Engineers at Binghamton University (SUNY) have discovered a way to make biodegradable materials stronger—by studying mushrooms. Their research shows that the internal structure of fungal filaments, called hyphae, plays a big role in how stiff or soft a material becomes. By adjusting the direction of these filaments, they improved strength without using any chemical additives. This could lead to new possibilities in product design, packaging, automotive components, and architecture.

How Fungal Materials Work

Fungi grow through a root-like network called mycelium. This network is made of hyphae—tiny tubes that connect to form strong, lightweight structures. Designers already use mycelium in eco-friendly packaging and alternatives to plastic or leather. However, this study focused on how the way these threads grow can make the material much stronger or softer.

Testing Two Mushroom Types

The researchers tested two types of edible mushrooms: the white button and the maitake (also called hen-of-the-woods). The button mushroom contains only soft filaments. The maitake includes thicker ones that are arranged in straight lines, like cables.

After drying the mushrooms, the team tested how stiff each one was. They found that the maitake’s thicker filaments were over 30 times stiffer than those of the button mushroom. When compressed along the direction of the filaments, the maitake became much stronger. In contrast, the button mushroom stayed soft in every direction.

Digital Models Show How to Control Strength

To separate structure from material content, the researchers created digital 3D models. These models showed how changing the angle of the filaments affects performance. A 60-degree tilt made the material almost twice as stiff as when filaments lay flat. No extra ingredients were needed—just a new geometry.

What This Means for Designers

The findings could help designers create stronger, greener products. Mycelium could be used in shoe soles, wall panels, packaging, or even vehicle interiors. Because it’s lightweight and biodegradable, it supports circular design goals.

The same design method could be used in 3D printing. Engineers might create new filament layouts for plastic or metal based on fungal patterns. One day, software could generate designs with strength in one direction and flexibility in another—perfect for tailored design applications.

Growing Materials with Purpose

The study also suggests ways to guide real fungi to grow stronger materials. For example, directing nutrients or applying small electric fields might help filaments align better.

The main takeaway? We don’t always need new materials to improve performance. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of how we arrange what nature already gives us.

Source: The Conversation
Photo: böhringer friedrich