Coffee-Repurposing Printing Methods

The University of Washington scientists have developed a new method to transform coffee grounds into a sustainable paste suitable for 3D printing applications. Using Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) mushroom spores for inoculation, this method produces a compostable material that serves as an eco-friendly alternative to modern plastic. Incorporating these mushrooms helps develop a mycelial layer on the printed objects, helping ensure their sturdiness and inherent biodegradability.

Dubbed 'Mycofluid' by Danli Luo, this paste uses coffee grounds, brown rice flour, Reishi mushroom spores, xanthan gum, and water.

"We are interested in expanding this to other bio-derived materials, such as other forms of food waste. We want to broadly support this kind of flexible development, not just to provide one solution to this major problem of plastic waste," said Luo in a statement.

Image Credit: Luo et al./3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing