Living mycelium composites discern weights

Fungal construction materials -- substrates colonised by mycelium -- are getting increased recognition as viable ecologically friendly alternatives to conventional building materials. A functionality of the constructions made from fungal materials would be enriched if blocks with living mycelium, kn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2021-05
Main Authors: Adamatzky, Andrew, Gandia, Antoni
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Building materials
Composite materials
Construction materials
Fungi
Habituation (learning)
Stimulation
Stimuli
Substrates
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Summary:Fungal construction materials -- substrates colonised by mycelium -- are getting increased recognition as viable ecologically friendly alternatives to conventional building materials. A functionality of the constructions made from fungal materials would be enriched if blocks with living mycelium, known for their ability to respond to chemical, optical and tactile stimuli, were inserted. We investigate how large blocks of substrates colonised with mycelium of \emph{Ganoderma resinaceum} respond to stimulation with heavy weights. We analyse details of the electrical responses to the stimulation with weights and show that ON and OFF stimuli can be discriminated by the living mycelium composites and that a habituation to the stimulation occurs.
ISSN:2331-8422