The term "tinder fungus" refers to a hard, bell-shaped fungi that develops
on decaying wood bark and has long been used as a fire starter.
Now that scientists have a better understanding of the chemical structure
of this strangely potent organism, they may be able to replace some polymers
with it.
According to a
research published on Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, parts of the
fungus, officially known as Fomes fomentarius, were found to have comparable
structural strength to plywood or leather but at a lower weight.
The researchers concluded that "F. fomentarius fruiting bodies are
ingeniously lightweight biological designs, basic in makeup but effective in
performance." The future production and consumption of materials will need
to address issues with expense, time, mass production, and sustainability.
One possible answer is to grow the material using basic ingredients.
Why is F. fomentarius so powerful
F. fomentarius, also known as "hoof fungus" due to its appearance
resembling a horse's foot, has been used by people to fuel flames for a very
long time. Additionally, some clothing pieces, such as caps, have been made
using it. The research claims that the fungus has only lately caught the
attention of scientists.
The interior structure of F. fomentarius was examined in greater detail by
researchers at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in an effort to
gain a better understanding of the microstructures that give the fungus its
distinctively robust yet lightweight consistency. According to research
coauthor and top chemist at VTT Dr. Pezhman Mohammadi, what they discovered
was very encouraging.
The fungus could replace shock-absorbing materials used in things like
football helmets and other sporting equipment, heat and sound insulators,
and even consumer product parts, like headset parts, because it has
structural integrity similar to some grades of plastic, according to an
email from Mohammadi.
In addition, Mohammadi noted that F. fomentarius "has a very stiff and hard
protective exterior layer, has a softer spongy mid-layer, and a powerful and
durable interior layer, each of which (could) beat a distinct class of
man-made and natural materials."
Possibility of using F. fomentarius
The scientists do not advocate using tinder fungus that has been collected
from the environment and used in commercial processes. Mohammadi pointed out
that would not be fiscally feasible because it takes F. fomentarius seven to
ten years to reach an important size. The fungus, which is widespread in the
Northern Hemisphere, is also essential to the ecology because it blooms on
the skin of decaying beech and birch trees to speed up the process of
disintegration.
However, according to Mohammadi, experts have made progress toward
cultivating the fungus or a species that is comparable in a controlled
setting.
According to Mohammadi in an email, "With the advancements in industrial
biotechnology, we predict the production of Metric Tons in a matter of weeks
as opposed to wild-type mushrooms that take years to develop." "For
instance, we have 1000-liter pilot size bioreactors in our study facility
where this could be done.
But before it could be completely achieved, research and development would
be required, just like with any new technology.
