A system for manufacturing mycelium products

Abstract

A system comprising one or more containers 108, one or more apparatus comprising one or more reservoirs 102,104,106 and a controller 112. The controller is configured to control delivery of the conten

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to a system and method for manufacturing or fabricating mycelium products, and in particular but not exclusively to manufacturing mycelium-based products such as fabric. BACKGROUND Currently, the design industry still substantially relies on oil-based materials and virgin raw materials, all extracted from limited and reducing resources. Commercial products, due to their functional nature, need to cater for a variety of scenarios that the user may subject them to. In the textile industry specifically, that may require properties such as sufficient strength to avoid wear and tear, water or fire-resistant qualities, crease resistance and tensile strength etc. Animal-based leather has long provided a versatile and organic material for many sectors from shoes, to bags to apparel, to functional protective equipment. However, with the impact of cattle farming being highlighted as a primary cause for problems such as emission of greenhouse gases, land use / degradation and water usage (as well as ethical debates surrounding animal cruelty), many industries have evolved towards manufacturing faux leather materials, or multimaterial polyurethane (PU) synthetic materials. However, such synthetic materials do not retain any biodegradable properties on a human timescale (i.e., their rate of production far exceeds their rate of biodegradability), and therefore represent an indirect threat to the survival of ecosystems which are becoming increasingly polluted by plastic materials. There is therefore an increasing demand for plant-based biodegradable alternatives to those synthetic materials. Mycelium has been identified as such an alternative material. Mycelium is a network structure forms the root section of fungi such as mushrooms. Mycelium can be grown and solidified commercially on an appropriate substrate. Manufacturing mycelium in a desired form provides the capability to develop biodegradable products having a low environmental impact, including but not limited to textile products, homeware products, furniture and even construction material. However, many current production systems and / or techniques do not reliably or consistently produce mycelium products of a sufficiently high quality to meet required standards, despite use of laboratory grade equipment. The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind. SUMMARY According to a first aspect, there is provided a system for manufacturing one or more mycelium products. The system may comprise one or more containers. The or each container may be configured to provide a substantially closed environment for manufacturing the mycelium product(s). The or each container may be configured to contain one or more substrates on which mycelium is to be grown. The system may also comprise one or more apparatus configured to sterilize the one or more substrates contained within each container. The one or more apparatus may also or alternatively be configured to adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates within each container. The one or more apparatus may also or alternatively be configured to inoculate the one or more substrates within each container with a mycelium culture. A single apparatus may be provided for the containers) or a separate apparatus may be provided for each container. The system may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to control operation of each of the one or more apparatus. Manufacturing mycelium products comprises one or more of the following steps: sterilization of a substrate that will be used as food or a scaffold for a mycelium culture to grow on, to prevent other organisms from competing with the mycelium culture; adjusting a moisture content of the substrate, to ensure the mycelium species has enough water; inoculation of the substrate with a mycelium culture, to introduce a living culture of the target mycelium species into or onto the substrate; incubation of the substrate at target environmental conditions (for example, temperature, CO2 concentration, humidity) to enable mycelium growth; and curing the substrate on which mycelium has been grown by removing moisture to deactivate the mycelium species. Typically, each step of the manufacturing process is carried about by a separate piece of specialist equipment. However, specific environmental conditions, in addition to a sterile growth environment (sterile container / encloser, sterile substrate and typically sterile air), are generally required in order for mycelium to develop and grow properly. Despite the individual pieces of equipment often being laboratory-grade, the transfer of substrates between different machines during each stage of manufacture provides significant challenges in terms maintaining both sterility and consistent working or operating conditions. Variability in sterility and environmental parameters means that it is difficult to control the quality and consistency of the mycelium products produced. A system that enables multiple steps of the manufacturing process to take place within a single container, without requiring the container to be opened to access the substrates between steps, may reduce a risk of variation in environmental conditions between separate steps of the process, as well as maintaining a substantially sterile environment during the manufacturing process. Such an integrated system may enhance a quality and consistency ofthe mycelium products produced. The controller may also enable automation of each ofthe manufacturing steps performed by the system, that may further enhance a quality and consistency ofthe mycelium products produced. In addition, a system that is configured to carry out multiple steps ofthe mycelium manufacturing process may reduce a number of machines required for mycelium product production. That may allow smaller business and / or individuals to manufacture mycelium products without incurring the significant expense of separate machines for each manufacturing step, or needing large floorspace for the separate machines. If mycelium product manufacturing is limited to large companies that can afford the investment and have sufficient space to manufacture mycelium products using a number of different machines, the low environmental impact of mycelium products is negated by shipping the mycelium products to a customer. Making mycelium production more easily available to smaller business and / or individuals may allow the environmental benefits of mycelium products to be more fully realized, whilst maintaining sufficient quality and consistency of the mycelium products. One or more ofthe substrates may be or comprise an organic scaffold. The organic scaffold may be configured to be incorporated or integrated into the final mycelium product. Incorporating the organic scaffold into the mycelium product may improve production speed and may also result in products with improved mechanical properties relative to pure mycelium products. That may provide mycelium products, for example fabrics, which are better able to resist tearing or other disintegration. Typically, pure mycelium products require a stabilizer such as a backing or coating (for example a glue) in order to for the product to have sufficient mechanical properties. The stabilizer often reduces the ability ofthe mycelium product to decompose or biodegrade after use, thereby negating the environmental benefits of using mycelium products. The organic scaffold may be or comprise a natural material such as hemp or other plant fiber material. The organic scaffold may be or comprise a fabric structure, for example a knitted or woven fabric. The one or more apparatus may comprise one or more reservoirs. A single reservoir may be provided for the container(s) or a separate reservoir (or reservoirs) may be provided for each container. The one or more reservoirs may be configured to contain at least water, a sterilizing fluid and a mycelium culture. Each container may be configured, in use, to be in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more reservoirs. The controller may be configured to control delivery of the contents of the one or more reservoirs to each container to at least sterilize the one or more substrates, adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates, and inoculate the one or more substrates with the mycelium culture. The system being configured to deliver one or more fluids from one or more reservoirs may provide a simple, convenient approach for carrying out multiple steps of the manufacturing process using substantially the same hardware and operating principles. That may enable simpler integration of the apparatus for each step of the manufacturing process into a single system. The controller may be configured to control one or more pumps and / or one or more valves to control delivery of the contents of the one or more reservoirs to each container. The controller may be configured to deliver the contents of the one or more reservoirs sequentially or substantially simultaneously to each container. One or more of the containers may be configured to be removably attachable to the other components of the system whilst maintaining a substantially closed environment. The container(s) may be configured to be removably placeable in fluid communication with the one or more reservoirs whilst maintaining a substantially closed environment, for example via one or more sealable fluid inlets. That may enable the container(s) to be removed from the system in order to carry out any steps of the manufacturing process that the system is not configured to perform, rather than needing to remove the substrates themselves from the containers. For example, a container may be removed from the system to incubate the substrates. The container being configured to maintain a substantially closed environment once removed from the system may maintain sterility within the container whilst preventing or inhibiting substantial variability in environmental conditions within the container whilst the container is transferred to another piece of equipment (for example, a temperature-controlled environment for incubation). That may further enhance a quality and consistency of the mycelium products produced, even if the system is used in conjunction with external equipment to complete the manufacturing process. The system may comprise a single reservoir configured to contain a mixture of fluids, for example water, a sterilizing fluid and a mycelium culture. The sterilizing fluid may be or comprise any suitable chemical agent, for example one or more of hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide, ozone, bleach, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, phthalaldehyde, peracetic