Fungal Bioelectronic Thermoreceptor

Executive Summary

Traditional electronic temperature sensors such as thermistors and thermocouples offer precision but lack flexibility, durability, and self-healing capabilities. They often fail under mechanical stress and cannot adapt to dynamic environments. Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have developed a flexible biohybrid temperature sensor—a first-of-its-kind fungal-based bioelectric device. This fully printable sensor leverages fungi’s natural ability to grow, self-repair, and sense environmental stimuli. The device has demonstrated accurate temperature measurement under diverse conditions and mechanical stresses.

Description of Technology

This innovation integrates laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes with bioprinted living fungal material, creating a novel Mycoelectronic sensor. The fungi’s inherent capability to convert heat into electrical signals via heat-induced vacuole remodeling enables precise thermal sensing. The system is flexible, adaptive, and capable of autonomous circuit growth and repair through tip-guided extension and context-dependent branching. Tested applications include: