This study presents the development of a carbon-negative bio-brick composed of mycelium and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), designed to reduce embodied carbon while improving mechanical, thermal, and optical performance 1. The material leverages the CO₂-binding capability of CaCO₃ together with the lightweight fibrous network of fungal mycelium, resulting in a sustainable composite with a significantly lower carbon footprint 2. An optimized fabrication process produced a porous microstructure that enhances compressive strength, thermal insulation, and durability relative to traditional mycelium-based materials 3. A key contribution of this research is the introduction of a novel optical function: the ability of the bio-brick to soften, scatter, and diffusely transmit natural daylight through its internal pores, creating a passive daylighting effect not present in conventional masonry units 4. Experimental assessments—covering mechanical testing, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and optical evaluation including light diffusion, spectral transmission, reflectance, and illumination uniformity—demonstrate clear performance improvements linked to CaCO₃ integration 5. The results show enhanced strength, reduced thermal conductivity, and significantly improved daylight scattering that produces soft, uniform, low-glare illumination suitable for architectural environments 6. Overall, the mycelium–CaCO₃ bio-brick operates both as a carbon-negative structural component and as a passive light-modulating element, offering a dualfunction solution capable of reducing energy demand for artificial lighting while supporting sustainable building practices 7.
M et al. (Thu,) studied this question.