday consumer products. The researchers said improving its resistance to tearing will be important to ensure that products such as bags and clothing can withstand regular use.