Scientists have developed a technology that will help clothes self-heal

Researchers from the UK have noticed the unusual properties of materials based on mushroom mycelium. It turned out that it can be used as an alternative to conventional fabric. In addition, mycelia demonstrate the ability to self-heal — it is enough to recreate the conditions in which they were grown.

Recent experiments have shown that the prototype material based on mycelium is able to «tighten» holes and openings. After regeneration, the strength of the restored areas is not inferior to that of the undamaged fragments, although they will differ visually. The process of mycelium regeneration takes about two days, but scientists believe that this time can be reduced.

The new approach to mushroom cultivation does not involve the destruction of chlamydospores (spores that help the mushroom survive in adverse conditions, such as drought or low temperatures). Also, if necessary, chlamydospores can be «revived» in the laboratory.

Scientists are convinced that this discovery may lead to the development of materials that can replace even leather. They will be used for sewing clothes, car seats, or decorating furniture. Damage can be repaired relatively quickly — the fabric will do it itself.

As a reminder, the University of the West of England’s Laboratory of Unconventional Computing is working on creating mushroom computers, computing systems based on the vital activity of mushroom cultures. In fungal organisms, scientists have found signs similar to the activity of the nervous tissues of the human brain. Based on the evidence base, British scientists want to create neuromorphic computers and find their counterparts in the natural environment.