Researchers at the University of Linz have developed a “world first” that could lead to more sustainable electronics: They use the skin of the glossy lacquer polypore (Ganoderma lucidum) as a carrier substance for electronic components. Due to its properties, the innovation called “MycelioTronics” could be a biodegradable alternative to previous plastic components.
In short, the approach described in the journal “Science Advances” led by the study’s first authors, Doris Danninger and Roland Pruckner, was a “more or less accidental discovery” — “as is so often the case in science.” explains Martin Kaltenbrunner from the Department of Soft Matter Physics at the University of Linz. The subject of “fungi” has been the focus of the institute for some time, but in a different context, such as the use of mycelium materials as an alternative to Styrofoam for insulation in construction.
In the new study, the team, which has caused a stir in recent years with many new developments in robotics and electronics, also looked at mushrooms through the lens of sustainable electronics. It was discovered that the lacteal polypore forms a closed mycelial skin on the surface of its culture medium to protect itself from pathogens or other fungi. This skin turned out to be easy to remove and process.
Flexible, readily available and biodegradable
It can even be used directly for the scientists’ projects and just needs to be dried. For example, the skin could be used as a flexible printed circuit board “to subsequently manufacture electronics on it”. Electronics, for example on paper, have been around for a long time, but the production of the cellulose is energy-intensive and “not really sustainable,” says Kaltenbrunner. “Our mushroom skins only need scrap wood and grow on them.”
Thanks to its properties such as robustness, flexibility and heat resistance, the material could become a substitute for polymers currently used in flexible electronic components. Each type of printed circuit board is a composite material that is usually difficult or impossible to separate, recycle or disassemble. The biodegradable fungal skin has now proven to be a real alternative.
As a first step, the Linz researchers envisage applications on the body, for example in medical technology, where such components must function for a period of up to a year. “For example, we have now made proximity or humidity sensors – that also works well.” This was done by soldering “relatively conventional electronic chips” to the mycelium carrier, according to the scientist. Incidentally, the mushroom skin is also surprisingly heat-resistant – an important prerequisite for circuit building. Temperatures of up to 250 degrees Celsius can do no harm.
Material also attractive for new types of batteries
The material is also attractive for developing new types of batteries that mainly consist of mycelium and can therefore operate electronics wirelessly. The scientists are already following the first approximations. Therefore, attempts are now being made to adapt the properties of the membrane formed from the skin of the fungus to the respective application ideas. A key lies in the even more homogeneous structure of the naturally grown structure. Then it could also be used for electronics, which, like their carrier material, are biodegradable. Kaltenbrunner: “That would be the next step, for which the surface must be even smoother.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
