A review of the material and mechanical properties of select Ganoderma fungi structures as a source for bioinspiration

Ganoderma is a genus of fungi that has been the subject of much research, largely due to its medicinal or therapeutic qualities. However, the structure of their sporocarps (similar to mushrooms) and their mechanical and material properties have been largely ignored. Three characteristic structures created by Ganoderma fungi are described with a focus on their structural and mechanical properties: the layered sporocarp structure, the vegetative mycelia that create filamentous networks, and the double-walled spore. The Ganoderma sporocarp has a layered, porous mesostructure that provides for a macrostructure that is both lightweight and mechanically tough and could provide inspiration for materials in aerospace applications. Ganoderma mycelia networks, which make use of three different types of constitutive filaments (hyphae), can naturally bind substrates and provide increased mechanical properties than fungi with simpler microstructures. These networks can be implemented into engineering applications as natural binders or textiles. The reinforced walls of and porous internal structure of Ganoderma spores provide a mechanically resistant structure irrespective of the orientation of the load. This protective, hollow structure may provide inspiration for the creation of energy storage materials. Graphical abstract