Chapter 1: E-Waste and Its Environmental Impact

The rapid advancement of technology has made electronic devices an integral part of daily life across various cultures. For instance, Maasai herders in Kenya utilize mobile phones to enhance traditional herding practices. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost to the environment.

Electronic waste (e-waste) has surged to a staggering 57 million tonnes as of 2021, with a mere 20% being recycled. The remainder is often discarded in landfills, predominantly in developing nations. This accumulation is problematic, as e-waste is not simply inert; it releases harmful dioxins into the atmosphere, leaches carcinogenic substances into the soil, and contributes heavy metals to road dust. These contaminants pose severe health risks to nearby populations.

What if we could harness sustainable, biodegradable materials for electronic components? Enter mycelium—a fascinating organism.

Section 1.1: The Wonders of Mycelium

Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, has gained attention for its potential applications in various fields. One notable organism, the slime mold Physarum polycephalum, exhibits remarkable problem-solving abilities, such as navigating mazes and optimizing resource allocation. This intelligence has led researchers to explore its potential for creating future technologies.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Magic Beneath the Surface

In the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon resides Armillaria ostoyae, a vast and ancient fungus. While its fruiting bodies, known as honey mushrooms, are visible during autumn, the majority of this organism—its mycelium—exists hidden in the soil.

Recent research indicates that mycelium can be utilized to fabricate sustainable electronics, a concept dubbed MycelioTronics. Scientists have focused on the fungus Ganoderma lucidum, which thrives on decomposing hardwood in temperate forests. By cultivating this mycelium on a polyethylene grid over moist growth media, researchers can produce three distinct types of mycelium skin, boasting thermal stability and electrical insulation.

“Why not use this for biodegradable electronic circuit boards?” thought the researchers. They proceeded to create a simple sensor board from mycelium, demonstrating remarkable resilience by enduring over 2000 bending cycles.

Chapter 2: MycelioTronics in Action

The first video, "Is Mycelium Fungus the Plastic of the Future?" delves into the innovative applications of mycelium in technology and its potential to replace traditional materials.

The researchers' MycelioTronics technology also paves the way for eco-friendlier batteries by integrating mycelium skins into the packaging and separators of zinc-carbon cells. This revolutionary approach led to the creation of a system capable of measuring, storing, and transmitting humidity and proximity data using mycelium sensor boards paired with mycelium batteries.

Photograph showcasing a sensor board featuring a dual-cell mycelium battery and an impedance sensor. Scale bar, 1 cm. (Danninger et al. 2022. MycelioTronics: Fungal mycelium skin for sustainable electronics. Science Advances. 8: 45. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add7118)

The most exciting aspect of this innovation is that all materials involved can either be composted or recycled. With these advancements, mycelium-based skins could serve as a viable alternative for a greener electronic future.

The second video, "Fungus: The Plastic of the Future," explores the potential of fungi as sustainable materials in the electronics industry, highlighting their environmental benefits.

In conclusion, the future of electronics may very well lie in the capabilities of fungi, offering a pathway toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly technological landscape. For more insights into science, technology, and philosophy, consider subscribing to my newsletter, Thinking Ahead. Your engagement is greatly appreciated.