Formulación y optimización de un protocolo de producción de biomateriales en base a micelio

Abstract

Mycelium-Based Composites (MBC) are biomaterials with physical and mechanical properties that position them as a sustainable alternative to polystyrene. The novelty that MBCs represent in the materials world has led to confidentiality regarding their production parameters and practices. This study aimed to explore the viability of different methods of hydration, inoculation, growth, and deactivation on various mixtures of rice husk, wood shavings, and polyurethane in order to select optimal production parameters and substrates. The species used was able to capture the polyurethane added to the substrate, but its growth was slowed and became more prone to contamination. Increasing the proportion of wood shavings in the substrate and reducing the particle size slowed growth. The specimen sizes to be produced were established to evaluate the materials generated under ASTM C578-23 standards. The developed protocol allows for a 4-day reduction in the production cycle, as well as reduced water usage during the hydration phase. Keywords: Mycotecture, Sawdust, Particle size, Rice husk, Polyurethane