Researchers have developed a new type of textile made from fungi that remains alive even after manufacturing. This biodegradable material can regenerate its surface if damaged and can host engineered microbes to change color or add ultraviolet protection. Unlike traditional mushroom-based products, which are made from dead material, this living textile is created by growing dense mats of mycelium, which are then treated with glycerol to make them flexible without killing them. The fabric can renew itself by sprouting new fungal filaments when provided with nutrients. Although the technology is not yet ready for commercial clothing, it represents a significant innovation in material science by combining living components into a single platform.
QUESTION: How might the development of living textiles impact the future of fashion and sustainability?
Fungus-made fashion—researchers turn living organisms into textiles
