Chinese scientists develop self-healing, biodegradable fungal fabric for fashion

Researchers at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology have created a novel textile from living Cordyceps militaris mycelium that retains metabolic activity after molding and drying. By adding 10 % glycerol, the material remains flexible while supporting repeated self-repair, where fresh fungal pellets bond to cuts via hydrogen bonds, preserving about two-thirds of original stiffness after ten repairs. Nutrient droplets can trigger localized growth of aerial hyphae, allowing patterns such as logos or shapes to be formed directly on the fabric, and the same process can refresh worn areas.

Color is supplied by genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that bind to chitin, producing four pigment hues, while a sprayed Aspergillus niger layer adds melanin for UV shielding and hydrophobic, self-cleaning properties. A full-scale dress assembled from modular panels showcased self-pigmented sections, a textured self-cleaning hem, and a patterned collar, and a buried sample degraded almost completely in soil after 41 days. A life-cycle assessment highlighted pretreatment and glycerol steps as the primary sources of water and land use, suggesting optimization before large-scale adoption.