Quality evaluation of mycelium-based leather focusing on differences in mycelium species

Abstract

This study aimed to create mycelium-based leathers using mycelium species in Japan and compare their impressions with natural leather and plant fibers. First, cultivation experiments were conducted to identify fungal strains suitable for processing into leather. The selected fungal strains were cultured, processed, and mycelium-based leather was produced. Next, impression evaluations were conducted on myceliumbased leather, natural leather, and plant fibers. By applying factor analysis and cluster analysis to the results obtained, the impressions of the texture of each mycelium-based leather were clarified. The conclusions can be summarized as follows. 1） Leather made from Amigasatake has a texture similar to sheepskin and deerskin. 2） Leather made from Hiratake and Bukuryo has a texture similar to pigskin and cotton fabric. 3） Leather made from Reishi and Tamogitake has a texture similar to hemp fabric.