The complex structure of Fomes fomentarius represents an architectural design for high-performance ultralightweight materials.

ABSTRACT: High strength, hardness, and fracture toughness are mechanical properties that are not commonly associated with the fleshy body of a fungus. Here, we show with detailed structural, chemical, and mechanical characterization that Fomes fomentarius is an exception, and its architectural design is a source of inspiration for an emerging class of ultralightweight high-performance materials. Our findings reveal that F. fomentarius is a functionally graded material with three distinct layers that undergo multiscale hierarchical self-assembly. Mycelium is the primary component in all layers. However, in each layer, mycelium exhibits a very distinct microstructure with unique preferential orientation, aspect ratio, density, and branch length. We also show that an extracellular

SUBMITTER: Pylkkanen R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9946349 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature