Course Program

Your Personal Journey
Module 1: Introduction to Mycology and Bio-fabrication
  • Understanding Mycelium: Anatomy, Biology, and Growth Cycles---
  • The Science of Bio-composites: How Fungi Bind Organic Waste---
  • Comparing Mycelium to Traditional Materials (Plastics, Foam, Wood)---
  • Environmental and Sustainability Benefits of Mycelium Materials---
  • Setting Up a Safe and Sterile DIY Mycelium Lab---
Module 2: Substrate Selection and Preparation
  • Evaluating Agricultural Waste Streams as Substrates---
  • Calculating Nutritional and Moisture Ratios for Optimal Growth---
  • Sterilization vs. Pasteurization Techniques for Substrates---
  • Adding Nutrients and Supplements to Accelerate Growth---
  • Troubleshooting Substrate Contamination and Quality Control---
Module 3: Inoculation and Cultivation Techniques
  • Selecting and Sourcing High-Yield Fungal Strains---
  • Liquid Culture vs. Grain Spawn Inoculation Methods---
  • Controlling Environmental Factors: Temperature, Humidity, and CO2---
  • Monitoring the Colonization Phase: Signs of Healthy Mycelium---
  • Managing Scale: From Petri Dish to Bulk Spawn Production---
Module 4: Mold Design and Forming
  • Principles of Mold Design for Mycelium Composites---
  • Selecting Mold Materials: 3D Prints, Vacuum Formed Plastics, and Silicone---
  • Incorporating Draft Angles and Release Agents for Clean Demolding---
  • Compacting and Packing Substrates for Consistent Density---
  • Designing for Vent Holes and Air Circulation During Growth---
Module 5: Growing in the Mold and Secondary Processing
  • Initiating the Secondary Growth Phase Inside the Mold---
  • Demolding Techniques: When and How to Safely Extract Parts---
  • Post-Demolding Growth: Achieving the Velvet Skin Layer---
  • Dehydration and Baking: Deactivating Mycelium to Halt Growth---
  • Repairing Minor Defects and Post-Processing Surfaces---
Module 6: Material Properties and Testing
  • Testing Compressive and Tensile Strength of Mycelium Composites---
  • Evaluating Thermal Insulation and Acoustic Properties---
  • Testing Fire Retardancy and Water Resistance Characteristics---
  • Methods for Enhancing Durability (Coatings, Sealants, and Waxes)---
  • Designing for Biodegradability and Circular End-of-Life Cycles---
Module 7: Advanced Applications and Scale Manufacturing
  • Mycelium in Packaging: Industrial Protective Foam Alternatives---
  • Mycelium in Architecture: Acoustic Panels, Insulation, and Structural Blocks---
  • Product Design Case Study: Creating Mycelium Furniture and Homeware---
  • Automation and Industrial Scale Production Workflows---
  • Navigating Regulatory Standards and Certification for Bio-materials---