Engineering next-generation mycelia-based materials and composites for environmental and biomedical applications

Afolayan, JS ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9331-3636, 2025. Engineering next-generation mycelia-based materials and composites for environmental and biomedical applications. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This thesis investigates the use of six category 1 fungal strains; Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Mucor rouxii, Rhizopus oryzae, Schizophyllum commune, and Trametes versicolor, to develop next-generation materials for environmental and biomedical applications. These strains were gifted or sourced from the culture collection at Nottingham Trent University. The research explores functionalization with nanomaterials, structural modifications using carbohydrates, and evaluations of nutrient-sensing properties. Key findings indicate that fungi based materials can serve as sustainable alternatives aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A significant breakthrough was the natural self-deposition of surface-stabilized gold nanoparticles onto A. niger mycelia without harmful chemicals, with the composite able to remove mercury from wastewater below World Health Organization (WHO) standards (2 ppb) with reusability up to five times. Additionally, the functionalization of M. rouxii and R. oryzae mycelia with TiO2 nanoparticles offered protection from UVA and UVB radiation, delayed thermal degradation, and increased hydrophobicity, although it adversely affected mechanical properties. This research opens new avenues for utilizing mycelium-based materials in previously untapped applications. Using various carbohydrate nutrients, I achieved superhydrophobicity in some strains including A. niger and B. cinerea, enhancing surface properties and improving mycelial mechanical properties. The study also developed innovative characterization methods, including spatial mapping of mycelial homogeneity and a new fungal sensing technique, both yielding useful results. The research presented herein contributes to the fields of applied mycology and materials science by presenting sustainable bio-composites with diverse applications, emphasizing the importance of fungi-based materials for environmental sustainability. I recommend that future research focus on optimizing carbohydrate concentrations, exploring new fungal strains, and assessing long-term durability for large-scale use, setting the stage for the next generation of sustainable materials.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Afolayan, J.S.
Contributors:	Name Role NTU ID ORCID Perry, C. Thesis supervisor CHP3HARRICC https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1517-468X McLean, S. Thesis supervisor BIO3MCLEAS https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8551-4307
Date:	March 2025
Rights:	The author retains the copyright for this work. You are permitted to copy up to 5% for private study or personal, non-commercial research. Any reuse of the information should be properly referenced, including the author, title, university, degree level, and page numbers. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Jeremy Silvester
Date Added:	19 Dec 2025 11:38
Last Modified:	19 Dec 2025 11:38
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54892

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