Bio-Derived Barrier Coatings: A New Frontier in Sustainable Composites

On this episode, researchers Caitlin Howell and Mehdi Tajvidi from the University of Maine join the show to discuss their research in developing a fully bio-derived composite coating that is grown, not manufactured. By combining edible fungal mycelium with cellulose nanofibrils, they have developed a barrier coating that can be formed directly on paper and textiles through a low-energy process. The result is a highly water-resistant surface with contact angles approaching 140° and significantly reduced water absorption, pointing to a viable path toward replacing traditional plastic-based barrier coatings. We'll discuss how the material works at a structural level, what it takes to scale a growth-based process, and where this material could be used first. You can learn more about their research at https://umaine.edu/news/2026/02/researchers-use-fungus-to-create-plastic-free-food-packaging/