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Filamentous fungi are critical in the transition to a more sustainable food system. While genetic modification of these organisms has promise for enhancing the nutritional value, sensory appeal, and scalability of fungal foods, genetic tools and demonstrated use cases for bioengineered food production by edible strains are lacking. Here, we develop a modular synthetic biology toolkit for Aspergillus oryzae, an edible fungus used in fermented foods, protein production, and meat alternatives. Our toolkit includes a CRISPR-Cas9 method for gene integration, neutral loci, and tunable promoters. We use these tools to elevate intracellular levels of the nutraceutical ergothioneine and the flavor-and color molecule heme in the edible biomass. The strain overproducing heme is red in color and is readily formulated into imitation meat patties with minimal processing. These findings highlight the promise of synthetic biology to enhance fungal foods and provide useful genetic tools for applications in food production and beyond.

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Non-degradable materials are responsible for a variety of negative socio-environmental effects. In order to realize a sustainable bioeconomy a circular design of production systems based on biogenic resources is inevitable. Consequently, the recycling of residual and side-streams is becoming increasingly relevant. In this paper, we investigate the potential of using sterilized mycelium from Aspergillus niger , which occurs as a residual-product from the citric acid production, as a sustainable material for additive biomanufacturing by using the Liquid Deposition Modeling technology. The mycelium-based material is extruded through a specially designed printer head, enabling a multi-layered fabrication of complex structures. In combination with additives such as fibers the mycelium can lead to materials with promising mechanical characteristics and shows good properties for its use as an innovative material to be applied in additive manufacturing processes. We conclude that additive biomanufacturing with mycelium from Aspergillus is a sustainable alternative for traditional materials. Its biodegradability characteristic makes it a promising material for various applications and circular products. Finally, we outline further research and development issues to enable the transformation into industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycelium, an innovative and sustainable protein source rich in nutrients, exhibits versatile and functional properties that extend beyond the realm of food applications. This study examined the effect of alkaline extraction pH levels ranging from 10.5 to 12.5 on the yield, functionality, structural attributes, and digestibility of mycelium protein isolate (MPI). The findings reveal a positive correlation between elevated extraction pH levels and increased protein yield, extraction yield, recovery yield, and solubility, with the most substantial yields achieved at pH 12.5. Notably, increased alkaline pH levels corresponded to enhanced protein yield (43.74 ± 0.97%), oil absorption capacity (755.51 ± 5.66%), water solubility index (93.58 ± 4.54%), foaming capacity (41.10 ± 1.27%), and emulsifying activity index (192.92 ± 6.02 m2/g). Moreover, the research underscores the exceptional in-vitro protein digestibility of MPI, registering at 80.69 ± 1.02% at pH 12.0. The analysis of the secondary protein structure indicates a positive relationship between heightened α-helix content at elevated pH levels and improved protein digestibility and solubility. Furthermore, multivariate analyses underscore the intricate connections between techno-functional properties and extraction yields, crucial for tailoring MPI's utility within the food sector. By emphasizing the pivotal role of alkaline extraction pH in influencing the functional and structural attributes of MPI, this study provided potential application of MPI in different food products with variation in alkaline extraction pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To solve the environmental pollution and harm to human health caused by the use of adhesives in traditional paperboard, the development of environmentally friendly mycelium paperboard has become a hot topic. Due to the high dipole moment and hydrogen bonding between macromolecules, hyphae can form clamp shaped connection structures for nutrient reproduction and transfer, and can grow on natural agricultural waste, forming a natural biocomposite material. This study determined the combination of Ganoderma weberianum/corn straw, and designed single factor cultivation conditions such as cultivation time, straw particle size, and fructose addition to explore the effects on the mechanical properties, waterproof properties, and thermal decomposition performance of the hyphal paperboard formed by hot pressing. The optimal cultivation process was obtained through orthogonal experiments. The experimental results indicate that various factors have varying degrees of influence on the edgewise strength, flexural stiffness, and static bending strength and waterproofness of paperboard. Firstly, when the cultivation time was 30 days, the flexural stiffness reached 16.63 mN/m, which was 21.2% higher than the flexural stiffness of kraft paper (13.10 mN/m). Moreover, with the increase