Search Results (44)

Mycelium-based biocomposites (MBBs) represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic composites, as they are produced from lignocellulosic substrates bonded by fungal mycelium. Their mechanical performance depends on multiple interacting factors, including the substrate composition, fungal species, and processing conditions, which makes property optimisation challenging. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict two mechanical properties of MBBs, namely internal bonding (IB) and compressive strength (CS). An ANN model was trained on experimental data, using the substrate composition, fungal species, and physical properties of MBBs. The ANN predictions were compared with measured values, and the model accuracy was evaluated. The results showed that the ANN achieved a high predictive accuracy, with coefficients of determination of 0.992 for IB and 0.979 for CS. IB values were predicted more precisely than CS, likely due to microstructural heterogeneities. The heterogeneities were visualised using scanning electron microscopy. Composites produced with Ganoderma sessile and Trametes versicolor exhibited the highest IB. Interestingly, Trametes versicolor achieved the highest CS on virgin wood particles but the lowest values on recycled wood, underlining the strong influence of the substrate quality. The study demonstrates that ANNs can effectively predict the mechanical properties, reducing the number of experimental tests needed for material characterisation. Full article

Soil reflects ecosystem processes and is influenced by gradual biospheric changes, which can affect its biotic components. In fairy rings, soil morphology, physicochemical properties, and biota are interconnected within a shared environmental space. In La Bertolina grasslands, while fungal and bacterial genomics have been investigated, the micromorphological soil effects of these rings have not. This study micromorphologically analyzed thin sections of three fairy rings at four zones: the ring center, the zone of peak growth in 2013 (R13), the predicted growth zone for 2019 (R19), and outside the ring. From each zone, two thin soil sections were prepared, totaling 24 samples. Fungal structures were exhaustively described according to morphological criteria following reference by multiple authors. The soil was a calcareous, loamy Regosol, and showed moderately developed crumb or laminar microstructures. Nine types of fungal structures were identified, consistent with genomic findings in the zone. Although fungal abundance did not vary across zones, mesofauna droppings were more frequent in R13 and R19, which was related to higher nutrient or water availability due to the fungal activity. Regarding the groundmass of the topsoil, neither the composition nor the microstructure of the surface horizons varied according to the moment of appearance of the ring at the sampled points. Full article

Over 90% of roads in the United States are surfaced with asphaltic materials that use petroleum-based asphalt binders, a material with high negative environmental impacts and costs. Biopolymers are a sustainable alternative, as they are sourced from renewable materials and offer the potential to reduce carbon footprint. However, their performance and durability in construction applications remain insufficiently understood. This study analyzes the potential of agar, a biopolymer extracted from red seaweed, to serve as a direct and sustainable replacement for asphalt binders. The study characterizes the rheological properties and durability of agar-based binders and the mechanical and microstructural properties of composites. The study found that agar-based binders exhibited resistance to fungal deterioration, adequate stiffness to resist rutting at temperatures up to 80 °C, and potential for energy efficiencies associated with lower mixing and compacting temperatures. Results indicate that agar-based composites illustrate many properties in line with those of traditional engineering materials. Overall, these results suggest that agar-based materials exhibit promising fresh-state and biodeterioration resistance properties to serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional, petroleum-based asphalt binders. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable building solutions has directed attention toward bio-based materials, among which mycelium bio-composites (MBCs) have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional insulation materials. Grown from fungal mycelium and lignocellulosic waste, MBCs offer low embodied energy, biodegradability, and effective hygrothermal performance. This review assesses the current state of the art in MBC fabrication and hygrothermal properties, encompassing both laboratory-scale and industrial methods. MBCs demonstrate thermal conductivity values in the range of 0.036–0.06 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, moisture buffering capacity comparable to plant-fiber composites, and up to 70% lower embodied carbon than conventional materials. Key challenges are identified, including process standardization, scalability, and durability under real-world conditions. These composites also offer moisture buffering, compostability, and design flexibility. Moreover, recent advancements in additive manufacturing and microstructural optimization suggest a path toward broader adoption of MBCs in construction. By highlighting critical technical and scientific developments, this review identifies targeted research priorities, including the development of standardized fabrication protocols, quantitative lifecycle assessment of MBCs across varying climates, and strategies to scale up production while maintaining mechanical and hygrothermal consistency. Full article

