Futures

Mushrooms as Biodegradable Alternatives for Electronic Devices and Medical Implants, (from page 20221127.)

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Summary

A new study from Austria’s Johannes Kepler University Linz reveals that mushrooms, particularly the reishi mushroom, may be used to create biodegradable electronic devices. Researchers Martin Kaltenbrunner, Doris Danninger, and Roland Pruckner discovered that the mushroom’s tough outer skin can be dried to form a robust, flexible, and heat-resistant material called “MycelioTronic,” which can withstand temperatures up to 250 ºC and biodegrades in suitable conditions. This material could replace traditional polymers in printed circuit boards, making recycling easier. The team has successfully created functioning humidity and proximity sensors using MycelioTronic and aims to develop entirely biodegradable circuit boards in the future. The findings are detailed in the journal Science Advances.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Mushroom-based materials Mushrooms are being explored as sustainable alternatives to traditional materials like leather and packaging. Shift from petroleum-based materials to biodegradable options made from mushrooms. In 10 years, biodegradable electronics and sustainable materials from mushrooms could dominate the market. Growing environmental concerns and demand for sustainable materials drive this innovation. 4
Biodegradable electronics Research indicates mushrooms may be used for biodegradable electronic devices. Transition from non-biodegradable electronic components to environmentally friendly alternatives. The market may see a rise in fully biodegradable electronics, reducing electronic waste significantly. Technological advancements and regulatory pressures for eco-friendly electronics propel this change. 5
MycelioTronic material MycelioTronic, derived from mushrooms, shows potential for flexible electronic substrates. Move from rigid, non-recyclable substrates to flexible, biodegradable options for electronics. Flexible, biodegradable substrates could revolutionize the design and disposal of electronic devices. The push for innovation in electronic materials aligns with sustainability goals in tech industries. 4
Medical applications of mushroom materials Mushroom-based materials may be used in medical implants that dissolve in the body. From permanent implants to biodegradable solutions that safely dissolve post-use. Biodegradable medical implants could become standard, improving patient safety and recovery. Increasing focus on patient-centered care and reducing surgical complications drives this trend. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Biodegradable Electronics The transition to biodegradable materials in electronics may face regulatory and compliance challenges, impacting adoption. 4
Environmental Impact of Mushroom Cultivation Increased demand for mushroom-based products may lead to unsustainable farming practices or ecological disruption. 3
Health Risks of Medical Implants The use of biodegradable materials in medical implants raises concerns about material safety and potential body reactions during biodegradation. 4
Recycling Challenges While biodegradable substrates may simplify recycling, the separation of non-degradable components might still pose significant challenges. 3
Market Acceptance. The acceptance of biodegradable electronics and medical applications in the market may be hindered by consumer perceptions and industry readiness. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Eco-friendly material alternatives Mushrooms are being explored as sustainable substitutes for leather and packaging materials. 4
Biodegradable electronics Research is focused on developing biodegradable substrates for electronic devices, reducing e-waste. 5
Innovative use of natural materials The study highlights the potential of using natural materials like mushrooms in technology applications. 4
Recycling-friendly design The new mushroom-based materials allow for easier recycling of electronic components post-use. 5
Medical applications of biodegradable materials Exploration of mushroom-based materials for medical implants that dissolve when no longer needed. 4
Integration of sensors in eco-friendly materials Development of functional sensors using mushroom-derived substrates for electronics. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
A biodegradable material derived from mushrooms, potentially used in flexible electronic devices and circuit boards. 5 58b1d4282237f41c4a33e71179c1ea4b
Electronics designed to decompose naturally after use, reducing electronic waste and improving recycling processes. 5 58b1d4282237f41c4a33e71179c1ea4b
Implants made from mushrooms that dissolve harmlessly in the body after serving their purpose. 4 58b1d4282237f41c4a33e71179c1ea4b
Using mushrooms as a sustainable material for building insulation applications. 3 58b1d4282237f41c4a33e71179c1ea4b

Issues

name description relevancy
Mushroom-based materials in electronics Mushrooms show potential as biodegradable substrates for electronic devices, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. 5
Biodegradable medical implants The development of mushroom-derived materials for medical implants that dissolve harmlessly in the body could revolutionize medical technology. 4
Sustainable packaging solutions Mushrooms are being explored as alternatives to expanded foam packaging, addressing environmental concerns with plastic waste. 4
Recycling of electronic components Mushroom substrates can simplify the recycling process of electronic devices, potentially reducing electronic waste. 4
Eco-friendly leather alternatives Mushroom materials are being considered as sustainable substitutes for leather, impacting the fashion and textile industries. 3