Fungi and Algae: The Future of Innovation

Edited by Jasmine Ryu Won Kang

Sustainable vegan alternatives are on the rise. And while most vegan leather is petroleum based, Bolt Threads, takes a different spin. Mycelium, the root-like part of fungus, is their base for Mylo. Although best known for Microsilk, a spider free silk made by geoengineering yeast genes, Mylo is the natural network of mycelium cells harvested. Coming later in 2021, Bolt Threads has partnered with lululemon, Stella McCartney, and Adidas to bring sustainable products to the fashion industry. 

Ecovative design also uses the mycelium to produce Atlast, designed to be mixed with other flavours to imitate meat, Mycoflex, an alternative to plastic, and MycoComposite, which is used as a binding to bind other materials such as wood chips. 

The process in which molding occurs is very similar to the process with plastic. Paradise Packaging is one of the manufacturers of MycoComposite. After designing a 3D model of the customer’s desired packaging, a reusable mold is made. Instead of molding plastic, the trays are filled with MycoComposite and are allowed to grow for four days. MycoComposite is a mix of hemp hurds and mycelium. After being removed from their trays, the MycoComposite is grown for another two days resulting in overgrowth. The product is then dehydrated to prevent further growth and the product is ready for use. 

While the future of fungi is looking bright, the future of algae is looking just as bright. WNDR Alpine uses Checkerspot’s trademarked algae-based polyurethanes to make skis that are lighter and stronger than conventional downhill skis. As well, the One X One foundation pairs fashion designers with innovators. While their partnerships don’t have to involve algae, designer Phillip Lim and scientist Charlotte McCurdy have partnered to make sequins from algae, a product normally made from plastic. 

Another interesting company is AlgaEnergy which grows algae in bioreactors that allow photosynthesis. The lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins harvested from the microalgae can then be further used in many industries such as cosmetics, biofuels, and agriculture. 

Just as important as bacteriology and virology are in infectious disease and prevention, mycology and phycology may be the future of innovation and design. Not just edible, fungi and algae have many applications only limited by one’s imagination. The world is your oyster. Or rather an oyster mushroom.   

Sources:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90547857/wndr-alpine-innovation-by-design-2020

https://www.fastcompany.com/40562633/this-leather-is-made-from-mushrooms-not-cows

https://ecovativedesign.com

https://www.paradisepackaging.co

https://www.instyle.com/fashion/phillip-lim-seaweed-sequin-dress

https://www.algaenergy.com/technology/production-processes/