Scientists used mushrooms to make biodegradable computer chip parts.
To address the growing electronic waste crisis, scientists from Johannes Kepler University in Austria used the mycelium or the peeling skin of a mushroom to protect microchips. The material is heat-resistant. It can also last for years and withstand bends and folds without wearing or tearing. When disposed of, it can break down in a typical compost pile, even after being dried, in just about ten days.
The skin may be slightly less-insulative than plastic, but it can withstand high temperatures. Furthermore, it can be grown from loads of cast-off wood from lumber production. For now, the team believes their mycelium could excel in products that don’t require a long-lasting electrical circuit, like wearable health monitors. However, more development time and work are needed.
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