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Toward Predictive Design of Lignocellulosic Mycelium-Bound Composites: A Process-Structure-Property Framework,
Musiliu A Liadi1, Tawakalt O Ayodele1, Ibrahim A Bello2
1Environmental and Conservation Sciences Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
Polymers
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) are eco-friendly materials made from fungi and plant waste. This review synthesizes research, proposing a framework to standardize fabrication and testing for reproducible, scalable biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biofabrication
- Materials Science
- Mycology
Background:
- Mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) are biodegradable materials formed by fungal hyphae and lignocellulosic substrates.
- Current research on MBCs is fragmented, lacking standardized methodologies and consistent property reporting.
- This variability hinders the reliable development and application of these promising biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively and conceptually integrate existing studies on MBC fabrication and properties.
- To analyze how fabrication variables influence MBC density, porosity, and mechanical performance.
- To propose a framework for standardization and identify pathways for commercialization.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and quantitative synthesis of published MBC research.
- Analysis of fabrication variables: fungal species, substrate, growth conditions, post-processing.
- Development of a process-structure-property (PSP) framework.
- Assessment of technology readiness levels (TRLs).
Main Results:
- Densification and moisture conditioning significantly impact compressive strength, often more than fungal species.
- Reported compressive strength varies widely (0.05-1.2 MPa) due to inconsistent testing and conditioning.
- A PSP framework was proposed to explain property variations and guide future research.
- Critical gaps in standardization were identified, with proposed protocols for reproducibility.
Conclusions:
- Standardized protocols and reporting guidelines are crucial for reproducible MBC development.
- The proposed PSP framework aids in understanding and optimizing MBC properties.
- Further research is needed to bridge the gap between lab-scale innovation and commercial viability.
- MBCs show potential for scalable, standardized, and application-ready biomaterials with further development.
