Bio-Fabrication of a Biodegradable Flower Vase from Sawdust Using Fungal Mycelium: Dual Function for Spent Mushroom Substrate
C.O. Bamigboye
Microbiology Unit, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
A.G. Adewoyin *
Science Laboratory Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
E.O. Olokun
Microbiology Unit, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
M.J. Falade
Microbiology Unit, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
M.O. Oladimeji
Microbiology Unit, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
B. Olatunde
Microbiology Unit, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria and Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
G.O. Bamigboye
Department of Civil Engineering, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The growing environmental burden of plastic waste necessitates sustainable alternatives derived from renewable resources. Therefore, mycelium-based composites have emerged as promising biomaterials. The main objectives of the study is to develop a biodegradable flower vase. A mycelium-based biomaterial was developed by cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus on a formulated sawdust substrate under controlled conditions. The fully colonised moulded composite was heat-treated to produce a biodegradable flower vase. Mechanical strength, water absorption, and microstructural and elemental properties were analysed using standard techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
In contrast to SMS as a residual by-product, the material was purpose-designed as a structural composite. The developed biomaterial exhibited a mean compressive strength of 0.22 N/mm2, exceeding the plastic control (0.15 N/mm2), indicating adequate structural performance. SEM analysis revealed a compact, interconnected hyphal network, while EDX confirmed the absence of toxic elements. However, water absorption was high (approximately 229%), reflecting significant porosity and representing a key limitation.
The biomaterial demonstrates potential as a lightweight, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternative to conventional plastics, with an added dual-use advantage for mushroom cultivation and post-use valorization. Further optimization is required to improve water resistance for broader applications.
Keywords: Mycelium-based composites, Lignocellulosic biomass valorisation, Pleurotus ostreatus, circular bioeconomy, sustainable materials engineering, compressive strength, water absorption behaviour, fungal biomaterials.