US Patent 9555395 Chemically modified mycological materials having absorbent properties

A method of producing an absorbent biocompatible material which comprises mixing at least one mycological material, such as a fungus or fungal tissue, with at least one lignocellulosic material to provide a biocomposite material comprising the at least one mycological material and the at least one lignocellulosic material. The biocomposite material then is contacted with at least one substance that increases the hydrophilicity of the biocomposite material, thereby providing an absorbent biocomposite material that has a variety of uses, such as absorbent materials for use in vegetation propagation and preservation, animal bedding, animal litter, filler in diapers, cold chain materials for temperature regulation, ice packs, absorbent foams and mats, such as decorative floral arrangement foams, carpet mats, and absorbent booms applied to chemical spills.