Beneath our feet and within the walls of buildings, an ancient biological network thrives—one that could revolutionize how we purify indoor air. Mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, forms vast underground networks that have sustained ecosystems for millions of years. Now, researchers and architects are collaborating to harness these living filters in our urban environments.
Mycelium's air purification capability stems from three key biological processes:
Research indicates mycelium shows particular effectiveness against:
Innovative designers have developed multiple approaches to incorporate mycelium filtration:
Vertical gardens infused with mycelium colonies that actively process air as it circulates through the building's ventilation system.
Structural building materials grown from mycelium and agricultural waste that continue to filter air while serving as walls or ceiling tiles.
Custom filtration cartridges containing stabilized mycelium cultures that can be incorporated into existing ventilation systems.
This experimental building features algae-filled bio-reactive façades complemented by mycelium-based air filtration panels. Early monitoring shows a 35% reduction in VOC levels compared to conventional systems.
A temporary structure built from mycelium bricks demonstrated the material's viability as both construction material and passive air purifier during its 2014 exhibition.
Maintaining mycelium viability requires careful attention to:
Different fungal species show varying capabilities:
| Species | Pollutant Specialization | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Pleurotus ostreatus | VOC degradation | Fast |
| Trametes versicolor | Formaldehyde removal | Moderate |
| Ganoderma lucidum | Particulate filtration | Slow |
Active mycelium systems typically require:
The enzymatic pathways employed by fungi convert airborne toxins through oxidative processes. For example:
Formaldehyde + O2 + H2O → CO2 + H2O2
The fractal geometry of mycelial networks creates an enormous surface area within compact spaces. A single cubic inch of mature mycelium can contain over 8 miles of hyphae, providing exceptional particle capture potential.
The field is rapidly advancing through several promising avenues:
Targeted cultivation of strains with enhanced enzymatic profiles for specific pollutant cocktails prevalent in urban environments.
Combining mycelium with photocatalytic materials or electrostatic precipitation for synergistic effects.
Embedding biosensors within mycelium networks to provide real-time air quality data and system health metrics.
The concrete jungles we've built may find their perfect symbiotic partner in these ancient networks. As research progresses, the vision of buildings that breathe alongside their fungal partners moves closer to widespread reality—transforming our indoor atmospheres one hypha at a time.