of cultivation time, the water absorption (24 hours) had also decreased from 3.92% to 1.27%. Secondly, previous research results have shown that the addition of fructose, glucose, and sucrose increases the biomass growth rate of strains. In this study, fructose was chosen as an exogenous nutrient, and the results showed that when a mass fraction of 5% fructose was added, the mechanical properties were the best, with a flexural stiffness of 18.87 mN/m, which was 30.5% higher than that of kraft paper (13.10 mN/m). Thirdly, the particle size of the sbstrate has a significant impact on the appearance and properties of the material. The results show that, from the appearance perspective, the mycelium paperboard made of 0.165～0.250 mm particle size has the closest appearance and feel to kraft paper. At the same time, during the testing period, it was found that the mycelium paperboard made of 0.165～0.250 mm straw was the least prone to deformation and loosening, and the molding effect was significantly improved compared to other components. In terms of mechanical properties, the edgewise strength increased by 17.4%, the static bending strength increased by 14.9%, and the flexural stiffness increased by 57.3%. The experimental results show that the degree of influence of various factors on the edgewise strength, flexural stiffness, and static bending strength of paperboard is in the order of particle size, cultivation time,fructose addition amount. When the particle size is 0.165～0.250 mm, the cultivation time is 30 days, and the fructose addition of 5.0%, the edgewise strength of the prepared paperboard is 14.36 N/mm, the static bending strength is 10.89 MPa, and the flexural stiffness is 33.09 mN/m. As the particle size decreases, the water absorption rate and water thickness expansion rate of the paperboard after 24 hours of water absorption decrease to 0.86% and 0.59%. The mycelium paperboard prepared by different single factors has the same thermal decomposition process, starting at around 150 ℃ and reaching its maximum at 350 ℃. This study provides a reference basis for the development and application of mycelium composite materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explored whether partial cellulose bioconversion with fungal mycelium can improve the properties of cellulose fibre-based materials. We demonstrate an efficient approach for producing cellulose-mycelium composites utilizing several cellulosic matrices and show that these materials can match fossil-derived polymeric foams on water contact angle, compression strength, thermal conductivity, and exhibit selective antimicrobial properties. Fossil-based polymeric foams commonly used for these applications are highly carbon positive, persist in soils and water, and are challenging to recycle. Bio-based alternatives to synthetic polymers could reduce GHG emissions, store carbon, and decrease plastic pollution. We explored several fungal species for the biofabrication of three kinds of cellulosic-mycelium composites and characterized the resulting materials for density, microstructure, compression strength, thermal conductivity, water contact angle, and antimicrobial properties. Foamed mycelium-cellulose samples had low densities (0.058 – 0.077 g/cm3), low thermal conductivity (0.03 – 0.06 W/m∙K at + 10 °C), and high water contact angle (118 – 140°). The recovery from compression of all samples was not affected by the mycelium addition and varied between 70 and 85%. In addition, an antiviral property against active MS-2 viruses was observed. These findings show that the biofabrication process using mycelium can provide water repellency and antiviral properties to cellulose foam materials while retaining their low density and good thermal insulation properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose and paper produce significant waste such as ash, activated sludge, and sludge from the pulp and paper industry. Depending on the raw material, legislation, and subprocesses, these sludges contain around 30–50% organic matter, mainly composed of less than 0.02 mm cellulose fibers and hemicellulose and lignin. This work used sludge from the pulp and paper industry as a substrate for manufacturing mycelium-based biomaterials using the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Chemical and surface analyses revealed the formation of new materials. Acoustic impedance analyses revealed that these materials have a noise reduction coefficient and sound absorption average comparable to extruded polystyrene and polyurethane. In addition, the material's thermal conductivity was near that of sheep wool. Therefore, the biomaterials fabricated using sludge and Trametes versicolor have the potential to be a game-changer in the industry as promising thermoacoustic insulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the evolving field of bioproducts, materials that synergize sustainability with functionality are of paramount importance. Mycelium composites, derived from intricate networks of fungal filaments, are gaining traction as innovative bioproducts that offer a compelling blend of eco‐friendliness, renewability, and adaptability. As the quest intensifies for alternatives that can mitigate the environmental toll of conventional products, mycelium‐based solutions are emerging as beacons on the sustainable bioproducts horizon. Their transition from niche