Scientists at Empa’s Cellulose and Wood Materials laboratory have developed a revolutionary new material that is not only biodegradable and tear-resistant but also completely edible.
Unlike many natural materials like cellulose or chitin, which often require chemical processing to become stronger or more durable, this new fungi-based material is entirely natural, with minimal processing and no harmful chemicals.
What makes it so unique? It’s alive.
The researchers based their invention on the mycelium of the split-gill mushroom—a type of edible fungus that grows on dead wood.
Mycelium is the root-like structure of fungi, and it is already being studied as a potential source for sustainable materials.
Typically, mycelium is cleaned and chemically treated to make it more durable, but this often reduces its sustainability. The Empa team took a different approach: instead of processing it, they allowed the fungus to grow naturally, producing its own structural support.
As the fungus grows, it forms a network of fibers called hyphae, along with a special extracellular matrix. This matrix is rich in biological substances that the fungus secretes to build strength and flexibility.
According to Empa researcher Ashutosh Sinha, the team realized that nature had already created the perfect system, so instead of changing it, they enhanced it.
By selecting a specific strain of the split-gill mushroom, the researchers encouraged the production of two powerful biomolecules: schizophyllan and hydrophobin.
Schizophyllan is a nanofiber—extremely thin yet incredibly long—that gives the material high tensile strength. Hydrophobin, on the other hand, acts like a natural soap, stabilizing mixtures of liquids that don’t usually blend, like oil and water.
These two molecules allow the mycelium to be used in a wide range of applications, from films to emulsions.
In lab tests, the Empa team demonstrated the versatility of this living material. One use was as a plastic-like film that is strong and durable. Another was as an emulsifier—an ingredient that helps oil and water mix without separating.
This is particularly interesting for the food and cosmetics industries, as the material is completely safe to eat and naturally stabilizes mixtures over time. “It’s probably the only emulsion that gets more stable as time passes,” says Sinha.
But the possibilities don’t stop there. The researchers believe the living fungal material could be used to create compost bags that decompose waste on their own, eliminating the need for traditional composting.
It also shows promise in sustainable electronics, where its ability to react to moisture could be harnessed for biodegradable sensors. The team is even experimenting with combining the living material with other projects like a “fungal biobattery” and a “paper battery” that could lead to compact, eco-friendly power sources.
Empa’s breakthrough shows that nature itself can be the foundation for advanced, sustainable materials—materials that are not only strong and versatile but also good for the planet. With innovations like these, the dream of fully biodegradable and eco-friendly products is becoming a reality.
