MycoFlex

MycoFlex^TM is a biofabrication platform developed by biomaterials company Evocative Design that allows users to design, prototype and manufacture mycelium-based materials.

Polymers in use currently are predominantly from petroleum-based sources, which are non-renewable and polluting. There is a need to develop natural polymers.

Mycelium is found in the root structure of mushrooms. It consists of chitin, a natural polymer. Mycelium has been shown to have higher strength, flexibility and durability than plastics, resins and leather.

MycoFlex helps produce a pure mycelium structure foam. It can then be tailored to make end products like performance foams, apparel, cellular scaffolding and lab-grown meat.

MycoFlex foam has higher density, tensile strength, and water sorption than expanded polystyrene (EPS), according to company’s testing. It has lower thermal conductivity and is of the same EU flame standard, Class E, as EPS. The material has not been tested for mold growth or termite growth.

Lab-made leather can be grown in nine days using MycoFlex. Evocative partnered with fashion company Bolt Threads to produce the first leather-like product branded Mylo. Its partners Plant the Future and FELDER FELDER have produced biodegradable couture design using the platform.

The foam can also be used to make disposable and vegan skincare products that biodegrade after use. It can be used to make lightweight insulating lofts for gloves and high-performance foams for footwear.

The company is looking for partners to commercialize more applications based on mycelium.

Evocative has also developed Mycofoam a biomaterials platform that uses mycelium as a biological binder over agricultural byproducts. The end product is used in sustainable packaging.