A Fungus-Derived Material Could Serve as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Concrete

One effective way to lessen our environmental impact is by adopting more sustainable construction methods. Cement production alone contributes to 8% of global CO2 emissions—much of it used in making concrete.

Solving this issue is challenging, as it demands eco-friendly materials that match concrete’s strength and require minimal upkeep. That’s why researchers are exploring engineered living materials (ELMs), which combine living organisms like bacteria with non-living components. These materials offer unique properties and structural advantages—while reducing the need for cement as a binder.

A team of engineers at Montana State University has created a new building material by combining the root-like mycelium network of a fungus with carefully chosen bacteria.

Hybrid Material Overcomes Key Challenges in Engineered Living Materials

This hybrid material addresses two major limitations commonly found in engineered living materials (ELMs). First, most ELMs only retain their unique properties for a short time under suboptimal conditions. Second, it’s typically difficult to control how minerals like calcium carbonate form within the mycelium, making it hard to achieve the internal structure needed for strength and durability.

To overcome these issues, the researchers used a fast-growing fungus called Neurospora crassa, known for its ability to induce Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP)—a process that turns loose soil or sand into a solid, cement-like material.

They also introduced Sporosarcina pasteurii, a biomineralizing bacterium previously used to repair lunar bricks and fill potholes on Earth. This bacterium produces solid minerals that enhance the material’s strength.

By using N. crassa, the team was able to evaluate its long-term viability as a living element in ELMs, serving both as a platform for MICP and as a supportive host for the self-repairing capabilities of S. pasteurii.

Microorganisms Show Promising Longevity in Fungal Scaffold

The team discovered that the microorganisms within the scaffold stayed alive and metabolically active for at least four weeks—longer than many other ELM candidates. This extended lifespan could be crucial for developing a durable, self-repairing building material.

To build on this success, the researchers aim to extend the cells’ viability even further and explore scalable manufacturing methods.

If they succeed, this material could become a practical alternative to conventional concrete. However, they still face major challenges—such as reducing production costs, ensuring the material is readily available for storage and use, and adapting it for various construction applications.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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