Fungi to the rescue
Scientists are working diligently towards a future where humans can live on other planets. Travelling to Mars is one thing, but surviving there is another. We will need houses on Mars, but we can’t simply send enough bricks or cement into space. Therefore, NASA is exploring innovative solutions: building materials made from fungi.
The power of fungi
When people think of fungi, they often picture mushrooms or green mould on food. However, the real power of fungi lies in the mycelium – a network of threads that enables growth and spread. This mycelium is light, strong, and sustainable, making it a promising building material. If mycelium can grow on other planets, it means that building materials can be produced on-site.
From spores to structures
Building houses with mycelium is different from using traditional materials. First, a framework is needed for the mycelium to grow in. This framework can take the shape of a brick, but also an entire house. By adding water and mycelium spores, the mycelium grows and fills the framework, creating a strong structure. In fact, furniture has already been made this way!
One major concern is the uncontrolled growth of fungi. To address this, the mycelium is heated once the desired shape and strength are achieved. This process kills the fungi but leaves the material intact and even stronger.
Sustainable building
While it may take a long time before we build houses on Mars using fungi, there are already promising applications here on Earth. Traditional building materials cause nitrogen emissions and consume scarce resources. Mycelium is more environmentally friendly and could potentially reduce costs. If NASA’s prototypes prove successful, we could soon apply these techniques on Earth. Thus, building with mycelium is closer to home than you think!
Source:
scientias.com
Author: Peter van Nes
Image:
Bart Everson