Fabrication and Preliminary Characterization of Mushroom-Derived Fibers for Sustainable Biomaterial Applications
Seoyoung Im
BC Collegiate, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
BC Collegiate, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2026I23
ABSTRACT
The increasing environmental burden of petroleum-based synthetic fibers has created a need for biodegradable and renewable alternatives for future material applications. In this study, Pleurotus ostreatus biomass was investigated as a sustainable precursor for mushroom-derived fiber fabrication. Fresh mushroom biomass was collected, mechanically processed into a homogeneous slurry, and shaped into continuous filaments using a syringe-based extrusion method, followed by drying and stabilization under laboratory conditions. The fabricated fibers successfully retained elongated, fiber-like morphologies after drying, demonstrating the feasibility of converting mushroom biomass into continuous filamentous structures. Macroscopic observation confirmed overall strand continuity and shape retention, while microscopic and scanning electron microscopic analyses revealed that the fibers possessed generally stable structures but also showed localized surface roughness, edge irregularity, micro-cracks, and thickness variation. Diameter analysis further indicated that the fabrication process produced recognizable fibers with moderate dimensional variability, suggesting that the current method is effective as an early proof-of-concept but still requires optimization for improved uniformity. Overall, these findings demonstrate that mushroom biomass can be processed into stable fiber-like materials and support its potential as a promising biodegradable biomaterial for future applications in sustainable textiles, composites, and biofabrication systems.
The increasing environmental burden of petroleum-based synthetic fibers has created a need for biodegradable and renewable alternatives for future material applications. In this study, Pleurotus ostreatus biomass was investigated as a sustainable precursor for mushroom-derived fiber fabrication. Fresh mushroom biomass was collected, mechanically processed into a homogeneous slurry, and shaped into continuous filaments using a syringe-based extrusion method, followed by drying and stabilization under laboratory conditions. The fabricated fibers successfully retained elongated, fiber-like morphologies after drying, demonstrating the feasibility of converting mushroom biomass into continuous filamentous structures. Macroscopic observation confirmed overall strand continuity and shape retention, while microscopic and scanning electron microscopic analyses revealed that the fibers possessed generally stable structures but also showed localized surface roughness, edge irregularity, micro-cracks, and thickness variation. Diameter analysis further indicated that the fabrication process produced recognizable fibers with moderate dimensional variability, suggesting that the current method is effective as an early proof-of-concept but still requires optimization for improved uniformity. Overall, these findings demonstrate that mushroom biomass can be processed into stable fiber-like materials and support its potential as a promising biodegradable biomaterial for future applications in sustainable textiles, composites, and biofabrication systems.
