MyzelFusion
Can fungal growth be locally controlled to fabricate three-dimensional objects?
Bio Lab Residency | 2024/25 Biomaterial Research | Eco Design | Sustainable Design
This research project explores the potential of mycelium in additive manufacturing, inspired by the "Binder-Jetting" process. The base material is made up of organic and mineral powders, which are selectively inoculated with mycelium in the form of liquid cultures.
As the mycelium grows, it bonds the particles, forming stable geometric shapes, including overhangs and undercuts, without additional support structures. This eliminates conventional moulding constraints and enables greater design flexibility.
THE PRINTER
A 3D-printer was modified to produce simple three-dimensional objects. A custom extruder was designed, capable of holding 20 mL syringes. This allows controlled application of liquid onto the powder bed. A custom slicer profile was created, enabling rapid adjustments of various parameters. The result was a simple mushroom shaped object and other test objects.
INCUBATION
After one week of incubation, the objects can be removed from the remaining loose coffee grounds. The objects are then placed back in the incubator for additional days, allowing the mycelium to grow over them, strengthening the structure and forming a white outer layer. Finally, the objects are dried to complete the process.
During development, many different parameters were tested, harmonised and documented in a structured manner as well as illustrated on a poster for viewers to understand. The research results obtained so far from the 'Myzelfusion' project show the initial possibilities and potential of this process for various areas of application, including product design, trade fair booth and interior design. They provide a scientific basis for the further development of bio-based additive manufacturing technologies and open up new perspectives for the use of mycelium in materials science.
Supported by: SBYD (Sustainability by Design) Bio Lab Residency · Fraunhofer UMSICHT Folkwang Universität der Künste Essen