acid and silver, or a solution thereof. Mycelium culture may withstand exposure to or suspension in a solution of some sterilizing fluids such as hydrogen peroxide. That may enable the system to deliver the water, sterilizing fluid and mycelium culture substantially simultaneously, thereby carrying out the sterilization, moisture adjustment and inoculation steps substantially simultaneously. Alternatively, the system may comprise a first reservoir configured to contain a mixture of two of water, the sterilizing fluid and the mycelium culture, and a second reservoir configured to contain the other of water, the sterilizing fluid and the mycelium culture. Alternatively, the system may comprise a separate reservoir for each of the water, the sterilizing fluid and the mycelium culture. The controller may be configured to deliver the contents of two or more separate reservoirs substantially simultaneously to each container (for example, as a mixture or dilution), or sequentially to each container. One of the one or more reservoirs may be configured to contain water and comprise a heating element. The controller may be configured to operate the heating element to generate steam to sterilize the one or more substrates in each container. Each container may comprise at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. Each container may be configured to receive the contents of the one or more reservoirs via a single fluid inlet. Alternatively, each container may be configured to receive the contents of separate reservoirs through two or more separate fluid inlets. At least one of the at least one fluid inlets may comprise a non-return valve. At least one of the fluid outlets may comprise a non-return valve. The nonreturn valve(s) may be configured to open under sufficient pressure or weight of liquid. A nonreturn valve may allow the contents of the one or more reservoirs to be delivered to and / or removed from the containers whilst maintaining a substantially sterile environment within the containers. Alternatively, the at least one fluid inlet and / or the at least one fluid outlet may be configured, positioned or arranged within the container to prevent return of the contents of the reservoirs through the respective inlet(s) and / or outlet(s) once delivered to and / or removed from the containers. One or more of the containers may comprise a distribution apparatus configured to drip or spray the contents of one or more of the reservoirs onto the one or more substrates. The distribution apparatus may be or comprise one or more perforated tubes or pipes, or a nozzle. A distribution apparatus may disperse the contents of the reservoir(s) substantially homogeneously throughout the container. The distribution apparatus being configured to drip or spray the contents of the one or more reservoirs may also substantially prevent return of the contents through the distribution apparatus and / or fluid inlet(s). The system may comprise one or more pressure or compression fit seals configured to form a fluid-tight connection providing fluid communication between one or more containers and the one or more reservoirs. The system may further comprise one or more resilient elements configured to apply a pressure to maintain the fluid-tight connection. One or more containers may each comprise one or more supports configured to support one or more substrates. That may enable multiple substrates to be supported within each container during the manufacturing process, improving manufacturing efficiency. Each support may comprise one or more openings or apertures. The openings may be configured to allow fluid to pass through the support. That may enable the contents of the reservoirs to pass through the supports and reach the substrates. The openings may also allow for at least partial uninterrupted aerial growth of mycelium (known as skinning) on the surface of substrates in contact with a support. The one or more reservoirs may be further configured to contain a treatment fluid for treating the substrates within the containers. The substrate may be a substrate on which mycelium has grown. The controller may be configured to control delivery of the treatment fluid to the containers. That may allow the system to perform an additional stage of the manufacturing process using substantially the same hardware and operating principles, further simplifying integration of the apparatus for each step of the manufacturing process into a single system. The treatment fluid may be configured to impart additional properties to the mycelium products, for example functional properties such as mechanical or chemical properties, or aesthetic properties. The treatment fluid may be or comprise a plasticizer. That may be advantageous for treating mycelium textile or clothing products, and may provide the mycelium products with sufficient flexibility for use as a textile or clothing product. One or more of the containers may each comprise an air inlet comprising an air filter. The air filter may enable the container to be flushed with filtered air, for example to control or reduce a CO2 concentration within the container during incubation whilst maintaining substantially sterile conditions within the container. The air filter may be at least HEPA grade or a higher filter grade. The air inlet may be sealable to prevent entry of air into the container. The controller may be configured to control sealing and unsealing of the air inlet. One or more of the apparatus of the system may be further configured to incubate the substrates and / or to cure or dry the substrates, for example by applying heat to the substrates. The one or more apparatus may further comprise a heating element. The heating element may be located within a container. The controller may be configured to control a temperature within the container by controlling operation of the heating element. Alternatively, the one or more apparatus may further comprise a heating element and a fan configured, in use, to be in fluid communication with the one or more containers. That may allow heated air to be delivered to the containers to adjust a temperature within the containers. The controller may be configured to control a temperature within the containers by controlling operation of the heating element and the fan. In conjunction with the one or more reservoirs in fluid communication with the containers and containing water for delivery to the containers, the system may be able to control both a temperature and a humidity within the containers during incubation to enable mycelium growth, and control a temperature within the containers during curing to heat the substrates and remove moisture to deactivate the mycelium. The system may therefore provide a simple, convenient integrated approach for performing all steps in the mycelium product manufacturing process, by delivering one or more fluids and / or applying heat (for example, delivering heated air) to the substrates in the containers. All manufacturing steps may be performed whilst the containers provide a substantially closed, sterile environment in which the mycelium products can be manufactured, improving a quality and consistency of the mycelium products. The system may further comprise a housing. The one or more containers may be removably mountable in the housing. The one or more reservoirs and / orthe controller may also be removably mountable in the housing. The housing may provide a convenient structure for supporting other components of the system during manufacturing of the mycelium products. The containers being removably mountable in the housing may enable the containers to be removed from the housing in order to carry out any steps of the manufacturing process that the system is not configured to perform, rather than needing to remove the substrates themselves from the containers. The housing may be closeable or sealable to protect a user from exposure to one or more of high temperatures, high pressures and chemical agents during the manufacturing process. The housing may comprise a door. The door may be opened to allow the one or more containers to be mounted in or removed from the housing, and may be closed once the containers are mounted in the housing. The housing may be configured to align one or more of the containers with one or more connection points to place the containers in fluid communication with the one or more reservoirs via the connection points when the containers are mounted in the housing. The housing may therefore enable the containers to quickly and simply be placed in fluid communication with the one or more reservoirs. The housing may be configured to secure one or more pipes, configured to provide fluid communication between the containers and the one or more reservoirs, in a substantially fixed position in the housing. The controller may be configured to control operation of the one or more apparatus, at least in part, according to a predetermined program. The predetermined program may be or comprise, for example, a sequence of operations. Each operation in the sequence may be performed fora predetermined period of time. The controller may comprise one or more predetermined programs to control operation of the one or more apparatus in respect of different species of mycelium culture, which may require different operating conditions. One or more containers may comprise one or more probes and / or sensors. The probe(s) and / or sensor(s) may be configured to obtain data relating to one or more environmental parameters within the containers. The one or more environmental parameters may be or comprise one or more of a temperature, a humidity and a CO2 concentration. That may enable optimal conditions to be maintained within the containers during manufacturing of the mycelium products, even if one or more manufacturing steps are performed using equipment external to the system. The controller may be configured to control operation of the one or more apparatus, at least in part, based on data obtained by the one or more probes or sensors. According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing mycelium products. The method may comprise disposing one or more substrates in one or more containers. The or each container may be configured to provide a substantially closed environment for manufacturing the mycelium products. The method may comprise operating one or more apparatus to sterilize the one or more substrates within each container. The method may also comprise using the one or more apparatus to adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates within each container. The method may further comprise using the one or more apparatus to inoculate the one or more substrates within each container with a mycelium culture. The method may comprise using a single apparatus for the containers) or a separate apparatus may be provided for each container. The method may further comprise controlling operation of the one or more