innovations to mainstream applications depends on their ability to overcome a series of fabrication challenges. This review paper investigates the critical challenges faced in the fabrication of mycelium composite. It examines rigorously some essential factors leading to fabrication failure, such as contamination, inconsistent growth, insufficient moisture, inappropriate pH, and improper substrate preparation. The review offers a comprehensive analysis of each factor influencing mycelium growth and the resulting composite properties, with an emphasis on preventative and mitigating strategies. Through an in‐depth exploration of case studies detailing unsuccessful mycelium composite fabrication, the significance of understanding these failure factors is emphasized. The paper culminates in a forward‐thinking discourse on potential strategies for refining fabrication processes, and identifies promising research areas poised to enhance both the success rate and overall efficiency of mycelium composite production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research developed shoe soles using a biodegradable and renewable composite made of King Oyster mushroom mycelium. An exploratory approach was used to develop biodegradable shoe prototypes using the mushroom mycelium composite as the midsoles. An online survey was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptance of the shoe prototypes and a wear test with undergraduate college students was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptance, wearability, and comfort of the shoe prototype. The survey results indicated that consumers liked the new sustainable footwear and were likely to purchase it. Indian consumers liked the new shoes more and would be more willing to purchase the new shoes than the U.S. consumers. The young age group would be more willing to buy this sustainable shoe prototype than the old age group. The consumers who were frequent consumers of sustainable products, willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly product, and cared about the environment were more likely to purchase this sustainable shoe prototype. The wear test with a small sample of four college students had split opinions on the comfort and wearability of the shoes. Still, all of them liked the concept of shoe materials and biodegradable shoes made from renewable materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spent mushroom substrates (SMSs) and mushroom basal bodies (MBBs) are significant by-products because of their nutrient content even after harvesting. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these two by-products, derived from Agaricus bisporus (Ab) and Cyclocybe cylindracea (Cc) cultivation, as potential growth and biochemical composition add-value enhancers of edible mushroom mycelia such as Pleurotus ostreatus, C. cylindracea, and Lentinula edodes. Fungal growth substrates enriched with SMS and MBB extracts significantly affected the growth of mushroom mycelia. In particular, on P. ostreatus, the MBBs Ab and Cc extracts determined an increase in mycelial weight by 89.5%. Also, by-products influenced mushrooms' mycelial texture, which appeared more floccose and abundant in growth. FT-IR analysis showed that L. edodes mycelium, grown on MBB substrates, showed the highest increase in bands associated with proteins and chitin. Results demonstrated that mushroom by-products enhance mycelial growth and confer an enrichment of compounds that could increase mycelial resistance to pathogens and make a nutraceutical improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium crown rot (FCR), mainly caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is a serious fungal disease that affects wheat yield. To determine the inhibitory activity of metconazole to F. pseudograminearum in Henan province, the toxicity of metconazole against three randomly selected isolates (JY2208, HB2201, and XC2116) at different developmental stages was determined from 219 isolates tested. The combined toxicity of metconazole with prochloraz, phenamacril, fluazinam, and fludioxonil against isolate JY2208 was determined according to the mass ratio of 5 : 1, 3 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 3, 1 : 5. The indoor control efficacy of metconazole against FCR was determined by the wheat coleoptile inoculation method. The results showed that the average EC50 values of mycelium growth, sporulation quantity, spore germination, and germ tube elongation of three isolates were (0.0397 ± 0.0035) μg/mL, (0.9549 ± 0.1152) μg/mL, (0.6114 ± 0.0393) μg/mL, and (0.0235 ± 0.0015) μg/mL, respectively. The EC50 values of metconazole, inhibiting mycelium growth of 219 isolates of F. pseudograminearum, ranged from 0.0207 to 0.0839 μg/mL, with an average value of (0.0406 ± 0.0114) μg/mL. The sensitivity frequency distribution was a continuous single-peak curve, which could serve as the baseline sensitivity of F. pseudograminearum to metconazole in Henan Province. The synergy ratios (SR) of metconazole combined with prochloraz, phenamacril, fluazinam, and fludioxonil ranged from 0.51 to 2.32. Different combinations and ratios of the mixture demonstrated either additive inhibition or synergistic inhibition efficacy. These results indicated that metconazole can be used in combination with prochloraz, phenamacril, fluazinam, and fludioxonil. Metconazole and fluazinam, with a mass