Tuning Hydration for Strength and Workability: Water–Solid Ratio Optimization of Shiitake-Mycelium Biodegradable Packaging Material
Claire Yeeun Ma, William Kim, Sehyun Park, Jisu Park, William Jae Hu Lee
Chadwick International School, Incheon, South Korea
Portola High School, Irvine, United States of America
North London Collegiate School Jeju, South Korea
Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, United States of America
Publication date: November 20, 2025
Chadwick International School, Incheon, South Korea
Portola High School, Irvine, United States of America
North London Collegiate School Jeju, South Korea
Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, United States of America
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II51
ABSTRACT
The persistence of plastic waste in landfills and oceans demonstrates the urgent need for biodegradable alternatives in packaging. Fungal mycelium offers a promising solution due to its ability to grow on agricultural byproducts, mold into customizable forms, and naturally degrade without harmful residues. This study focuses on optimizing the water–solid (w/s) ratio of dried Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mycelium powder to balance strength, moldability, and water resistance for packaging applications. Five hydration conditions (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 g water/g powder) were screened using standardized protocols. Performance was evaluated across four criteria: green strength, short-term water uptake, defect score, and moldability, with weighted composite scoring applied to identify optimal conditions. Results revealed that intermediate hydration (w/s = 0.8–1.0) achieved the highest mechanical integrity, minimal water uptake, and superior surface quality. These findings establish a rapid, low-cost workflow for tuning mycelium formulations and provide a foundation for developing antimicrobial, fully biodegradable packaging materials.
The persistence of plastic waste in landfills and oceans demonstrates the urgent need for biodegradable alternatives in packaging. Fungal mycelium offers a promising solution due to its ability to grow on agricultural byproducts, mold into customizable forms, and naturally degrade without harmful residues. This study focuses on optimizing the water–solid (w/s) ratio of dried Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mycelium powder to balance strength, moldability, and water resistance for packaging applications. Five hydration conditions (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 g water/g powder) were screened using standardized protocols. Performance was evaluated across four criteria: green strength, short-term water uptake, defect score, and moldability, with weighted composite scoring applied to identify optimal conditions. Results revealed that intermediate hydration (w/s = 0.8–1.0) achieved the highest mechanical integrity, minimal water uptake, and superior surface quality. These findings establish a rapid, low-cost workflow for tuning mycelium formulations and provide a foundation for developing antimicrobial, fully biodegradable packaging materials.
