The escalating environmental burden posed by persistent synthetic polymer materials has intensified the search for sustainable alternatives. Fungal-derived biocomposites represent an emerging class of bio-based materials in which the mycelial network acts as a natural binder within lignocellulosic matrices (Yuan et al., 2026). This review examines the development and characterization of fungal-based bio-composite sheets (FBBS) synthesized through the cultivation of Pleurotus species on agricultural residues including wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, and sawdust. The mycelium-binding mechanism operates through the enzymatic colonization of lignocellulosic substrates over a condensation period, generating a densely interconnected hyphal network that confers structural integrity without the use of synthetic adhesives. These composites have been evaluated for critical performance parameters, including mechanical properties, water resistance, and biodegradability. Mycelium-based materials exhibit favorable characteristics for industrial applications in building materials, acoustic and thermal insulation, and packaging applications (Yuan et al., 2026). Unlike conventional petroleum-derived foams, fungal biocomposites are fully biodegradable and can be composted at end-of-life, addressing both waste management challenges and the circular economy model. The cultivation process also valorizes agricultural by-products that would otherwise be disposed of through combustion, thereby reducing particulate atmospheric pollution. This review synthesizes recent advances in mycelium-based composite fabrication, characterization, and performance, with particular emphasis on the role of fungal enzymatic systems in lignocellulose degradation and the potential for scaling production to meet industrial material demands. Remove ai text and paraphrase it

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