ratio of 5 : 1, exhibited the strongest synergistic inhibition effect, achieving the maximum synergy ratio, with an SR of 2.32. Under laboratory conditions, the combination of 8% metconazole suspension and 50% fluazinam suspension, with the active ingredient of mass ratio of 5 : 1, achieved 100% control efficacy at the concentration of 80 μg/mL. These results could provide a basis for controlling the Fusarium crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco target spot (TTS) caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the major leaf diseases in tobacco in recent years, which significantly reduces the yield and quality of tobacco. However, only validamycin has been registered for TTS control to date, however, its curative activity in fields is relatively low. To screen chemical fungicides with high antifungal activity against R. solani, the sensitivity baseline of R. solani to thifuzamide and pyraclostrobin was established by the mycelium growth inhibition assay, respectively. When tested alone, both thifuzamide and pyraclostrobin exhibited high antifungal activity against R. solani mycelial growth. The allied toxicity assays showed that the combinations of thifuzamide and pyraclostrobin have either additive or synergistic effects. A mixture of thifuzamide and pyraclostrobin (m/m, 1 : 1) exhibited the best synergistic inhibition of mycelial growth with a synergistic coefficient of above 2.5 and significantly inhibited the formation of sclerotium. The spray inoculation method was used to evaluate the protective and curative activities of the mixture to TTS and the result showed that the mixture has excellent indoor control efficiency. Taken together, these results indicated that a mixture of thifuzamide and pyraclostrobin (m/m, 1 : 1) had good potential in TTS control in the fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanced and sustainable development has challenges in utilizing the best efficiency technologies, using new types of materials with reduced environmental impact, including composite types, reusable materials, and easily recyclable consumer adaptable products. One understudied biologically produced material is mycelium, the scientifically studied and improved cultivation of which produces an environmentally friendly material with unique properties with a wide range of applications. In this work, filtration fillers from mycelia of different cultivation periods and their abilities to filter airflow from solid particles were experimentally studied. Numerical modeling studied the interaction and trapping of particles in the flow with the surface of mycelium filters. The results of the research revealed a high airflow filtration efficiency of more than 91%, as well as differences and advantages in the properties and structure of mycelia of different growth periods, and the need for further study of this biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the intestinal fermentation characteristics of different endopolysaccharides (MPS) sub-fractions MPS-1, MPS-2, MPS-3, and MPS-4 from Monascus purpureus mycelium, an in vitro pig colon model was used to determine the changes in molecular weight of the polysaccharides, the contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microbiota at different fermentation times. The results showed that after intestinal fermentation, the acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid production in each MPS treatment group was higher. At 48 h of fermentation, the total SCFAs content produced by the MPS-2 and MPS-3 treatment groups increased significantly (PMPS-2>MPS-1>MPS-4 in descending order. The 16S rDNA results revealed that after MPS treatment, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the main dominant bacteria at the phylum level, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was reduced. At the genus level, with the extension of fermentation time, the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Parabacteroides increased, while the abundance of harmful genera, including Streptococcus and Clostridium, decreased significantly (P

This research developed shoe soles using a biodegradable and renewable composite made of King Oyster mushroom mycelium. An exploratory approach was used to develop biodegradable shoe prototypes using the mushroom mycelium composite as the midsoles. An online survey was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptance of the shoe prototypes and a wear test with undergraduate college students was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptance, wearability, and comfort of the shoe prototype. The survey results indicated that consumers liked the new sustainable footwear and were likely to purchase it. Indian consumers liked the new shoes more and would be more willing to purchase the new shoes than the U.S. consumers. The young age group would be more willing to buy this sustainable shoe prototype than the old age group. The consumers who were frequent consumers of sustainable products, willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly product, and cared about the environment were more likely to purchase this sustainable shoe prototype. The wear test with a small sample of four college students had split opinions on the comfort and wearability of the shoes. Still, all of them liked the concept of shoe materials and biodegradable shoes made from renewable materials.

