Abstract: A method of preparing a composition comprising mycelium along with a cellulose and/or plurality of nanoparticles is described herein. The method comprises inoculating a liquid medium with fungus, the liquid medium comprising nutrients and the cellulose and/or nanoparticles. Further described herein are compositions comprising mycelium along with a cellulose and/or plurality of nanoparticles, as well as articles-of-manufacture comprising such a composition, wherein at least 10% of the cellulose and/or nanoparticles in the composition is incorporated within the mycelium. A method of enhancing fungal growth is also described, comprising contacting the fungus with a liquid medium comprising a polymer which comprises carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composition comprising mycelium along with a cellulose and/or plurality of nanoparticles is described herein. The method comprises inoculating a liquid medium with fungus, the liquid medium comprising nutrients and the cellulose and/or nanoparticles. Further described herein are compositions comprising mycelium along with a cellulose and/or plurality of nanoparticles, as well as articles-of-manufacture comprising such a composition, wherein at least 10% of the cellulose and/or nanoparticles in the composition is incorporated within the mycelium. A method of enhancing fungal growth is also described, comprising contacting the fungus with a liquid medium comprising a polymer which comprises carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: Polymer composite films were prepared by solvent casting suspensions of quantum dots (QDs) in cellulose triacetate (CTA) solution. The films were robust and possessed the optical properties characteristic of QDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the films revealed that the QDs were well dispersed within the CTA film matrix. The selective alkaline hydrolysis of QD/CTA films in 0.1N NaOH over 24 hours resulted in the surface conversion of CTA to regenerated cellulose. Optical properties of the films were probed both before and after the hydrolysis reaction using fluorescence spectroscopy, and were found generally unaltered. The cellulose surfaces of the alkaline treated films allow for facile incorporation of the films into paper sheets.

Abstract: Polymer composite films were prepared by solvent casting suspensions of quantum dots (QDs) in cellulose triacetate (CTA) solution. The films were robust and possessed the optical properties characteristic of QDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the films revealed that the QDs were well dispersed within the CTA film matrix. The selective alkaline hydrolysis of QD/CTA films in 0.1N NaOH over 24 hours resulted in the surface conversion of CTA to regenerated cellulose. Optical properties of the films were probed both before and after the hydrolysis reaction using fluorescence spectroscopy, and were found generally unaltered. The cellulose surfaces of the alkaline treated films allow for facile incorporation of the films into paper sheets.