apparatus using a controller. The one or more apparatus may comprise one or more reservoirs. One or more reservoirs may be provided for the container(s) or a separate reservoir (or reservoirs) may be provided for each container. The one or more reservoirs may be configured to contain at least water, a sterilizing fluid and a mycelium culture. The sterilizing fluid may be or comprise any suitable chemical agent, for example one or more of hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide, ozone, bleach, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, phthalaldehyde, peracetic acid and silver, or a solution thereof. The method may comprise controlling delivery of the contents of the one or more reservoirs using the controller to at least sterilize the one or more substrates, adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates, and inoculate the one or more substrates with the mycelium culture. The method may further comprise one or more method steps corresponding to functions that the system of the first aspect may be configured to perform (as described above), and such method steps are specifically envisaged. According to a third aspect, there is provided a container or reservoir for storing and delivering a liquid or solution. The container may comprise a structure configured to retain a liquid in a first portion of the container. The structure may also be configured to direct the liquid in the first portion towards a fluid outlet of the container. The structure being configured to direct the liquid in the first portion towards the fluid outlet may have numerous advantages. The structure may assist in delivery of the liquid from the container when the fluid outlet is open, by directing the liquid towards the fluid outlet. That may also prevent or inhibit blockage of the fluid outlet. The structure may also reduce or eliminate air or other gases from within the first portion. The structure being configured to direct the liquid in the first portion towards the fluid outlet may mean that a volume of liquid delivered from the container is not replaced with an equivalent volume of air. Instead, the structure may be configured to reduce a volume of the first portion by the same volume as a volume of liquid delivered from the container. In addition, the structure may prevent or inhibit unregulated access to or tampering with the liquid within the container. The action of the structure directing the liquid in the first portion towards the fluid outlet may force or spill the liquid out of the container (either via the fluid outlet or via another opening), for example if the fluid outlet is not connected to or directed towards a suitable location. The container may be configured to be refilled by delivering liquid into the first portion, via the fluid outlet, under sufficient pressure to overcome an action of the structure directing liquid towards the fluid outlet. The structure may comprise a membrane operably connected to a resilient element. The membrane may be configured to form a fluid-tight seal with internal surfaces of the container to form the first portion. The resilient element may be configured to bias the membrane towards the fluid outlet. The membrane and the resilient element may together form a plunger mechanism. The fluid outlet may be or comprise a contact release port. The container may comprise an aperture or valve. The aperture or valve may be configured to allow release of air or other gases from the container during refilling of the container, to avoid pressure buildup within the container due to compression of the air or other gases. The structure may separate the first portion of the containerfrom a second portion of the container. The aperture or valve may be located on the second portion of the container. That may ensure that air is not introduced into the first portion. The container may comprise an agitator. The agitator may be configured to agitate or stir the liquid within the container. The container may comprise a gauge or indicator showing a volume of liquid remaining in the container. The gauge may be or comprise a window in a wall of the container to allow a visual inspection of the internal space of the container. The window may comprise one or more markings to indicate a remaining volume of liquid within the container. The liquid may be or comprise a mycelium culture solution. The solution may comprise water. The solution may also comprise a sterilizing agent. The sterilizing agent may be or comprise one or more of hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide, ozone, bleach, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, phthalaldehyde, peracetic acid and silver. The sterilizing agent may maintain sterility and prevent contamination of the mycelium culture solution within the container. The solution may further comprise one or more nutrients for the mycelium culture. That may enable long term storage of the mycelium culture whilst retaining vitality of the mycelium culture (for example, to ensure a sufficient growth rate of mycelium once the mycelium is delivered from the container). That may be particularly beneficial for research purposes or small-scale operations, where large volumes of mycelium culture may not be required over short time-scales. The optional features from any aspect may be combined with the features of any other aspect, in any combination. For example, the method of the second aspect may comprise using at least one of the system of the first aspect, the container of the third aspect, and any one or more of the features described with reference to those aspects, and vice versa. The system of the first aspect and the container of the third aspect may be configured to perform at least a part of the method of the second aspect. Furthermore, the method of the second aspect may comprise any of the optional features described with reference to the system of the first aspect and the container of the third aspect, and vice versa. Features may be interchangeable between different aspects and embodiments, and may be removed from and / or added to different aspects and embodiments. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Features described in connection with the system of the first aspect may have corresponding features definable with respect to the method of the second aspect and vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a system for manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a portion of the system shown in Figure 1 in more detail, in particular the controller and pump arrangement for controlling delivery of the contents of the fluid reservoir and the culture reservoir; Figure 3 shows a container of the system shown in Figure 1 in more detail; Figures 4A and 4B show the container shown in Figure 3 mounted in a housing; Figures 5A to 5D show a culture reservoir of the system shown in Figure 1 in more detail; Figure 6 shows an alternative system for manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a method of manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, using the system shown in Figure 1 or Figure 6; and Figure 8 shows another method of manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with embodiment of the invention, using the system shown in Figure 6. Like reference numerals and designations in the various drawings may indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a system 100 for manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 comprises a first fluid reservoir 102 configured to contain water, a second fluid reservoir 104 configured to contain water and comprising a heating element 104a, and a third fluid reservoir or culture reservoir 106 configured to contain a mycelium culture. The system 100 comprises one or more containers or cartridges 108. Each container 108 is configured to contain one or more substrates 110 on which mycelium is to be grown. Each container 108 is also configured to provide a substantially closed environment for manufacturing the mycelium products and be in fluid communication with at least one of the reservoirs 102-106. The system 100 further comprises a controller 112 configured to control delivery of the contents of the reservoirs 102-106 to each container 108 to at least sterilize the one or more substrates 110, adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates 110, and inoculate the one or more substrates 110 with the mycelium culture. In the present disclosure, the terms ‘sterilize’ and ‘sterilizing’ include both partial and full sterilization. For example, the one or more substrates 110 may be partially sterilized or pasteurized by neutralizing microorganisms (for example, bacteria) that are pathogenic or non-beneficial to the growth of mycelium. Alternatively, the one or more substrates 110 may be fully sterilized by neutralizing all microorganisms present on the substrates 110. The containers 108 are in fluid communication with each of the reservoirs 102-106. In the embodiment shown, the containers 108 are in fluid communication with each of the reservoirs 102-106 via one or more connecting pipes. In the embodiment shown, the first fluid reservoir 102 is configured to contain water. The second fluid reservoir 104 is also configured to contain water, but comprises a heating element 104a (for example, a conductive coil or wire configured to be immersed in the water). The controller 112 is in electrical communication with the heating element 104a and is configured to operate the heating element 104a to generate steam. In the embodiment shown, the second fluid reservoir 104 therefore forms a steam generator. The generated steam is then delivered to the containers 108 as a sterilizing fluid to sterilize the one or more substrates 110 container within each container. Using steam as a sterilizing fluid may pasteurize the substrates 110. In the embodiment shown, the generated steam is delivered to the containers 108 via a pipe 113 connected to each container 108, although that is not essential. The system 100 may not require any active mechanism (e.g., a pump) to drive the generated steam to the containers 108. Steam generation in the fluid reservoir 104 may cause an overpressure in the fluid reservoir 104, causing the expanding steam to be forced into the containers 108. In the embodiment shown, the controller 112 is configured to operate the heating element according to a predetermined program or cycle (for example, fora predetermined length of time) in order to generate the steam. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 112 may be configured to operate the heating element in response to data obtained by one or more sensors located within each container 108 (for example, a temperature sensor). In the embodiment shown, the fluid reservoir or steam generator 104 is surrounded at least partly by insulating material 105, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the second fluid reservoir 104 comprises an inlet 103. The inlet 103 is connected to a pipe having an opening 103a through which water may be provided to the fluid reservoir 104. