Evaluation of Optimal Fungi Strains for Development of Mycelium-Based Biopolymeric Matrices

Biopolymeric materials appear as promising eco-friendly and biodegradable matrices for the preparation of composite materials. In this work, G. lucidum, T. hirsuta, P. eryngii, F. velutipes, G. applanatum, L. edodes, and H. erinaceus fungi strains were studied and the fastest-growing fungi strains were revealed. The growth rate and the morphology of formed mycelium were studied depending on the fungi strain type and employed feeding substrate (malt agar, cellulose microcrystals, cellulose microfibrills). It was shown that the mycelium of G. lucidum and T. Hirsuta grown on cellulose microfibrils appears as intertwined hyphae with narrow diameter size distribution and has an optimal morphology as a substrate for the preparation of fibrous composite materials. .

Automated summary

In this study, various fungi strains were investigated and the fastest-growing strains were identified. The growth rate and morphology of the mycelium were studied depending on the fungi strain and feeding substrate. It was found that G. lucidum and T. Hirsuta grown on cellulose microfibrils exhibited intertwined hyphae with narrow diameter distribution, making them optimal for the preparation of fibrous composite materials.