Biofabrication of composites based on mycelium and agave fiber (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul)
Abstract
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), widely used in plastic packaging, poses recycling challenges and contributes to environmental pollution due to its persistence. As an alternative, biopackaging materials were developed using mycelium from Ganoderma lucidum and agave bagasse (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), a common agro-industrial residue in Jalisco, Mexico. The resulting materials showed a uniform, lightweight structure. SEM analysis confirmed full colonization of agave fibers by mycelium, indicating good cohesion. FTIR spectroscopy suggested intermolecular interactions between the fungal matrix and the lignocellulosic substrate. The material also exhibited hydrophobic behavior, as evidenced by its high water contact angle, indicating a surface with low wettability. In fire tests, the biopackaging burned slowly, emitted white smoke, and exhibited self-extinguishing behavior. Mechanical testing showed that the composites reached maximum force values in the same order of magnitude as EPS. Although flexural strength was slightly lower, the material tolerated greater deformation under comparable loads, indicating improved strain accommodation and resistance to abrupt fracture. Using the LIDS (Life Cycle Design Strategy Wheel), these materials were compared to conventional plastics, demonstrating advantages such as reduced reliance on petroleum-based polymers, valorization of agave waste, and alignment with circular production strategies in the tequila sector.