Bamboo, as a sustainable and renewable biomass resource, possesses significant application prospects along with underutilized potential. However, challenges such as mildew infestation, insect damage, and discoloration during processing and utilization negatively impact its service life and economic value. This study proposes a simplified hydrogen peroxide bleaching method for bamboo processing, resulting in bleached materials with uniform coloration and improved mildew resistance. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of bleached bamboo showed significantly reduced starch and protein inclusions, expanded intercellular spacing, partial fiber detachment, and localized structural deformation in treated bamboo. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed substantial lignin degradation in hydrogen peroxide-treated samples. The color difference (ΔE) was measured at 13.65 between treated and untreated samples, confirming effective bleaching efficacy. The mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analysis revealed enhanced porosity accompanied by diameter enlargement in treated bamboo. Antifungal assessments indicated that hydrogen peroxide bleaching delayed the onset of mold colonization and significantly enhanced the mildew resistance of bamboo substrates. Full article

This study investigates the coupled hygrothermal behavior of mycelium-based composites (MBCs) as a function of their microstructural organization, governed by fungal species, substrate type, additive incorporation, and treatment method. Eleven composite formulations were selected and characterized using a multi-scale experimental approach, combining scanning electron microscopy, dynamic vapor sorption, vapor permeability tests, capillary uptake measurements, and transient thermal conductivity analysis. SEM analysis revealed that Ganoderma lucidum forms dense and interconnected hyphal networks, whereas Trametes versicolor generates looser, localized structures. These morphological differences directly influence water vapor transport and heat conduction. Additive-enriched composites exhibited up to 21.8% higher moisture uptake at 90% RH, while straw-based composites demonstrated higher capillary uptake and free water saturation (up to 704 kg/m³), indicating enhanced moisture sensitivity. In contrast, hemp-based formulations with Ganoderma lucidum showed reduced sorption and vapor permeability due to limited pore interconnectivity. Thermal conductivity varied nonlinearly with temperature and moisture content. Fitting the experimental data with an exponential model revealed a moisture sensitivity coefficient thirty times lower for GHOP compared to VHOP, highlighting the stabilizing effect of a compact microstructure. The distinction between total and effective porosity emerged as a key factor in explaining discrepancies between apparent and functional moisture behavior. These findings demonstrate that hygric and thermal properties in MBCs are governed not by porosity alone, but by the geometry and connectivity of the internal fungal network. Optimizing these structural features enables fine control overheat and mass transfer, laying the groundwork for the development of high-performance, bio-based insulation materials. Full article

(1) Grape stalks and aquafaba (Aq) from chickpeas are promising agricultural byproducts with potential applications in the development of sustainable biocomposite materials due to their ligno-cellulose and protein content. (2) This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of Aq and cinnamon essential oil (CEO) into grape stalk-based materials to enhance mechanical properties and prevent microbial contamination. Four formulations were prepared, and their mechanical, physicochemical, and antifungal properties were assessed. (3) The incorporation of CEO significantly reduced water absorption, while formulations containing Aq exhibited the highest mechanical resistance, likely due to synergistic interactions between proteins and polysaccharides that modified the microstructure of cellulose fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images supported these findings. Additionally, CEO-treated samples showed resistance to fungal contamination by Botrytis cinerea, unlike untreated samples, which were colonized by the fungus. Biodegradability tests indicated slower degradation for CEO-treated samples (10 weeks) compared to those without CEO (5–7 weeks). (4) The results suggest that the combination of Aq and CEO creates a promising material for use in food packaging, though further research is needed to fully understand the reinforcement mechanisms. Full article

There is increasing interest in the development of meat analogs due to growing concerns about the environmental, ethical, and health impacts of livestock production and consumption. Among non-meat protein sources, mycoproteins derived from fungal fermentation are emerging as promising meat alternatives because of their natural fibrous structure, high nutritional content, and low environmental impact. However, their poor gelling properties limit their application in creating meat analogs. This study investigated the potential of creating meat analogs by combining mycoprotein (MCP), a mycelium-based protein, with potato protein (PP), a plant-based protein, to create hybrid products with meat-like structures and textures. The PP-MCP composites were evaluated for their physicochemical, rheological, textural, and microstructural properties using electrophoresis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic shear rheology, texture profile analysis, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The PP-MCP hybrid gels were stronger and had more fibrous structures than simple PP gels, which was mainly attributed to the presence of hyphae fibers in mycelia. Dynamic shear rheology showed that the PP-MCP hybrids formed irreversible heat-set gels with a setting temperature of around 70 °C during heating, which was attributed to the unfolding and aggregation of the potato proteins. Confocal and electron microscopy analyses showed that the hybrid gels contained a network of mycelia fibers embedded within a potato protein matrix. The hardness of the PP-MCP composites could be increased by raising the potato protein content. These findings suggest that PP-MCP composites may be useful for the development of meat analogs with more meat-like structures and textures. Full article