To evaluate the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of fermented Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelium (FOSM) products for preventing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). Randomized controlled trials were searched from four Chinese and four English electronic databases and three clinical trial registries up to July 2023. Methodological quality was assessed by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2.0. Risk difference (RD) or risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) were calculated along with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fourteen trials testing three types of FOSM products (Bailing, Zhiling, and Jinshuibao capsules) involving 1271 participants injected contrast agents were included. For the risk of bias, all trials were rated as some concerns. Compared with routine preventive procedure (RPP) (saline hydration and alprostadil), FOSM products plus RPP showed beneficial effects in reducing the incidence of CA-AKI (14.62% and 5.35%, respectively; RD −0.06, 95% CI −0.09 to −0.03). Subgroup analysis showed that Bailing/Jinshuibao plus RPP demonstrated lower incidence of CA-AKI compared to RPP. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Zhiling with RPP and RPP in the incidence of CA-AKI. Additionally, only when FOSM products were taken before injection of the contrast, it was superior to RPP in reducing the incidence of CA-AKI. There was no statistical difference in adverse events between these two groups. Low certainty evidence suggests that preventive oral use of FOSM products as an adjuvant agent was safe and might decrease the incidence of CA-AKI. However, high-quality placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm its benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a method for isolation and propagation of Phytophthora infestans, a challenging-to-isolate phytopathogenic oomycete. The procedure initiated with naturally infected potato leaves, which underwent a 30-minute sanitization under running water. Subsequently, healthy potato tubers were meticulously washed with a neutral detergent, sterilized using alcohol, and then flamed. Slices 4 mm thick were carefully cut out of the potato tubers. Slices were used to cover 2 x 4 mm sterilized leaf pieces cut from the border of two-day old young P. infestans lesions, within sterilized empty Petri dishes. The sealed plates were then transferred to BOD growth chambers set at 18 ºC in complete darkness for 5 days. At the end of this incubation period, the development of a sparse, white mycelium was observed on top of the potato slices. Using a Drigalski loop, the visible mycelium was carefully transferred to rye agar medium in Petri dishes. To avoid contamination, care was taken not no touch potato slices. After mycelium reaching the Petri dish border, and with aid of a Neubauer chamber, the inoculum density per plate was of 1.79 x 104 sporangia mL-1. Sporangia germination rate ranged from 69 to 78%. This isolation technique simplify in vitro production of P. infestans, enhancing the possibility for research with this important pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the protective effects of water extracts from different Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) mycelium on ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury in LO2 cells. The effects of water extracts obtained from different G. lucidum mycelium against ethanol-induced damage to LO2 cells were examined in this research. Cell survival rate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in a liver injury model employing ethanol-induced LO2 cells, to assess the preventive effects of G. lucidum mycelium water extracts against ethanol-induced damage. The results showed that water extracts from the mycelium of all seven strains exhibited varying degrees of protective effects. Among them, the water extract from strains G0119 and G0154 had the best protective effect. Compared with the model group, the intervention of water extracts significantly increased LO2 cell survival (P

