3D Printed Scaffolds For Growing Mycelium

Here at 3D Rapid Print, one of the fastest growing 3D Printing companies in the Thames Valley, we like to keep abreast of the latest innovations in 3D printing.

On December 21st 2022, architecture magazine Dezeen spoke of 3D printed, mycelium-cultivating wooden scaffolds made by BioLab Studio of California. Bio Scaffold was developed by BioLab Studio founder Natalie Alima as a way of growing mycelium fungus, using 3D printed sculptures made from wood fortified with hemp fibres and coffee grounds. This would act as both a scaffold for the fungus and a nutrient source. The geometry of the scaffolds is computer-optimised to establish a pattern of recesses on them that help or hinder the fungus’s growth based on structural needs. Alima also designed a moisture-sensing robotic arm that implants and moisturises the fungus based on the scaffold’s shape.

The project began with the creation of small sculptures meant as household objects for Alima to test her method. Now, she and her collaborators are working to scale-up the technology to create insulation systems for use in larger projects. For smaller sculptures, the fungus is meant to dot out the whole of the structure’s form, whereas for larger sculptures, it will be integrated into the would-be building. Alima argued that her technique could provide a more environmentally sustainable alternative to many insulation systems, due to them being synthetic and non-biodegradable.

Alima’s method entails enclosing a wooden graft implanted with the fungus between 2 panels. As the fungus grows, it adds to the structure as an insulating material that is ultimately edible. Alima contended that the ideal application for her technique would be for temporary structures like pavilions, arguing that the lack of excess materials needed for the 3D printing process would make the building process more efficient. In addition, she sees the potential for what Dezeen described as “a more performance-oriented use,” where spectators would see this as a piece of architectural art, watching it grow such that the mycelium would eventually burst through the wooden encasement and become visible.

3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.

Disclaimer: Featured image of “Department bulletin (1900) (20671560820)” (as it is known on Wikimedia Commons) was taken from Flickr’s The Commons and has no known copyright restrictions. (On Flickr it is known as “Image from page 43 of “Department bulletin” (1900).”)