Active, fully biobased film-forming dispersions (FFDs) with highly promising results for sliced soft bread preservation were successfully elaborated from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CH) using a simple method based on pH adjustments. They consisted of the association of polysaccharides and oleic acid (OL) added with cinnamon (CEO) or ginger (GEO) essential oils. The chemical compositions of the commercial essential oils were first determined via GC/MS, with less than 3% of compounds unidentified. The films obtained from FFDs were characterized by SEM, FTIR and DSC, indicating specific microstructures and some interactions between essential oils and the polymer matrix. CEO-based films exhibited higher antioxidant properties and a lower minimal inhibitory concentration in terms of antifungal properties. From experiments on sliced soft bread, the ginger-based films could increase the shelf life up to 20 days longer than that of the control. Even more promising, cinnamon-based films led to complete fungal inhibition in bread slices that was maintained beyond 60 days. Enumeration of the yeasts and molds for the FFD-coated breads revealed complete inhibition even after 15 days of storage with the FFDs containing the highest concentration of CEO. Full article

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease devastating to crops, causing significant quality and yield loss. As one of the most important fruits in the world, melon also is damaged by powdery mildew. The present study investigated the effect of powdery mildew on the photosynthetic parameters and leaf microstructure of melons, the ultrastructure of the leaf surface, photosynthetic index, chlorophyll content, yield, and quality index of five thick-skinned and differently shaped melon varieties. The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, leaf water use efficiency, and chlorophyll levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Kangbing F3800 plants compared to the other four varieties. In the case of powdery mildew infection, the total number of stomata in the upper and lower epidermis was particularly high in the Zhongtian No. 8 and Zhongtianxueqiong varieties, respectively. The stomatal length and width were highest in the upper epidermis of Zhongtian No. 12 leaves and in the lower epidermis of Zhongtian No. 8 leaves compared to the other varieties. The total yield and meat thickness were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the Zhongtianxueqiong variety than the others, along with the low edge sugar content. Overall, powdery mildew impacted differently the photosynthetic and leaf surface characteristics of the five melon varieties. Kangbing F3800 emerged as the most resistant variety, making it the preferred choice for introducing and promoting thick-skinned melon varieties in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. Full article

A favorable environment for fungi colonization in building materials’ surfaces can emerge when certain hygrothermal conditions occur. Thus, reducing fungal growth susceptibility is of major interest. Furthermore, if the integration of bio-wastes is performed in parallel with the development of innovative materials for this purpose, a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material can be obtained. In this study, the fungal susceptibility of lime mortars incorporating almond-shell powder (ASP) microparticles (2 and 4%, wt.–wt. in relation to the binder content) was evaluated. The particle-dispersion technique was employed to prepare the bio-waste introduced in the mixtures. The fungal susceptibility of ASP samples was compared with nanotitania (n-TiO₂) with recognized antifungal properties. Mechanical strength, water absorption, and wettability tests were also performed for a better characterization of the composites. Although the addition of 2% ASP led to mechanical properties reduction, an increase in the compressive and flexural strength resulted for 4% of the ASP content. Difficulties in fungal growth were observed for the samples incorporating ASP. No fungal development was detected in the mortar with 2% of ASP, which may be correlated with an increase in the surface hydrophobic behavior. Furthermore, mortars with ASP revealed a reduction in water absorption by capillarity ability, especially with 4% content, suggesting changes in the microstructure and pore characteristics. The results also demonstrated that an improvement in the physical and mechanical properties of the lime mortars can be achieved when ASP microparticles are previously subjected to dispersion techniques. Full article

Pinus mugo plays a significant ecological role in the natural environment at high altitudes in the mountains including the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, and Balkans. In such severe conditions, it is subjected to the harmful effects of various abiotic and biotic factors. In one of the areas of its natural occurrence in Tatra Mts. (southern Poland), for the last few years, a significant intensification of needle disease has been observed. Symptoms similar to those recorded in Tatra Mts. also occur on other Pinus species in Europe and North America, where they are caused by fungi belonging to the genus Elytroderma, Lophodermella, Lophophacidium or Ploioderma (Rhytismataceae). The current paper presents the results of research which was mainly aimed at characterization of disease symptoms observed for the first time in Poland on P. mugo needles, and identification of the main causal agent with use of the morphological and molecular technique. Based on the analyses performed at different times of the year (2015–2020), it was found that dieback symptoms initially appeared only on first-year needles, a few weeks after their development. Symptoms occur on one or both needles in the bundle. The distal parts of the needles died, while the basal parts remained green. In the following year, mainly in June and July, on the previous year’s needles attached to the shoots, mature ascomata can be seen. The fungus Lophodermella sulcigena has been identified as the cause of these symptoms. So far, the related species L. conjuncta has not been found. The morphological features of the pathogen microstructure produced on P. mugo needles are presented. Attention was drawn to certain features that may make its identification difficult, especially in terms of shapes and sizes of ascospores. The phylogenetic position of the identified causal agent in relation to closely related other species was determined. The current results confirmed that L. sulcigena shows great phylogenetic similarity to L. montivaga, which is found in North America. Nine rDNA barcode sequences of L. sulcigena obtained in this work will enrich the NCBI GenBank database. The obtained results, indicating the presence of other fungi in L. sulcigena ascomata, which may limit the spread of its ascospores, were also discussed. Full article