Objective: In 2004, after consuming angel-wing mushrooms, Pleurocybella porrigens, 59 incidents of food poisoning were reported in Japan. Consequently, 17 individuals died of acute encephalopathy. In 2023, we proved that a lectin, pleurocybelline, and pleurocybellaziridine from this mushroom caused damage to the brains of mice. Although we reported genomic and transcriptomic data of P. porrigens in 2013, the assembly quality of the transcriptomic data was inadequate for accurate functional annotation. Thus, we obtained detailed transcriptomic data on the fruiting bodies and mycelia of this mushroom using Illumina NovaSeq 6000. Results: De novo assembly data indicated that the N50 lengths for the fruiting bodies and mycelia were improved compared with those previously reported. The differential expression analysis between the fruiting bodies and the mycelia revealed that 1,937 and 1,555 genes were significantly up-regulated in the fruiting bodies and the mycelia, respectively. The biological functions of P. porrigens transcripts, including PA biosynthetic pathways, were investigated using BLAST search, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. The obtained results revealed L-valine, a predicted precursor of PA, is biosynthesized in the fruiting bodies and mycelia. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the results of differential expression analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) is a globally popular edible mushroom because of its characteristic sulfur-containing flavor compounds. However, the formation of the volatile sulfur-containing compounds in the mycelium of L. edodes has not been studied. We found that there were also sulfur-containing aroma compounds in the mycelium of L. edodes, and the content and composition varied at different stages of mycelial growth and development. The γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) and cysteine sulfoxide lyase (C-S lyase) related to the generation of sulfur compounds showed the highest activities in the 15-day sample. Candidate genes for the metabolism of volatile sulfur compounds in mycelium were screened using transcriptome analysis, including encoding the GGT enzyme, C-S lyase, fatty acid oxidase, HSP20, and P450 genes. The expression patterns of Leggt3 and Leccsl3 genes were consistent with the measured activities of GGT and C-S lyase during the cultivation of mycelium and molecular dynamics simulations showed that they could stably bind to the substrate. Our findings provide insights into the formation of sulfur-containing flavor compounds in L. edodes. The mycelium of L. edodes is suggested for use as material for the production of sulfur-containing flavor compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Fusarium species are known as endophytes and/or phytopathogens of higher plants and have a worldwide distribution. Recently, information discovered with molecular tools has been also published about the presence of these fungi in the microbiome of truffle fruiting bodies. In the present work, we isolated and identified three Fusarium strains from truffle fruiting bodies. All isolates were assigned to the same species, F. commune, and the strains were deposited in the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms under accession numbers VKM F-5020, VKM F-5021, and VKM F-5022. To check the possible effects of the isolated strains on the plants, the isolates were used to infect sterile seedlings of Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.). This model infection led to a moderate suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus activity and plant growth. Here, we present characteristics of the F. commune isolates: description of the conidial morphology, pigmentation, and composition of the mycelium fatty acids. Overall, this is the first description of the Fusarium cultures isolated from truffle fruiting bodies. Possible symbiosis of the F. commune strains with truffles and their involvement in the cooperative fatty acid production are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the metabolite differences and metabolic pathways involved in the mycelium of Grifola frondosa during various culture periods, this study employed HPLC-MS/MS analysis to thoroughly investigate the mycelium cultured for 10, 20, 30 d. The results were as follows:(1)We identified a total of 584 metabolites belonging to 42 different categories. Notably, among these metabolites, 159, 47, and 165 metabolites exhibited distinct accumulation patterns in the control comparison groups of 10 d vs 20 d, 20 d vs 30 d, and 10 d vs 30 d, respectively. This significant variation in metabolite composition across different culture periods suggested that the metabolic activities of the mycelium were dynamically changing as it grew. (2)During the early stage of culturing(10 d), the mycelium produced a higher concentration of metabolites related to promoting its growth and oxidative energy supply. As the culture progressed to 20 d, the mycelium began to produce or accumulate various secondary metabolites that were beneficial to humans. These included compounds like oleuropein, glycyrrhetic acid, N-methyltyramine, and alprazolam, which were known for their biological activities and potential in health benefits. As the culture progressed to 30 d, the mycelium contained multiple compounds were associated with aroma production. (3)To further understand the underlying metabolic processes, we conducted KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis. This analysis revealed that the comparison groups of 10 d vs 20 d, 20 d vs 30 d, and 10 d vs 30 d were enriched in 163, 81, and 137 metabolic pathways, respectively. Among these, amino acid metabolism emerged as the most significantly influenced pathway in different culture periods, and this finding underscored the importance of amino acid metabolism in driving the metabolic activities of the mycelium during its growth cycle. In conclusion, this study initially explores the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways of the mycelium of G. frondosa, and finds that there are significant differences in the metabolites of the mycelium of G. frondosa in different culture periods, and that the contents of some components in the mycelium is related to the culture time, which has a certain reference value for the quality control and mechanism research of the mycelium of G. frondosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The present paper aimed to improve the efficiency of mycorrhizal synthesis between Lactarius deliciosus-Pinus spp. and to screen potential mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB) from the soil at the stipe base of Lactarius sp.. [Method] Bacterial strains were isolated from the soil at the stipe base of Lactarius sp.. Extracellular metabolites of the purified bacteria were obtained from the centrifuged liquid culture. L. deliciosus was inoculated on the PDA with different concentrations of extracellular metabolites and the ordinary PDA. The diameter and density of the mycelium after 30 days of inoculation at 25 °C were detected. Additionally, the potential MHB was identified based on morphological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequences. [Result] Three strains, L1, 12 and 13, were proved to be potential MΗΒ. When extracellular metabolites of L1, L2 and 13 were added at 2.5%, they could promote the mycelium growth significantly (the colony diameter increased by 33.6%, 55.6% and 75.4%, respectively). When the extracellular metabolites of three strains were mixed in different combinations, at a mixture addition of 5.0%, the combinations L1-13 and L1-12-13 increased the mycelial diameter by 36.9% and 42. 5%, respectively. The extracellular metabolites of 13 increased the mycelium density of L. deliciosus when it was added at 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%, and the best effect was observed at 7.5%. The combinations of L1-13 and L1-12-13 also improved the mycelium density. Based on morphological characteristic and analysis of 16S rDNA gene sequences, L1, L2 and L3 were identified as Bacillus altitudinsis, B. cereus and B. zanthoxyli, respectively. [Conclusion] B. altitudinsis, B. cereus and B. zanthoxyli are proved to be potential mycorrhizal helper bacteria, and the best potential MHB is B. zanthoxyli in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The study aimed to identify the species of the pathogen of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith, screen out suitable fungicides, and provide theoretical basis for the identification and field prevention of the pathogen of K. coccinea. [Method] The pathogen of K. coccinea leaves collected from Yunfu, Guangdong province were isolated by tissue block separation method, which was determined based on Koch's postulates and was identified by morphology and molecular biology. The mycelial growth rate method was used for biological testing, as well as indoor toxicity of different fungicides to K. coccinea. [Result] By isolating and purifying the diseased leaves, a total of 6 strains were obtained. And representative strain Al was selected for morphological identification and ITS sequence analysis. The pathogen of K. coccinea was identified as Colletotrichum sp.. Through biological testing of strain Al, it was determined that the most suitable growth medium was PDA medium, the most suitable temperature for mycelial growth was 28 °C, the lethal temperature was 53 °C for 10 minutes, the optimal pH for mycelium growth was 6.0, the optimal lighting conditions were continuous darkness, the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources for this mycelium were maltose and yeast powder. Among the four tested fungicides of thiram, bromoxynil, carbendazim and azoxystrobin, carbendazim had the best inhibitory effect, with an EC50 value of 0. 14 µg/mL.. Followed by thiram and bromoxynil, with EC50 values of 55. 26 and 55.32 µg/ml., respectively, indicating that they had better inhibitory that effect. The EC50 value of azoxystrobin was 791.95 µg/mL, with a range of 100-1000 µg/mL., and the antibacterial effect was not significant. [Conclusion] The results show that Colletotrichum sp. is the pathogen of Kadsura coccinea collected from Yunfu, