​In the summer of 2022, I worked with two student researchers to investigate methods in cultivating mycelium leather in the laboratory. This research stems from an interest in new approaches to bio material cultivation and fabrication for design purposes. In the summer of 2022, we focused mainly on biotextiles.

 

We experimented with three different species of fungi, namely, Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster, 平菇), and Ganoderma lucidum (Reichi, 赤芝), Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tale, 云芝). We also experimented with a variety of different cultivating methods including cloning, agar culturing, and liquid culturing.

 

We were able to successfully grow mycelium leather with Ganoderma lucidum and Trametes versicolor on a small experimental scale. The material is stronger than we anticipated with minor stretch capabilities. Reichi and Turkey Tale proved to be a better materials for textile production due to its mycelium's tendency to extend over a flat plane in silky stranger. Oyster mycelium by contrast develop more three-dimensionally, which makes it a stronger and better material for spatial bio-fabrication needs, such as in packing materials or architecture.