Wood is easily affected by decay fungi, mildew fungi, insects, water, UV, and other factors when used outdoors. In particular, mildew on the surface of wood negatively affects the appearance and practical use of wood or wood-based engineered products. In recent years, as a class of popular crystalline materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely applied in electrochemistry, adsorption, anti-mildew efforts, and other areas. In this study, we first grew a Co-based metal–organic framework (Co-MOF) in situ on a wood surface and subsequently converted the Co-MOF in situ into a cobalt–nickel double hydroxide layer, which formed micro- and nanohierarchical composite structures on the wood surface. The low surface energy of the CoNi-DH@wood was further modified via impregnation with sodium laurate to obtain the superhydrophobic wood (CoNi-DH-La@wood). We characterized the microstructure, chemical composition, water contact angle, and anti-mold properties of the CoNi-DH-La@wood using SEM, XRD, XPS, water contact angle tests, and anti-fungal tests. The SEM, XRD, and XPS results confirmed that the metal–organic framework was coated on the wood surface, with the long-chain sodium laurate grafted onto it. The CoNi-DH-La@wood had a water contact angle of 151°, demonstrating excellent self-cleaning ability. In addition, the fabricated superhydrophobic balsa wood exhibited excellent chemical and environment stability. Lastly, the CoNi-DH-La@wood exhibited excellent anti-mildew properties in a 30-day anti-mildew test because the superhydrophobic coating was successfully coated on the wood surface. In summary, this work presents an attractive strategy for obtaining wood with superhydrophobic properties at room temperature, thereby endowing the wood or wood-based engineered products with excellent anti-mildew properties. Full article

As wild Aquilaria sinensis resources are exhausted and protected, China has established a huge number of plantations of Aquilaria trees and developed artificial induction techniques. However, the current output and quality of artificial induction technology have not yet met the expected results. It has been found that high-oil-containing agarwood may contain particular fungal stains associated with agarwood production. To enhance the quality of agarwood, we recovered and characterized three highly active fungi from high-oil-containing agarwood and inoculated them onto A. sinensis trees using two traditional physical methods. The results showed that fungi extracted from high-oil-containing agarwood can effectively increase the yield and quality of agarwood. During the agarwood formation process, parenchyma cells, xylem rays, and axial parenchyma cells in the xylem gradually undergo apoptosis, thereby promoting the expansion of the color range of agarwood. Nine months after the treatment, the alcohol-soluble extract content in agarwood reached the standard specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (10%), and the proportions of sesquiterpenes and chromones in each treatment were 55.82%, 58.31%, 62.65%, 70.97%, and 13.71%, respectively. These results indicate that fungal induction has a positive impact on the quality of agarwood. In addition, compared to drilling and fungus combined induction, “burning holes and fungi” combined induction demonstrates better results and can further improve the yield and quality of agarwood. Full article

Nejayote and pericarp derived from nixtamalization are an environmental problem. Therefore, there is research interest in using these residues as new compostable and environmentally friendly materials. This work aimed to create, characterize (color, thickness, water solubility, water adsorption capacity, microstructure, and degradability), and apply biodegradable films using residues of nejayote and pericarp of nixtamalized popcorn. Three types of films were compared, pericarp (P), nejayote–pericarp (NP), and nejayote (N), and were applied to avocado stored at room temperature. Results showed that the P film was the best because it was significantly (p < 0.05) more transparent (L = 94.75 ± 2.21) and thicker (0.27 ± 0.02 mm). It had higher water adsorption capacity (162.60 ± 14.05%) and higher elastic modulus and toughness (0.004 ± 0.001 MPa, 2.25 ± 0.25 J/m³) values than the N and NP films; in addition, its microstructure showed a roughness value (Ra) of 6.59 ± 0.57 nm that was intermediate compared to other films. Moreover, the P coating slowed down the maturing process of avocado and showed a visual effect against fungal infection. All films were generally soft and had a degradation time between 11 and 12 days. The novelty of this study is to provide the alternative of using nejayote and pericarp in a film that is compostable and maintains the lifespan of avocados. Full article