Course Program
Course Program
#1Module 1: Introduction to Mycology and Bio-fabrication
- Understanding Mycelium: Anatomy, Biology, and Growth Cycles---
- The Science of Bio-composites: How Fungi Bind Organic Waste---
- Comparing Mycelium to Traditional Materials (Plastics, Foam, Wood)---
- Environmental and Sustainability Benefits of Mycelium Materials---
- Setting Up a Safe and Sterile DIY Mycelium Lab---
#2Module 2: Substrate Selection and Preparation
- Evaluating Agricultural Waste Streams as Substrates---
- Calculating Nutritional and Moisture Ratios for Optimal Growth---
- Sterilization vs. Pasteurization Techniques for Substrates---
- Adding Nutrients and Supplements to Accelerate Growth---
- Troubleshooting Substrate Contamination and Quality Control---
#3Module 3: Inoculation and Cultivation Techniques
- Selecting and Sourcing High-Yield Fungal Strains---
- Liquid Culture vs. Grain Spawn Inoculation Methods---
- Controlling Environmental Factors: Temperature, Humidity, and CO2---
- Monitoring the Colonization Phase: Signs of Healthy Mycelium---
- Managing Scale: From Petri Dish to Bulk Spawn Production---
#4Module 4: Mold Design and Forming
- Principles of Mold Design for Mycelium Composites---
- Selecting Mold Materials: 3D Prints, Vacuum Formed Plastics, and Silicone---
- Incorporating Draft Angles and Release Agents for Clean Demolding---
- Compacting and Packing Substrates for Consistent Density---
- Designing for Vent Holes and Air Circulation During Growth---
#5Module 5: Growing in the Mold and Secondary Processing
- Initiating the Secondary Growth Phase Inside the Mold---
- Demolding Techniques: When and How to Safely Extract Parts---
- Post-Demolding Growth: Achieving the Velvet Skin Layer---
- Dehydration and Baking: Deactivating Mycelium to Halt Growth---
- Repairing Minor Defects and Post-Processing Surfaces---
#6Module 6: Material Properties and Testing
- Testing Compressive and Tensile Strength of Mycelium Composites---
- Evaluating Thermal Insulation and Acoustic Properties---
- Testing Fire Retardancy and Water Resistance Characteristics---
- Methods for Enhancing Durability (Coatings, Sealants, and Waxes)---
- Designing for Biodegradability and Circular End-of-Life Cycles---
#7Module 7: Advanced Applications and Scale Manufacturing
- Mycelium in Packaging: Industrial Protective Foam Alternatives---
- Mycelium in Architecture: Acoustic Panels, Insulation, and Structural Blocks---
- Product Design Case Study: Creating Mycelium Furniture and Homeware---
- Automation and Industrial Scale Production Workflows---
- Navigating Regulatory Standards and Certification for Bio-materials---
