Chinese scientists develop sustainable 'living textiles' from fungus

Chinese scientists have pioneered a novel approach to textile production, utilizing a fungus called Cordyceps militaris to create "living textiles." This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in engineered living materials: scaling microscopic cells into durable, functional structures.

The developed fabric possesses remarkable self-cleaning and regenerative properties. Furthermore, it can be customized using other microorganisms to incorporate features such as color or ultraviolet (UV) ray protection. This adaptability opens up new possibilities for functional and personalized clothing.

Sustainability is a key aspect of this innovation. Environmental assessments indicate that the material degrades naturally within 41 days. This characteristic positions the fungus-based textile as a promising candidate for circular fashion, aligning with growing global demand for environmentally responsible apparel.