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 103 comprises a non-return valve to prevent generated steam from escaping via the inlet 103 and out through the opening 103a, reducing or preventing risk of injury to a user by the generated steam. The pipe connecting the opening 103a to the inlet 103 allows the fluid reservoir 104 to be filled with water without requiring removal of the surrounding insulating material 105 or separating the fluid reservoir from the other components of the system 100. Alternatively, the second fluid reservoir 104 may be releasably connectable to the other components of the system 100, for example using pressure fit or push fit connections, or threaded connections. In the embodiment shown, the second fluid reservoir 104 is configured to contain deionized water which may prolong a working life of the heating element 104a, although that is not essential. Figure 2 shows the controller 112 and the reservoirs 102, 106 in greater detail. In the embodiment shown, the controller 112 is configured to control delivery of the contents of the reservoirs 102, 106 to the containers 108 by controlling one or more pumps 102b, 106b and one or more valves 102c, 106c. In the embodiment shown, the pumps 102b, 106b comprise peristaltic pumps, although any suitable pump type may be used. In the embodiment shown, the output of the pump 102b is connected to the input of the pump 106b, such that the water output from the pump 102b is mixed with the mycelium culture from the reservoir 106 prior to entering the pump 106b, although that is not essential. The output of each pump 102b, 106b may alternatively be directed to a common pipe 115 in fluid communication with each of the containers 108 (as shown in Figure 1) in which the water output from the pump 102b is mixed with the mycelium culture output from the pump 106b in the pipe 115. Controlling the respective opening of the valves 102c, 106c and the operation of the respective pumps 102b, 106b may allow a dilution of the mycelium culture to be easily and automatically obtained in any desired ratio using the controller 112. In that way, the controller 112 may be configured to control delivery of water to each container 108 to adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates 110 and to control delivery of the mycelium culture to each container 108 to inoculate the substrates 110, either separately from one another (for example, sequentially) or substantially simultaneously (for example, via a dilution or mixture of the water and the mycelium culture). In the embodiment shown, the pipe 115, and first and second pipe branches 115a, 115b connecting the pumps 102b, 106b to the respective reservoirs 102, 106 (as shown in Figure 1) used to place the reservoirs 102, 106 in fluid communication with the containers 108 comprises chemical grade silicone, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the reservoirs 102, 106 each comprise a female contact release port configured to releasably engage with a corresponding male release port in fluid communication with the respective pump 102b, 106b (or vice versa), thereby allowing the reservoirs 102, 106 to be releasably connectable to the pumps 102b, 106b (and therefore to the other components of the system 100 as a whole), although any suitable releasable connector may be used. Alternatively, the system 100 may comprise a single pump connected to both of the reservoirs 102, 106. Alternatively, the system 100 may not comprise the pumps 102b, 106b. Instead, the contents of the reservoirs 102, 106 may be delivered to the containers 108 via gravity, with the reservoirs 102, 106 disposed above the containers 108. The controller 112 may be configured to control delivery of the contents of the reservoirs 102, 106 to the containers 108 by controlling one or more valves, without requiring a pump. In the embodiment shown, the controller 112 is or comprises a single-board computer (for example, Raspberry Pi, Arduino), although any suitable controller may be used. Alternatively, the second fluid reservoir 104 may be configured to contain a different sterilizing fluid, such as hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide, ozone, bleach, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, phthalaldehyde, peracetic acid and silver. The sterilizing fluid may be or comprise a solution of the sterilizing agent. The second fluid reservoir 104 may therefore not require a heating element to heat the sterilizing fluid to a gaseous form, and the sterilizing fluid may be delivered to the containers 108 in liquid form (for example, using one or more pumps or via gravity with the fluid reservoir 104 disposed above the containers 108). Living mycelium culture can withstand being exposed to or suspended in a weak solution of some sterilizing fluids such as hydrogen peroxide (for example, up to 3% by volume). An advantage of using a chemical sterilizing fluid such as hydrogen peroxide rather than steam may therefore be that there is no or minimal neutralization time associated with the sterilizing fluid. Neutralization time is the time taken for a sterilized substrate to be able to accept or receive a living culture after sterilization without negative impact to the vitality of the culture. For example, if steam is used as the sterilizing fluid, the neutralization time would be the time taken for the substrates 110 to cool before a living culture can be applied to the substrates 110. Alternatively, the system 100 may comprise both a fluid reservoir 104 configured to contain water and a heating element 104a configured to generate steam from the water, and an additional fluid reservoir configured to contain a different sterilizing fluid such as hydrogen peroxide. The controller 112 may be configured to control delivery of the contents of those reservoirs to the containers 108 to sterilize the one or more substrates 110 substantially simultaneously or sequentially. Alternatively, the system 100 may not include the first fluid reservoir 102 and instead may comprise the second fluid reservoir 104 and the culture reservoir 106. Rather than only being used to generate steam to sterilize the substrates 110 in each container 108, the liquid water in the second fluid reservoir 104 may additionally be delivered to each container (for example, using a pump or via gravity). The second fluid reservoir 104 may therefore be configured to provide a sterilizing fluid for sterilizing the one or more substrates 110 in each container 108 (by generating steam as a result of the controller 112 operating the heating element 104a, substantially as described above), and also to provide water for adjusting a moisture content of the one or more substrates 110 in each container 108. The controller 112 may be configured to control delivery of steam and water from the second reservoir 104 to the containers 108 substantially simultaneously or sequentially. The controller 112 may also be configured to control delivery of water from the second fluid reservoir 104 to each container 108 substantially as described above with respect to Figure 2. For example, the water from the second fluid reservoir 104 may be delivered to each container 108 separately from the mycelium culture, or may be delivered substantially simultaneously with the mycelium culture (for example, via a dilution or mixture of the mycelium culture with the water). Alternatively, the system 100 may not include the second fluid reservoir 104 and instead may comprise the first fluid reservoir 102 and the culture reservoir 106. The fluid reservoir 102 may be configured to contain a solution of sterilizing fluid diluted in water (for example, a solution of hydrogen peroxide in water). The solution in the reservoir 102 could therefore be delivered to each container 108 to simultaneously sterilize the one or more substrates 110 in each container 108 and adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates 110 in each container 108. The fluid reservoir 102 may otherwise operate substantially as described above with respect to Figure 2. Delivery of sterilizing fluid along the same pipe 115 in which the water and mycelium culture are also delivered may automatically ensure that the pipe 115 remains sterile, preventing the need to flush the pipe 115 with steam as described above. As noted above, living mycelium culture can withstand exposure to weak solutions of some sterilizing fluids such as hydrogen peroxide. The controller 112 may therefore be configured to deliver the contents of the fluid reservoir 102 and the culture reservoir 106 substantially simultaneously (for example, via a mixture of the mycelium culture with the sterilizing fluid solution) without impacting a vitality of the mycelium culture. In that case, the sterilizing fluid may be considered as pasteurizing the substrates 110, wherein the sterilizing fluid neutralizes pathogenic and non-beneficial microorganisms on the substrates without neutralizing the living mycelium culture that is deposited onto the substrates 110. If the contents of the fluid reservoir 102 and the contents of the culture reservoir 106 are delivered substantially simultaneously to the containers 108, the system 100 may act to sterilize the substrates 110, adjust a moisture content of the substrates 110 and inoculate the substrates 110 with mycelium culture substantially simultaneously in a single step. The controller 112 may alternatively be configured to deliver the contents of the fluid reservoir 102 and the culture reservoir 106 separately from one another (sequentially). In that case, the sterilizing fluid may be considered as fully sterilizing the substrates 110, as the sterilizing fluid neutralizes substantially all microorganisms on the substrates 110 before the mycelium culture is delivered from the reservoir 106 to the containers 108. Of course, the system 100 may include a second fluid reservoir 104 as described above, for example to provide a secondary or backup sterilization mechanism. Alternatively, the system 100 may not comprise the first fluid reservoir 102 or the second fluid reservoir 106, and instead may comprise a single fluid reservoir or culture reservoir 106. The culture reservoir 106 may be configured to contain a mixture of mycelium culture and a solution of sterilizing fluid diluted in water (for example, a solution of hydrogen peroxide in water). The contents of the reservoir 106 may be delivered to the containers 108 using one or more pumps or via gravity, as described above. The controller 112 may be configured to control delivery of the contents of the reservoir 106 by controlling one or more pumps and / or one or more valves. By delivering the mixture of mycelium culture and sterilizing fluid solution from the culture reservoir 106 to each container 108, the system 100 may act to sterilize the substrates 110, adjust a moisture content of the substrates 110 and inoculate the substrates 110 with mycelium culture substantially simultaneously in a single step. Alternatively, the system 100 may comprise a separate apparatus for sterilizing the one or more substrates 110. Rather than being configured to receive a sterilising fluid in the form of steam or a chemical agent as described above, each container 108 may comprise one or more heating elements. The controller 112 may be in electrical communication with the one or more heating elements and configured to operate the heating elements to provide heat substantially directly to sterilise the one or more substrates 110. Figure 3 shows a container 108 of the system 100 in more detail, separate from other components of the system 100. In the embodiment shown, the container 108 comprises an inlet 114. The inlet 114 is configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 104 to allow steam to enter the container 108 to sterilize the one or more substrates 110. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 114 is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 104 via the pipe 113 (as shown in Figure 1). The container 108 further comprises an inlet 116 configured to be in fluid communication with both the fluid reservoir 102 and the culture reservoir 106, to allow water to enter the container 108 to adjust a moisture content of the substrates 110 and to allow mycelium culture to enter the container to inoculate the substrates 110. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 116 is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 102 and the culture reservoir 106 via the pipe 115 which comprises the first pipe branch 115a connected to the fluid reservoir 102 and the second pipe branch 115b connected to the culture reservoir 106 (as shown in Figure 1). In the embodiment shown, the system 100 comprises a valve 117 connecting the pipe 113 to the pipe 115 (as shown in Figure 1). The controller 112 is configured to control the valve 117 to direct steam from the fluid reservoir 104 through the pipe 115 to flush the pipe 115 and maintain sterile conditions within the pipe 115. However, that is not essential, and it will be appreciated that if a sterilizing fluid is provided through the same pipe 115 as the water and the mycelium culture (as described above), that there may be no need to flush the pipe 115 with steam to maintain sterile conditions within the pipe 115. In the embodiment shown, the inlets 114, 116 are provided in a side portion of the container 108 in use, although the inlets 114, 116 may be provided at any suitable location in the container 108. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 116 is in fluid communication with a distribution apparatus 118 configured to spray or drip the water and / or the mycelium culture onto the substrates 110, although this is not essential. The distribution apparatus 118 comprises a perforated pipe or tube through which the water and / or the mycelium culture flows, although any suitable distribution apparatus configured to spray ordrip the water and / or the mycelium culture onto the substrates may be used (for example, a nozzle or mister). Alternatively, the container 108 may comprise a single inlet 116 configured to be in fluid communication with all of the reservoirs 102-106 (for example via a single pipe containing a plurality of branches, each branch connected to a different one of the reservoirs 102-106), such that contents of each reservoir 102-106 is deliverable to each container 108 via the single inlet. The single inlet may be in fluid communication with a distribution apparatus 118 configured to spray ordrip the contents of the reservoirs 102-106 (liquid or gaseous) onto the substrates 110, although that is not essential. It will be appreciated that the contents of each reservoir 102-106 may be delivered via the single inlet 116 irrespective of the contents of each reservoir 102-106 of the number of reservoirs, for example if the system 100 comprises a fluid reservoir 102 containing a solution of sterilizing fluid and a culture reservoir 106 containing mycelium culture, or if the system 100 comprises a reservoir 106 containing a mixture of mycelium culture and a solution of sterilizing fluid. The container 108 further comprises an outlet 120 configured to allow fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) to escape the container 108. The outlet 120 is provided in a lower or bottom portion of the container 108, although the outlet 120 may be provided at any suitable location in the container 108. In the embodiment shown, the outlet 120 of each container 108 feeds into a common exhaust pipe (shown in Figure 1), although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, a lower portion of the container 108 comprises a sloped surface to direct fluid toward the outlet 120, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 114 and the outlet 120 each comprise a non-return valve, configured to open under sufficient pressure or weight of liquid, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 116 does not comprise a non-return valve. A non-return valve may not be necessary due to a position of the inlet 116 in the container (provided in an upper portion of the container 108 in use), and the presence of distribution apparatus 118 (which substantially prevents return of any water and / or mycelium culture through perforations in the pipe). Alternatively, the inlet 116 may comprise a non-return valve. If a single inlet 116 in fluid communication with each reservoir 102-106 is provided, the single inlet may be provided with a non-return valve, although that is not essential, for example if the inlet 116 is in fluid communication with a distribution apparatus 118 configured to spray or drip the contents of the reservoirs 102-106 onto the substrates (substantially preventing the return of any way and / or mycelium culture and / or sterilizing fluid) . In the embodiment shown, each container 108 comprises components capable of dispersing the contents of each reservoir 102-106 substantially homogeneously throughout the container 108 whilst maintaining a substantially closed and sterile environment within the container 108. The container 108 comprises a plurality of supports 122 each configured to support one or more substrates 110 within the container 108. The supports 122 each comprise a substantially planar surface, and are configured to be arranged in a substantially vertical stack within the container 108, with enough space between each support 122 to allow one or more substantially planar substrates 110 to be placed on the support 122. However, any suitable arrangement of the supports 122 within the container 108 may be utilised. In the embodiment shown, each support 122 comprises one or more perforations or apertures 122a, although this is not essential. The perforations 122a may enable any sterilizing fluid (e.g., steam, hydrogen peroxide), water or mycelium culture to pass between each layer of supports 122 and reach the substrates 110. The perforations 122a may also enable for at least partial (or full) uninterrupted aerial growth of mycelium (known as skinning) on the surface of the substrate 110 nearest the support 122. In the embodiment shown, the perforations 122a may be or comprise a plurality of substantially tessellated shapes forming a pattern, for example a honeycomb pattern formed by a plurality of substantially tessellated hexagons. The pattern formed by the perforations 122a may be transferred to or form a part of the final mycelium product, as a result of mycelium growing on the pattern. Alternatively, the supports 122a may not comprise perforations or apertures. Alternatively, the container 108 may not comprise supports 122, and the one or more substrates 110 may be placed substantially directly on an internal surface of the container 108. Alternatively, the container 108 may not comprise supports, for example if the one or more substrates 110 are substantially non-planar. In the embodiment shown, the substrates 110 are or comprise organic material, for example hemp or another plant based material. The substrates 110 may be or comprise an organic scaffold, for example a fabric formed from or comprising organic material. The fabric may be knitted or woven from fibres of organic material, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the substrates 110 are integrated into the final mycelium product, although alternatively the substrate 110 may be removed or cleaved from the mycelium that has been grown to provide a substantially pure mycelium product. The container 108 further comprises a probe 124. The probe 124 is configured to monitor one or more environmental parameters within the container 108. In the embodiment shown, the probe 124 is configured to obtain data relating to a temperature, a humidity and a CO2 concentration within the container 108, although the probe 124 may be configured to monitor any relevant environmental parameter within the container 108. The controller 112 may be configured to control delivery of the contents of the reservoirs 102-106 based on data obtained by the probe 124, although that is not essential. For example, the controller 112 may be configured to operate the heating element 104a based on a temperature within the container 108. The container 108 also comprises a door 126. The door 126 is configured to allow access to an internal space of the container 108 in order to place one or more substrates 110 within the container, whilst enabling the container 108 to be substantially sealed to provide a substantially stable and / or controllable environment within the container 108. In the embodiment shown, the door 126 is configured to open via a hinge 126a. A gasket 126b (for example, made from a polymeric material such as silicone) is provided to ensure a substantially fluid-tight seal when the door 126 is closed, preventing the escape of gas or liquid from the container 108 when the door 126 is closed. In the embodiment shown, the door 126 also comprises a viewing window 128, although this is not essential. The container 108 also comprises an air filter 130 in the embodiment shown, although that is not essential. The air filter 130 is a HEPA air filter in the embodiment shown. The air filter 130 is also sealable such that no air can pass through the filter 130 when it is sealed (discussed further below). The container 108 comprises a lock hoop 132 configured to receive a locking member such as a latch or a bolt (not shown) located, for example, on the door 126 of the container. The lock hoop 132 and locking member may provide a manual mechanism for securing or sealing the door 126 of the container 108 in a closed position. However, the manual locking mechanism is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the container 108 is configured to contain one or more substantially planar substrates 110 having a size approximately equal to an A1 sheet of material (approximately 594 mm by approximately 841 