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Towards fungal sensing skin.
Andrew Adamatzky1, Antoni Gandia2, Alessandro Chiolerio3,4
1Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, UK. andrew.adamatzky@uwe.a.uk.
Fungal Biology and Biotechnology
|May 13, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a living fungal skin from mycelium that can sense mechanical and optical stimuli. This living material shows potential for adaptive architecture and intelligent robotic skins.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Mycology
- Robotics Engineering
Background:
- Filamentous fungi produce mycelium, a versatile biological material.
- Mycelium has potential applications in sustainable architecture and soft robotics.
- Living materials offer unique adaptive and responsive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sensory capabilities of a living fungal skin.
- To explore the potential of fungal materials as intelligent skins in adaptive systems.
- To demonstrate the recognition of mechanical and optical stimuli by fungal skins.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of a homogeneous mycelium sheet (fungal skin).
- Experimental testing of the fungal skin's response to mechanical stimuli (weight loading/removal).
- Experimental testing of the fungal skin's response to optical stimuli (illumination changes).
Main Results:
- The fungal skin exhibited distinct responses to mechanical loading and unloading.
- The fungal skin reacted differently to the presence and absence of light.
- These findings provide initial evidence of sensory recognition in fungal materials.
Conclusions:
- Fungal skins can recognize and respond to external mechanical and optical stimuli.
- Fungal materials can function as intelligent skins, not just structural components.
- This research opens possibilities for self-growing, adaptive robots and responsive architecture.
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