3D Printed Mycelium

Mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus or fungus-like bacterial colony, can be mixed with a liquid food source such as liquidised straw and water and fed into a 3D printer to create forms which continue to grow, and strengthen, until deactivated through heating or drying.

Uses

• This technique was pioneered in 2014 by Dutch designer Eric Klarenbeek, who used it to create a mycelium chair, working with the University of Aachen.

Potential Uses

• Small run packaging or other products, to save on the cost of making a mould (see process at Mycelium Foam).

Processes

• We do not know which strains of mushroom work best for this process.
• Mix with a liquid food source such as liquidised straw and water
• Feed into a 3D printer to create form
• These will continue to grow, and strengthen, until deactivated through heating or drying.

More Information

• http://inhabitat.com/3d-printed-mycelium-chair-sprouts-living-mushrooms/