mm). However, the size of the container 108 is easily scalable to suit any size of substrate 110 on which mycelium needs to be grown. Returning to Figure 1, the system 100 comprises a unit or housing 101 in which at least the containers 108 and the reservoirs 102, 106 are removably mountable, although the reservoir 104 and the controller 112 may also be removably mountable in the housing 101. The housing 101 comprises the one or more pipes 113, 115 that are configured to provide fluid communication between the reservoirs 102-106 and the containers 108. The number of pipes providing fluid communication between the reservoirs 102-106 and the containers 108 may differ depending on the number of reservoirs 102-106 the system 100 includes (as described above). The housing 101 is configured to hold or secure the pipes 113, 115 in a substantially fixed position within the housing. With the pipes 113, 115 in a substantially fixed position, the containers 108 may be easily aligned to connect to the pipes 113, 115 to provide fluid communication between the containers 108 and the reservoirs 102-106. The containers 108 may therefore be easily connected and disconnected to the pipes 113, 115 (and in turn to the reservoirs 102-106) via the housing 101. In the embodiment shown, the housing 101 is configured to receive each of one or more containers 108 within a respective aperture or recess 136 provided in the housing 101. The recess 136 comprises a shelf or surface configured to support the container 108. The recess 136 is configured (e.g., located, sized and / or shaped) to enable the respective inlets 114, 116 of each container 108 to be aligned with corresponding connection points on the pipes 113,115 when the container 108 is received within the recess 136. The housing 101 is configured to hold or secure the pipes 113,115 in a substantially fixed position. With the pipes 113,115 in a substantially fixed position within the housing, the inlets 114, 116 of a container 108 may be easily aligned with the connection points on the pipes 113, 115 and connected to the pipes 113, 115 simply by locating the container 108 in the recess 136. Figure 4A shows the connection of a container 108 to the pipes 113, 115 in greater detail. In the embodiment shown, the containers 108 are configured to connect to the pipes 113, 115 using one or more pressure fit seals or compression seal connectors 138. The containers 108 are configured to be connected to the pipes 113, 115 via the connection points by applying force, for example manually pushing or sliding the containers 108 to be fully received within the respective recess 136. Applied force enables the pressure fit seals 138 to form a seal around the respective inlets 114, 116 of the container 108. In the embodiment shown, the outlet 120 of the container 108 is configured to align with an exhaust pipe opening when the container 108 is fully received within the recess 136. Figure 4B shows a cutaway section of a container 108 mounted in the housing 101. In the embodiment shown, the housing 101 further comprises one or more resilient members or spring catches 133 configured to maintain applied force to the containers 108 to retain the seal provided by the pressure fit seals 138. The spring catches 133 are configured to deform or flex to allow the containers 108 to be mounted in the housing 101, but to provide resistance to removal of the containers 108 from the housing 101. In the embodiment shown, each spring catch 133 comprises an angled or sloped contact surface configured to contact the container 108 as the container 108 is pushed or slid into the housing 101. The contact surface comprises a first edge substantially level or flush with a surface of the recess 136 in which the container 108 is received, and a second edge which extends into the recess 136, when the spring catch 133 is in an unflexed or equilibrium position. As the container 108 is pushed into the recess 136, the container 108 contacts the first edge of the contact surface. As the container 108 is pushed further into the recess 136 and the container 108 moves over the angled surface, the spring catch 133 flexes away from its equilibrium position under the force applied by pushing the container 108 into the recess 136, until the second edge is substantially flush with the surface of the recess 136. The container 108 can then be fully mounted in the recess 136 without resistance. Once the container 108 is fully mounted in the recess 136, the container 108 no longer applies weight to the spring catch 133 and the spring catch 133 returns to its unflexed position. With the second edge extending into the recess, the spring catch 133 secures the container 108 in position within the recess 136, with the container 108 connected to the pipes 113, 115 as described above Alternatively, a mass of the container 108 itself may be sufficient to resist movement of the container 108 in the recess 136 and maintain the seal provided by the pressure fit seals 138, or an external surface of the container 108 may comprise a textured surface configured to provide friction to resist movement of the container in the recess 136 and maintain the seal provided by the pressure fit seals 138. The pressure fit seals 138 may be or comprise a polymeric material (for example, silicone), although that is not essential. The door 101 a allows the housing 101 to be substantially enclose the various other components of the system 100 (such as the containers 108, the reservoirs 102-106) during operation of the system 100. That may provide additional protection to a user of the system 100, particularly if the system 100 is configured to use steam or chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide to sterilise the substrates 110 within the containers 108, which poses potential risks due to high pressures, high temperatures and strong chemicals. However, the door 101a is not essential. However, the housing 101 is not essential, and the system 100 may be operated without mounting the various components of the system 100 in the housing 101. The containers 108 and the reservoirs 102-106 may be releasably connectable to one another, either directly or via one or more pipes. Figures 5A to 5D show the culture reservoir 106 in greater detail. In the embodiment shown, the culture reservoir 106 comprises a connector 140 configured to place the reservoir 106 in fluid communication with the containers 108 (the connector 140 thereby configured to act as a closable or sealable fluid outlet of the reservoir 106). In the embodiment shown, the connector 140 comprises a contact release port, such that the reservoir 106 remains substantially sealed to protect the mycelium culture when the reservoir 106 is not in fluid communication with the containers. Alternatively, any suitable connector may be used. The reservoir 106 further comprises a membrane 142 configured to retain liquid mycelium culture on one side of the membrane 142 within the reservoir 106, by forming a fluid-tight seal with the internal surfaces of the reservoir 106. The membrane 142 is attached to a resilient element 144 configured to bias the membrane 142 towards the connector 140, thereby applying a force or pressure to the mycelium culture and driving the mycelium culture towards the connector 140. Together the membrane 142 and the resilient element 144 are configured to act as a plunger mechanism in the embodiment shown. The membrane 142 and the resilient element 144 working together to drive the mycelium culture towards the connector 140 may assist in delivering the mycelium culture to the containers 108, and may also prevent or inhibit blockage of the connector 140. In the embodiment shown, the reservoir 106 may therefore act as a culture injection reservoir. In addition, the membrane 142 and the resilient element 144 may reduce or eliminate air from within the reservoir 106, preventing or inhibiting surface skinning of the mycelium culture and preventing or inhibiting the mycelium culture from matting within the reservoir 106. The resilient element 144 being configured to drive the membrane towards the connector 140 means that when mycelium culture is delivered from the reservoir 106 to the containers 108, the volume of mycelium culture removed from the reservoir 106 is not replaced by an equivalent volume of air. Instead, the resilient element 144 drives the membrane 142 towards the connector 140 to reduce a volume of the portion of the reservoir 106 containing the mycelium culture by substantially the same volume of mycelium culture extracted from the reservoir 106. The reservoir 106 further comprises a valve 146 to allow the release of air or other gases on an opposing side of the membrane 142 within the reservoir 106 when the reservoir 106 is filled or refilled (fully or partially) with mycelium culture (rather than the air becoming compressed within the reservoir 106 as the membrane 142 moves within the reservoir 106). The reservoir 106 may be refilled through the connector 140, with the connector 140 acting as an inlet during refilling rather than an outlet. Additionally or alternatively, a partially empty or depleted reservoir 106 may be refilled with a nutrient solution alone (e.g., without further mycelium culture). That may enable existing mycelium culture within the reservoir 106 to reproduce or duplicate and increase the vitality of the mycelium culture, which in turn may extend the storage life of the mycelium culture. The injection action provided by the plunger mechanism of the reservoir 106 may act to prevent or inhibit unregulated access to the contents of the reservoir 106. If an attempt is made to access the contents of the reservoir 106 whilst the reservoir 106 is not in fluid communication with the containers 108, the injection action of the plunger mechanism may force or spill the contents out of the reservoir 106. That may render the contents of the reservoir 106 unusable, for example if the contents is spilled onto a non-sterile surface. The injection action of the plunger mechanism may also require the reservoir 106 to be refilled by delivering the mycelium culture under sufficient pressure to overcome the biasing force of the plunger mechanism. In addition, the reservoir 106 may be configured to contain mycelium culture suspended in a liquid nutrient solution. That may allow the reservoir 106 to store mycelium culture for long periods of time (for example, up to 2 years, depending on one or more parameters such as the mycelium species, storage temperature etc.), whilst retaining a high level of vitality of the mycelium culture to ensure a sufficient growth rate of mycelium once a substrate 110 is inoculated with the mycelium culture during operation of the system 100. That may be particularly beneficial for users using the system 100 for research or small-scale purposes. Additionally or alternatively, the reservoir 106 may be configured to contain mycelium culture in a solution containing a chemical sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide to prevent contamination. In addition, the reservoir 106 comprises an agitator 148 configured to be placed within the mycelium culture, and configured to stir the mycelium culture. The reservoir 106 comprises a shell orcasing 150 comprising an impact-resistant material, for example polycarbonate, to protect the reservoir 106 and its contents during shipping, storage and use. The casing 150 also comprises one or more grooves or recesses 150a extending at least partially along a length of the external side surfaces of the casing 150. The grooves 150a are configured to receive corresponding tabs or tongues in the recess 136 of the housing 101 in which the reservoir 106 is configured to be placed, to ensure accurate installation of the reservoir 106 within the housing 101, although that is not essential. The reservoir 106 further comprises a gauge 152 configured to provide a visual indication of the remaining contents of the reservoir 106. In the embodiment shown, the gauge 152 comprises a transparent window with one or more markings, although any suitable gauge could be used. Figure 6 shows a system 200 for manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 200 is substantially similar to the system 100 described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5, with corresponding features indicated by like reference numerals. The system 200 further comprises a fluid reservoir 254 configured to contain a treatment fluid. The containers 208 are configured, in use, to be in fluid communication the additional fluid reservoir 254. In the embodiment shown, the additional fluid reservoir 254 is configured to be interchangeable with the fluid reservoir 202 within the housing 201, as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 6 indicating a position of the fluid reservoir 202 or the additional fluid reservoir 254 when mounted in the housing 201. The fluid reservoir 202 may be removed from the housing 201 and replaced by the fluid reservoir 254 (for example, using one or more pressure fit seals as described above). By replacing the fluid reservoir 202 with the fluid reservoir 254, the function of the system 200 may be altered whilst operating in a substantially identical manner. The system 200 is configured to use the existing hardware (pipes 215, controller 212, inlet 216 of the container 208, distribution apparatus 218 etc.) to control delivery of the treatment fluid in the fluid reservoir 254 to the one or more containers 208, rather than delivering water to adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates 210 in the containers 208. Alternatively, the system 200 may be configured such that the containers 208 may simultaneously be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 254 in addition to the fluid reservoir 202. For example, the pipe 215 may comprise a third branch (not shown) connected to the fluid reservoir 254. The controller 212 may be configured to control delivery of the contents of the fluid reservoir 254 separately from the delivery of water from the fluid reservoir 202, for example subsequent to the delivery of water from the fluid reservoir 202. In the embodiment shown, the fluid reservoir 254 is configured to contain a plasticiser solution to be applied to one or more substrates 210 on which mycelium has been grown. That may be particularly beneficial for mycelium-based textiles or textile products such as clothing. Alternatively, the treatment fluid may be a colorant or dye, a solution for modifying growth of mycelium culture (for example, containing one or more fungal hormones), or any other suitable treatment fluid. In the embodiments described above, the containers 108 are configured to be removed from the housing 101 following sterilization, moisture adjustment and inoculation of the substrates, such that the substrates 110 can be incubated in an external apparatus or facility configured to provide optimal environmental conditions for mycelium growth to take place. That is because incubation accounts for a significant proportion of the total production time required to fabricate a mycelium product (for example, between substantially 1 and substantially 4 weeks, often upwards of 90% of the total production time). As incubation is typically the rate limiting step of fabricating mycelium products, a plurality of the containers 108 may be located in a conventional temperature-controlled space to allow for efficient simultaneous incubation of larger numbers of inoculated substrates 110, freeing up the system 100, 200 to sterilize, adjust the moisture and inoculate further substrates 110. Environmental conditions (for example, temperature, CO2 concentration and humidity) within each container 108 in the temperature-controlled space may be monitored using one or more probes 124 within the container 108, as described above. The probe(s) 124 of each container 108 may be connected to an environmental condition multiplexer (for example, a Geosense SmartMux) to monitor the conditions within each container 108. The environmental conditions within each container 108 may be altered in response to the data obtained by the probe(s) 124. For example, the sealable air filter 130 of each container 108 may be controllably unsealed (for example, by the environmental multiplexer or by a separate controller) during incubation to allow the container 108 to be flushed with filtered air to reduce the concentration of CO2 within the container 108. Mycelium produces CO2 during the growth process but requires O2 for its metabolic processes. Monitoring CO2 concentration within the containers 108 during incubation ensures that mycelium growth is not stunted or inhibited by excessive CO2 concentration (for example, above 20,000 ppm CO2) during incubation. Flushing the containers 108 with air may cause humidity levels within the containers 108 to drop. However, to ensure proper aerial growth of mycelium (for example, for the mycelium to grow outwards from the scaffold), humidity levels should remain high, for example above 95% humidity. Humidity within the containers 108 may be altered by delivering water through the inlet 116 of each container 108. The water may be introduced or delivered manually, or automatically, for example via a controllable injection system (controlled, for example, by the environmental multiplexer or a separate controller). Temperature within each container 108 may be controlled by controlling a temperature of the temperature-controlled space in which the containers 108 are located. A suitable temperature for mycelium growth may be between substantially 15°C and substantially 30°C, preferably between substantially 20°C and substantially 24°C, although the exact temperature is specific to the species of mycelium used. The containers 108 are removable from the system 100 (for example, from the housing 101) whilst maintaining a substantially closed environment within the containers 108 (i.e., remaining substantially sealed). That allows the containers 108 to be used in conjunction with apparatus external to the system 100 to perform one or steps for fabricating mycelium products without, for example, subjecting the internal space or contents of the containers to substantially variable or non-sterile conditions. After incubation, the containers 108 may optionally be returned to the system 100 and mounted in the housing 101 in order to apply a treatment fluid to the substrates 110 on which mycelium has been grown, as described above. Following application of a treatment fluid, the mycelium products within the containers 108 may be cured. Curing the mycelium products may comprise reducing a moisture content of the substrates 110 on which mycelium has been grown, to deactivate the mycelium species (and optionally allow an applied treatment solution to set). The mycelium products may be cured, for example, by applying heat (for example, in a temperature-controlled environment external to the system 100) or using a dehumidifier. Reducing a moisture content of the mycelium products may comprise reducing a humidity within the containers 108, for example to substantially 30% or less. Alternatively, the system 100 may be configured to incubate and cure the substrates 110 in each container 108, in addition to sterilization, moisture adjustment, inoculation and treatment of the substrates 110 as described above. The system 100 may comprise one or more components or apparatus configured to apply heat to the containers 108 for incubation and / or curing. For example, the system 100 may comprise a heating element (e.g., a conductive coil) and a fan. The heating element and the fan may be adapted to deliver heated, dry air to the containers 108 to control a temperature within the containers 108. The heated air may be delivered to the containers 108, for example, via the inlets 114 and / or via the inlet 116 of the container 108, as described above. The heated air may be delivered to the inlet(s) 114, 116 via one or both of the pipes 113, 115 in fluid communication with the inlet(s) 114, 116, although that is not essential. The heating element and the fan may be in electrical communication with the controller 112. The controller 112 may be configured to control a temperature within each container 108 by controlling operation of the heating element and the fan to control delivery of heated air to the containers 108, in response to data obtained by the probe(s) 124 of each container 108 (with which the controller 112 may be in electrical communication). Additionally, the system 100 may be configured to deliver water, for example from the reservoir 102 as described above, to the containers 108 to maintain sufficient humidity within each container 108 during incubation. Excess water and / or heated air may escape the containers 108 via the drainage outlet 120 of each container 108, or the one-way valve of the drainage outlet 120 may be held shut during incubation and curing (for example, to prevent ingress of non-filtered air which may jeopardise the substantially sterile conditions within the container 108). The controller 112 may also be in electrical communication with the sealable air filter 130, and configured to control opening of the air filter 130 (for example, in response to data obtained by the probe(s) 134 of each container 108) in order to flush each container 108 with filtered air to control a CO2 concentration within each container 108 during incubation. Figure 7 shows a method 300 for manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method 300 is described with respect to the systems 100, 200 described above with respect to Figures 1 to 6. At step 302, one or more substrates 110 are loaded into each of one or more containers 108, and the containers 108 closed such that the containers provide a substantially closed environment. The containers 108 are substantially as described above. The containers 108 may be mounted in a housing 101 as described above, although that is