Swiss Researchers Unveil Tough, Biodegradable “Living Fungal Material”

Switzerland: Scientists at EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science) introduced an innovative “living” material grown from the mycelium of split-gill mushrooms. The fungus-based film is flexible, tear-resistant, and fully biodegradable. Its cells respond to humidity changes, altering properties in real time. Not only is the material edible, but it can also self-repair minor damage—a potential game-changer for eco-friendly packaging, wearable sensors, or even building components. Researchers say harnessing nature’s own assembly processes could yield high-performing products without reliance on petrochemicals. Skeptics wonder if scaling fungal production is feasible for commercial usage, but the breakthrough points to a promising new frontier in sustainable biomaterials.