Fabricated Product
The product is made, in part, of a network of interconnected mycelia cells forming a mass. In one embodiment, the mass includes one or more embedded elements, such as a panel. The mycelia cells form hyphae that bond directly to the embedded elements.
1 . A method of making a molded part comprising:
inserting a fungal inoculum and a mixture comprising a liquid and a nutrient for the fungal inoculum into a mold cavity;
inserting a portion of a device into the mold cavity such that a portion of the device is exposed;
growing the fungal inoculum into live mycelium that operably couples with the portion of the device inserted in the mold cavity, and such that the mycelium does not couple to the exposed portion of the device; and
heating the mycelium to terminate further growth and develop a molded part made of mycelium and the device.
2 . A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portion of the device has a porous surface area.
3 . A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the device is a mechanical device.
4 . A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the device is one of a conduit, an electrical outlet and a wire.
5 . A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the device is at least one of a conduit, electrical wiring, electrical outlet, light switch, sensor, temperature control, window frame, door jam, heating conduit and piping.
6 . A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of applying polymer particles into said mixture.
7 . A molded part produced by the method of claim 1 .