not essential. At step 304, the substrates 110 in each container 108 are sterilised. The substrates 110 may be sterilised by delivery of a sterilizing fluid such as steam and / or a chemical sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide to the containers 108 from a reservoir 102, 104, as described above with respect to the systems 100, 200. Optionally, at step 304a the method 300 comprises waiting for a neutralisation time of the substrates 110 to elapse, depending on the sterilizing fluid used, as described above. At step 306, a moisture content of the substrates 110 in each container 108 is adjusted. The moisture content of the substrates 110 may be adjusted by delivery of water to the containers 108 from a fluid reservoir 102, as described above with respect to the systems 100, 200. At step 308, the substrates 110 in each container 108 are inoculated with mycelium culture. The substrates 108 may be inoculated by delivery of mycelium culture solution from a culture reservoir 106, as described above with respect to the systems 100, 200. In the embodiment shown, steps 304, 306, 308 are performed sequentially. Alternatively, two or more of steps 304, 306, 308 may be performed substantially simultaneously, as described above with respect to the systems 100, 200, for example if a mixture of sterilizing fluid, water and / or mycelium culture is delivered from one or more reservoirs 102, 104, 106 as described above with respect to the systems 100, 200. At step 310, the substrates 110 in each container 108 are incubated to allow mycelium growth on the substrates 110 to form a mycelium product. The containers 108 may be removed from the housing 101 and incubated in a temperature-controlled environment external to the system 100, 200 as described above. Alternatively, the containers 108 may be incubated by the system 100, 200 as described above. Optionally, at step 310a the method 300 comprises incubating the substrates 110 such that skinning takes place, although that is not essential. Optionally, at step 312, a treatment fluid is applied to the substrates 110 in each container 108 on which mycelium has been grown. In the embodiment shown, the treatment fluid is or comprises a plasticizer solution. The treatment fluid may be delivered from a fluid reservoir 254 as described above with respect to the system 200. If the containers 108 are incubated externally from the system 100, 200, the containers 108 may be reconnected to the other apparatus of the system 100, 200 to perform treatment fluid. At step 314, the substrates 110 in each container 108 on which mycelium has been grown are cured or dried. The substrates 110 may be cured or dried by applying heat or using a dehumidifier, as described above. The containers 108 may be removed from the housing 101 and the substrates 110 cured externally from the system 100, 200 as described above. Alternatively, the containers 108 may be mounted in the housing 101 whilst the substrates 110 are cured by the system 100, as described above. At step 316, the containers 108 are opened and fabricated mycelium products (the substrates 110 on which mycelium has been grown) are removed from the containers 108. Figure 9 shows a method 400 for manufacturing mycelium products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method 400 is described with respect to the systems 200 described above with respect to Figure 6. At step 402, one or more substrates 110 on which mycelium is to be grown is provided. In the embodiment shown, the substrates 110 comprises an organic scaffold in the form of a substantially planar plant-based fabric (for example, a knitted or woven hemp fabric), although that is not essential. At step 404, the substrates 110 are loaded into one or more containers 108. The containers 108 may each comprise one or more supports 122 each configured to support one or more substrates 110, although that is not essential. At step 406, the containers 108 are mounted into a housing 101 to place the containers in fluid communication with one or more fluid reservoirs 102-106 as described above. It is not essential that the containers 108 are mounted in a housing 101. At step 408, one or more fluid reservoirs 102-106 are filled with a sterilizing fluid and water for sterilizing and adjusting a moisture content of the substrates 110 in each container 108. In the embodiment shown, one fluid reservoir 104 is filled with water for generating steam to use as a sterilizing fluid, and another fluid reservoir 102 is filled with water for adjusting a moisture content of the substrates in each container 108, although that is not essential. At step 410, the substrates 110 in each container 108 are sterilized by delivering a sterilizing fluid (steam in the embodiment shown) to the containers 108 from the fluid reservoir 104, as described above. Optionally at step 410a, the method 400 comprises waiting for a neutralisation time of the substrates 110 to elapse, depending on the sterilizing fluid used, as described above. At step 412, a moisture content of the substrates 110 in each container 108 is adjusted by delivering water from the fluid reservoir 102. At step 414, a culture reservoir 106 containing mycelium culture is mounted into the housing 101. At step 416, one or more pumps are operated to deliver the mycelium culture from the reservoir 106 to the containers 108. At step 418, the substrates 110 in each container 108 are inoculated by the mycelium culture delivered to the containers 108 from the reservoir 106. At step 420, the containers 108 are removed from the housing 101 although that is not essential. Optionally, at step 420a, one or more pipes 113,115 used to place the reservoirs 102-106 in fluid communication with the containers 108 are flushed orcleaning, for example using the sterilizing fluid (such as steam) from the fluid reservoir 104. At step 422, each container 108 is connected to a monitoring system (such as an environmental multiplexer) configured to monitor one or more environmental conditions (such as temperature, CO2 concentration, humidity) within each container 108 using one or more probes 124, as described above. At step 424, the containers 108 are placed in a temperature-controlled environment to incubate the substrates 110 to allow mycelium growth on the substrates 110. The substrates 110 are incubated for between substantially 1 and substantially 4 weeks in the embodiment shown, although the incubation time may differ depending on the mycelium species. The environmental conditions within each container 108 are controlled in response to data obtained by the probes 124, as described above. At step 426, the containers 108 are remounted in the housing 101. Optionally, at step 428, a fluid reservoir 254 is filled with a treatment fluid such as a plasticizer solution and placed in fluid communication with the containers 108, as described above. In the embodiment shown, the fluid reservoir 254 replaces the fluid reservoir 102, although that is not essential. Optionally, at step 430, the treatment fluid is delivered to the substrates 110 in each container 108 from the reservoir 254, as described above. At step 432, the substrates 110 in each container 108 are cured to reduce a moisture content and deactivate the mycelium species to provide a finished mycelium product. In the embodiment shown, the substrates 110 are cured by applying heat, although that is not essential. At step 434, the cured and finished mycelium products are removed from the containers 108. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and otherfeatures which are already known in the art of manufacturing mycelium products, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for manufacturing mycelium products, the system comprising:one or more containers;one or more apparatus comprising one or more reservoirs; anda controller configured to control operation of one or more apparatus,wherein each container configured to provide a substantially closed environment for manufacturing the mycelium products and contain one or more substrates on which mycelium is to be grown and is configured, in use, to be in fluid communication with at least one of the reservoirs;wherein the controller is configured to control delivery of the contents of the reservoir(s) to each container to:sterilize the one or more substrates;adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates; andinoculate the one or more substrates with the mycelium culture;wherein the one or more reservoirs are configured to contain at least water and a heating element, a sterilizing fluid, and a mycelium culture, the controller is configured to:operate the heating element to generate steam to sterilise the one or more substrates contained within each container;adjust a moisture content of the one or more substrates within each container;inoculate the one or more substrates within each container with a mycelium culture, at least one of the one or more reservoirs is configured to contain water and comprises a heating element,wherein each container comprises an air inlet comprising an air filter,wherein each container is removably attachable to the one or more apparatus whilst maintaining the substantially closed environment within the container,wherein the one or more apparatus is further configured to incubate and / or cure one or more substrates in each container,wherein the one or more apparatus further comprises a fan.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each container comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or more of the containers comprises a distribution apparatus configured to drip or spray at least one of a sterilizing fluid, water and the mycelium culture onto the one or more substrates.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising one or more compression fit seals configured to form a fluid-tight connection providingfluid communication between one or more containers and the one or more reservoirs.

5. The system of any preceding claim wherein each container comprises one or more supports configured to support one or more substrates.

6. The system of any preceding claim wherein the one or more reservoirs are further configured to contain a treatment fluid for treating a substrate.

7. The system of claim 8 wherein the one or more apparatus comprises a heating element.

8. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a housing in which each of the one or more containers are removably mountable9. The system of claim 8 wherein the housing is configured to align one or more containers with one or more connection points to place the containers in fluid communication with the one or more reservoirs via the connection points when the containers are mounted in the housing.

10. The system of any preceding claim wherein one or more containers comprises one or more sensors configured to obtain data relating to one or more environmental parameters within the containers.

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