The idea of self-healing building materials from fungi represents a revolutionary step in modern architecture and construction. In the context of a world seeking green and sustainable solutions to replace traditional materials such as concrete—which is responsible for a significant amount of global CO₂ emissions—this technology offers the prospect of a material that is both environmentally friendly and capable of repairing itself when damaged.
The core component of this material is mycelium, the root-like network of fungi. Mycelium has the ability to grow and spread, allowing it to fill cracks in structures and thus enable the material to heal itself over time. Some studies have even experimented with combining mycelium and bacteria to enhance durability and self-repair capacity. A key advantage is that the production process requires low temperatures, consumes little energy, and can make use of agricultural waste as raw material, thereby reducing environmental impact.
In practice, fungal-based building materials could be applied in many areas. Green architecture projects could use them to reduce carbon emissions. Urban infrastructure such as bridges and buildings could extend their lifespan thanks to the ability to self-repair minor cracks. Moreover, fungal materials are flexible in shaping, opening new directions for bio-architecture and creative design.
Nevertheless, this technology still faces challenges. The mechanical strength of fungal materials cannot yet match traditional concrete, especially in structures that must bear heavy loads. Scaling up production to industrial levels remains difficult, requiring further research and innovation. Additionally, because these are living materials, they must be carefully controlled to prevent unintended growth or functional decline over time.
If these challenges are overcome, self-healing building materials from fungi could become a green, sustainable, and intelligent solution for the construction industry. They would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also usher in a new era where buildings can “live” and maintain themselves, rather than relying entirely on artificial maintenance.
In conclusion, self-healing building materials from fungi are both promising and challenging. They could become the foundation of future green architecture, but require time, advanced technology, and international collaboration to turn this vision into reality.
