Too long to read? Go for the highlights below. Researchers at Purdue University engineered textiles combining Ganoderma sessile mycelium with cellulose fibres, achieving water contact angles up to 139° and tensile strength increases of 6× in nonwoven materials and 56% in woven cotton The semi-interpenetrating network leverages hydrophobins on aerial mycelium for water resistance whilst maintaining breathability. Life cycle assessment demonstrates 54% lower ecosystem impact,

Life-cycle comparison highlighting reduced environmental persistence of mycelium-based coatings relative to conventional plastic barriers used in food and textile industries.