Scientists at the Austrian Johannes Kepler University in Linz have successfully developed a biodegradable substrate using mushroom skin
Image Credit: sritakoset via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
All electronic circuits, which are made up of conducting metals, require to sit in a substrate, which is an insulating and cooling foundation. It is an essential component to form and cool an electronic circuit.
Currently, substrates are commonly made from plastics such as polymer, which are not recyclable when a computer chip is at the end of its lifespan.
Ganoderma lucidum
In an attempt to improve the recyclability of substrates, the researchers used a red-colored mushroom species known as Ganoderma lucidum that grows on decaying hardwood trees in parts of China and Europe.
Ganoderma lucidum growing on a dead tree - (Image Credit: Savelov Maksim via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci)
Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms form a skin to protect their mycelium (basically the root-like part of the fungus) from bacteria as well as other fungi.
When the mushroom skin is removed and dried, it has excellent insulating properties and is really flexible. Impressively, the researchers found that the mushroom skin can withstand temperatures in excess of 200 degrees Celcius, making it an ideal material for use in substrates.
The Austrian research team built metal circuits on top of the skin and showed that it conducts almost as well as the standard plastic variety. In addition, the material can be folded over 2000 times without drastically increasing resistance. In fact, if moisture and UV light are not involved, the substrate would probably last hundreds of years, according to researchers.
While the mushroom skin based substrate has already been demonstrated to work in, among other things, batteries for devices that require little power (such as sensors), the researchers have yet to demonstrate that their innovation can be applied in industrial processes.
The scientists think that their mushroom-based substrate technology will be an ideal replacement for conventional substrates in short-lasting electronics, such as wearable sensors or RFID tags. Their partial recyclability will be a substantial improvement.
The team published their findings in the peer-reviewed science journal Science Advances listed below. Be sure to check it out if you are interested in more details.
Sources and further reading:
MycelioTronics: Fungal mycelium skin for sustainable electronics (Science Advances)
In the future, leather might be made from mushrooms (Universal-Sci)
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