Mycelium Lab Report
Introduction:
Mycelium is a fungal colony comprising of branched tubular filaments, called hyphae, that is enclosed by a rigid cell wall (1). Furthermore, mycelium makes up the body structure of fungi and is the primary element for fungal development (2). By using this mycelium from fungi, materials can be created with many of the same properties of conventional synthetics, whilst having less destructive effects on the environment (3). These compostable materials are able to break down, unlike styrofoam, providing a greener environment (3). The seventh principle of green chemistry regarding the use of renewable feedstocks largely focuses on reducing the production of hazardous waste and moving away from petroleum dependence to make products (4). Therefore, the environment benefits from replacing synthetic products with mushroom-based …show more content…
The material is first prepared to grow mycelium through a detailed process. Mycelium grows best under favorable environmental conditions where the mushroom material receives indirect air flow, therefore it must be stored in a bag with holes to provide oxygen. In addition, mycelium needs to be grown and kept in an area where it is not directly getting sunlight and at room temperature. Overall, the growth of the mycelium depends on the setting in which it is being maintained. In this investigation, the experimental group will reactivate mycelium in the mushroom material and then use it to create a new cup. This analysis is centered around the change in mass of the mycelium and the effect of varying Guar Gum (Gomme Guar) amounts on mycelium growth. To add on, the positive control has the most added Guar Gum, meanwhile the negative control has no Guar Gum. It is predicted that the GIY material with the greatest amount of Guar Gum will have the best cup shape because of its adhesive-like properties
Mycelium is a fungal colony comprising of branched tubular filaments, called hyphae, that is enclosed by a rigid cell wall (1). Furthermore, mycelium makes up the body structure of fungi and is the primary element for fungal development (2). By using this mycelium from fungi, materials can be created with many of the same properties of conventional synthetics, whilst having less destructive effects on the environment (3). These compostable materials are able to break down, unlike styrofoam, providing a greener environment (3). The seventh principle of green chemistry regarding the use of renewable feedstocks largely focuses on reducing the production of hazardous waste and moving away from petroleum dependence to make products (4). Therefore, the environment benefits from replacing synthetic products with mushroom-based …show more content…
The material is first prepared to grow mycelium through a detailed process. Mycelium grows best under favorable environmental conditions where the mushroom material receives indirect air flow, therefore it must be stored in a bag with holes to provide oxygen. In addition, mycelium needs to be grown and kept in an area where it is not directly getting sunlight and at room temperature. Overall, the growth of the mycelium depends on the setting in which it is being maintained. In this investigation, the experimental group will reactivate mycelium in the mushroom material and then use it to create a new cup. This analysis is centered around the change in mass of the mycelium and the effect of varying Guar Gum (Gomme Guar) amounts on mycelium growth. To add on, the positive control has the most added Guar Gum, meanwhile the negative control has no Guar Gum. It is predicted that the GIY material with the greatest amount of Guar Gum will have the best cup shape because of its adhesive-like properties