Mycelium in Several PH Environments
Ryan Brockway
Abstract
Mycelium, a fungus like bacterial colony, was tested in several
different PH environments in order to predict its reaction in
various concrete materials. Experiments conducted by mixing
activated mycelium with an alkaline, acidic, or basic liquid and
monitored results over a 10-day period.
Introduction
With infrastructure in America on a trend of
deterioration , there is a push to find cheaper, longer lasting
solutions. Researchers are looking to use new materials in
construction to help. One of these materials that is
particularly interesting is the use of bacteria. Many
professionals have looked to include bacteria in concrete, in
which the living nature will help to heal cracks when
activated with water. Broadly, bacteria must be understood
more before used on large scale construction projects. One
can begin with mycelium. Mycelium, a fugus, is beginning to
be used in various residential applications and could
potentially be implemented in construction materials. To
predict its reaction in many different situations, mycelium
will be observed in various PH environments.
Day 1
Initial Set Up of Metal Polish
Dr. Anuja Kamat
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Results
Day 3 Day 5 Overall, there was a total of 10 experiments conducted for a
total of 30 set-ups that were monitored. It was found that
Day 7 Day 10 around 30% sustained growth in their experiment.
However, most experiments reported black spots mold
along with minimal to no growth as well, including within
Day 7 ` Day 10 the control. This, signifies that the experimental setup had
been contaminated to some extent.
Conclusion and
Further Research
There are several possible reasons for failure of growth
Growth Through the experiment Mold in Several Experiments
and mold in the experiment. It is debated that several
different types of flour could effect growth. It Is also
Procedure Excel Data
possible that incorrect ratios could result in lack of
growth, and the improper ventilation along with the voter
The bacteria was exposed to multiple different Ph
added may propel the mold accumulation. However,
environments by including different fluids into the mix required
contamination is another likely reason for mold. It is
for mycelium activation. Acidic environments, neutral to basic
therefore debated if construction sites are sterile enough
environments, and alkaline environments were all included in
for the growth of mycelium. Therefore, further
the tests.. Classmates submitted data via excel in which they
experiments must be conducted before widespread
measured growth of their own experiments of measuring
inclusion of this bacterial in construction.
growth of mycelium in other various fluids. This data will also
include pictures of the growth.
Acknowledgements
Each experiment consisted of a control, which includes
I would like to thank the Fall 2020 Advanced Materials Class for
mycelium mixed with ¼ teaspoon of flour and 10 mL of water the use of their data and thoughts on the conclusions of their
required for growth. Another bag included a mix of mycelium, experiment. I would also like to thank Professor Kamat for her
guidance.
flour, water, and 5 mL of a fluid. A third bag was again made up
of a mix of mycelium, flour, and water, but included 10 mL of a
Data Collection consisted of a table in which the PH was Bibliography
recorded as well as qualitative observations. The
fluid. Pictures and observations will be recorded initially and 1. says:, Praveen Varam R S, et al. “Mushroom Cultivation: 5 Common Mistakes to
observations consisted of noting any growth within the 2.
Avoid.” Fungi Academy, 25 Aug. 2020,
van der Hoeven , Diederik. “Mycelium as a Construction Material.” Bio Based Press, 7
then every 3-5 days and submitted via excel. On day 5, another Apr. 2020, www.biobasedpress.eu/2020/04/mycelium-as-a-construction-material/.
experiment every other day. As also stated, images of
¼ teaspoon of flower was added to encourage growth. The
growth for each control, 5 mL sample, 10 mL were uploaded
overall timeline will be at least 10 days to fully observe
for the specified day.
mycelium growth. www.postersession.com