Mycelium of mycorrhizal fungi as a communication-security element of IoT

We developed an electrochemical electrode for stable connectivity to the mycelial structure and a communication stack for transmission and evaluation of signals through living fungal networks.

The objective of this research project is the development of an electrochemical electrode for stable, profiled connectivity to the mycelial structure, together with a communication stack for the transmission and evaluation of the resulting signals.

As a first step we designed and produced an electrode suitable for contact with the mycelial mass of fungi. The construction included conductors made from inert materials (using carbon nanotubes), gently inserted into a substrate containing actively growing fungal mycelium. It was important to ensure the best possible contact between the electrode and the mycelial fibres while minimising damage to the biological structure and ensuring signal stability. Based on previous studies we also paid attention to the depth of insertion, electrode spacing and the moisture conditions of the substrate, since the electrical conductivity of the mycelium changes significantly with humidity.

After implanting the electrodes into the chosen mycelial substrate (e.g. growing on a lignocellulosic medium) we performed initial tests of electrical potentials and stimulus responses. We found that under certain external impulses (changes in humidity, water addition, mechanical contact) the mycelium reacts with voltage changes or pulse occurrence — consistent with research showing that living mycelia respond to physical and chemical stimuli with electrical signals. We are currently working intensively on interpreting these signals and using them to understand electrochemical processes in biological mycelial structures and connected organisms (e.g. plants).