Shoe shortly before it is moistened again every 20 minutes.
Screen printed pattern made from hemp
Growth Fomes Fomentarius on textile
Harvesting tinder fungus, Foto: Vera Bracklo
Experimental setup substrate 3D printing
Printing tests with hemp and tinder fungus substrate
Production of tinder fungus substrate
Orthesis
About fungi, hemp and medical technology
The project About fungi, hemp and medical technology builds a bridge between the cosmos of microorganisms and medical technology. The fungus Fomes Fomentarius, also known as tinder fungus, has a long history of medicinal use; it was previously used as a wound dressing due to its healing properties. The synergy between these healing properties of the tinder fungus and its ability to form mycelium inspired my research experiments.
Exploratory material samples were created from mycelium composites, such as hemp and alginate. The hydrogel alginate serves as a binder and can also be 3D printed in a paste-like concentration. When applied to a textile, the mycelium-infused composite material caused partial stiffening, which can replicate the stabilizing effect of an orthosis.
Orthoses are currently made of composite materials that are difficult to separate. By using mycelium composite materials and avoiding fossil materials, this project creates sustainable solutions that are also compostable.
| student: | Marvin Kasper |
| project: | Habitat |
| year: | 2023 |
The project About fungi, hemp and medical technology builds a bridge between the cosmos of microorganisms and medical technology. The focus of my work was experimenting with environmentally friendly materials in application of an orthosis. The fungus Fomes Fomentarius, also known as tinder fungus, has a long history of medicinal use; it was previously used as a wound dressing due to its healing properties. The synergy between these healing properties of the tinder fungus and its ability to form mycelium inspired my research experiments.
Through an experimental approach, material samples were created from mycelial composites that included hemp and alginate. I also tested other organic substances such as sawdust, spent grain, hay and parts of the tinder fungus fruiting body. Hemp proved to be particularly promising. The hydrogel alginate was used as a binding agent, which could even be 3D printed in paste form. When applied to a textile, the mycelium-infused composite material caused partial stiffening, which can replicate the stabilizing effect of an orthosis.
Current orthoses are made of composite materials that are difficult to separate. This project aims to develop sustainable solutions by using mycelial composites and avoiding the use of fossil materials. Additionally, the compostability of these materials makes them an environmentally friendly option.