Fungal-like Adhesive Materials (FLAM)

Fungal-like Adhesive Materials (FLAM) represent an innovative family of materials inspired by the cell walls of fungus-like oomycetes. FLAMs are engineered by organizing the two most abundant and widely available natural molecules in their native configuration, resulting in a material that is lightweight, durable, and highly cost-effective. This groundbreaking composite is fully biodegradable, eliminating the need for organic solvents or synthetic materials, making it an eco-friendly alternative. FLAM can be locally produced as part of natural ecological cycles, contributing to sustainable manufacturing and ensuring long-term resource security for industries. In addition to its sustainability benefits, FLAM’s versatility allows it to be easily molded or processed with traditional manufacturing techniques, opening the door to a wide range of applications across various industries.

This technology has been locally produced in Singapore as a by-product of waste management. The technology owner is looking for collaboration in test-bedding. FLAM can replace the use of plastic and wood in many applications. 

• Good strength-to-weight ratio: Inspired by the cell walls of fungus-like oomycetes by combining cellulose and chitin to give a lightweight and strong material.
• Biodegradable: Fully biodegradable composite with no synthetic additives.
• Non-toxic: Adding small amounts of a chitinous molecules enables the use of cellulose without any chemical modification and without the use of harmful solvents. 
• Easy processing: Compability with wood-working machinery and traditional manufacturing methods.

FLAM can replace the use of wood in most applications, such as but not limited to:

• Furniture
• Architectural components 
• General and food packaging 
• Daily household items
• Large industrial parts: e.g. windmill blades, impact resistors

• Eco-friendly: Non-toxic, biodegradable material.
• Lightweight and strong: Able to replace wood and plastic material in most applications.
• Cost effective: Comparable to high density polyurethane foam.