Africa's Mycelium Composite Potential in the Spotlight: Insights from a New Study

Bristol University's research unveils the transformative potential of mycelium composites, spotlighting a sustainable pathway for Africa's construction industry.

[{"selector":"#anim-141ed803-594e-4aab-ab1d-e4188bfdbcf0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.94775809619725%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

Lead author Stefania Akromah highlights the profound, yet untapped, potential of mycelium technology in Africa's socio-economic landscape.

[{"selector":"#anim-ba19900a-2624-4c60-a873-41e2cd79b07d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.94130594650363%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

Mycelium composites, mushroom-root derivatives, are gaining traction globally for their eco-conscious production and multifaceted applications.

[{"selector":"#anim-5cc96e4f-31e4-452f-85df-23fe167784ae [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-32.5736918567593%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

The fungi-driven production of these composites negates the need for intricate manufacturing, showcasing a simple yet innovative technology.

[{"selector":"#anim-a9805772-97bb-4726-bd86-7e8e9adee1cc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.676803571122917%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

Sourced from agricultural and forestry waste, mycelium composites present a dual benefit of waste management and sustainable material production.

[{"selector":"#anim-2b37b9b7-4ed0-4d2f-9683-112e2b7da639 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-44.937818343538154%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

Envisioned as self-healing structures, mycelium composites bring adaptability and innovation to the construction realm.

[{"selector":"#anim-c2a36028-e011-481b-8175-ec49bfbeae97 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.327588691721814%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

Akromah's paper suggests a green waste management route, converting agricultural waste into valuable, sustainable building materials through mycelium composites.

[{"selector":"#anim-bfa58c59-6bac-4899-bc01-2ba47dad5c1f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-13.245923542940478%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

The research team is now honing the properties of mycelium composites, aiming for seamless integration into established practices across developing nations.

[{"selector":"#anim-7e253a36-b7ec-48db-8b7a-ba1ea43331f9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-6.188924512191261%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google

Dr. Neha Chandarana and Professor Steve Eichhorn join Stefania, bringing diverse expertise to explore the deployment of mycelium composites in African countries.

[{"selector":"#anim-61e0bcfd-aab2-4afa-823a-a72761992d0c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-35.11270517187941%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Photo source- Google