Fungal skin prevents water loss: lichens

1 of 1 Lichen / Martin LaBar / License

The fungal skin of lichens prevents water loss to the algae below via its dense compacted thread structure.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from abiotic factors >
	Loss of liquids

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Impermeable biological membranes for water storage tanks, impermeable tarps to retain soil moisture/stabilize soil in arid regions.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Others [lichens] develop minuscule branches and grow into dense curling thickets a few inches high. Their outer skin is formed by the compacted threads of the fungi and is sufficiently impermeable to prevent the loss of water from the partnership; beneath are the algal cells, kept moist and protected from harmful ultra-violet radiation by the fungal skin; and below them, in the centre of the structure, there is looser tissue, also provided by the fungus, where food and water is stored." (Attenborough 1995:216)

About the inspiring organism

Lichen
Lichen

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Impermeable biological membranes for water storage tanks, impermeable tarps to retain soil moisture/stabilize soil in arid regions.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Water supply, agriculture

References

Attenborough, D. 1995. The Private Life of Plants: A Natural History of Plant Behavior. London: BBC Books. 320 p.

Fungal skin prevents water loss: lichens

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