Chinese scientists have created a textile made from mycelium that retains the properties of a living material: with the help of cells, it can gain color, repel water, and heal damaged areas. In the future, this could extend the lifespan of clothing and reduce textile waste.
The basis was the fungus Cordyceps militaris. After treatment with glycerin, the mycelium was turned into a flexible material suitable for sewing. Modified yeast was used to make it color itself, and nutrients triggered the growth of fungal threads and the formation of patterns. The researchers even sewed a dress that almost completely decomposed in soil in 41 days.
Now they need to test strength, wash resistance, and the possibility of mass production. And perhaps the phrase “breathable fabric” will stop being just an advertising slogan — and clothing will really begin to breathe.
