Biopolymer materials developed from mycelium and lignocellulosic residues. Current state of the art and prospects for application in the field of habitat

Abstract

Mycelium is a polymer produced by microorganisms, bio-based and biodegradable. It is composed of filamentous structures (hyphae), is found in nature and can also be obtained by the process of degradation or digestion of lignocellulose inoculated with macromycetes fungi. Lignocellulose is one of the most abundant substances on the planet, and is found in the biomass contained in organic, forest, agricultural and a significant part of urban solid waste. In Argentina, mushrooms are currently produced mostly for edible purposes and the vegetative part of the fruit that is marketed is discarded or used as soil fertilizer. The beneficial properties of the material were investigated as well as the patented methods for its manufacture. The aim of this work is to find new research niches in the field of habitat through a background study of mycelium research and production for various applications.