Mycelium is the short white root structure that makes up the foundation of fungi. Ultimately composed of hyphae (individual branches of mycelium), this intricate network breaks down organic matter and is the main decomposer in nature. In terms of composition, mycelium is composed of chitin (fibrous substance found in shells of insects & crustaceans) which gives it strength, whereas other organic compounds (proteins, lipids, & carbohydrates) provide energy and support for the fungal body.
Kaden Hilinski
1-3 hours
4/10
As needed to make extrudable clay texture
4 tsp of methyl-cellulose
1. Collect materials.
2. Blend / Grind materials.
3. Pasteurize materials (Bake at around 200℉ for roughly 30 minutes – 1 hour).
4. Sterilize containers during pasteurization process i.e. spray anything that will be in contact with pasteurized materials with 70% isopropyl alcohol (WEAR GLOVES AND FACEMASK FROM THIS STEP TO THE END, replace mask and gloves as needed).
5. Sterilize mixing bowl, tools, and gloves.
6. Begin adding all materials with proper amounts (everything except water & mycelium). Mix everything thoroughly.
7. Once materials have been added, begin to mix with your hands and incrementally add water. The final texture should be mushy but still hold its shape.
8. Once this mixture has been completed, you can then add the mycelium spores. Mix thoroughly. The less time & contact the spores have with outside air and particles, the better.
1. Sterilize all potterbot parts that will be in contact with the mixture (spray tube, nozzle, nozzle head, and back puck with 70% isopropyl alcohol). REMINDER TO USE FACE MASK AND GLOVES (REPLACE & RE-STERILIZE AS NEEDED).
2. Place the back puck and screw down to keep it in place near the nozzle end
3. Begin to place small layers into the tube. When adding material, make sure that it is in small increments in addition to packing it down to prevent air pockets.
4. Tighten the nozzle to tube and set on the potterbot.
5. Continue with potterbot homing & prime process.
6. Sterilize the printer bed and start printing.
7. Place print & bed into sterilized bin with hole & filter for air circulation.
8. Keep print in consistent environment of 68-82.4℉ with 70-90% humidity.
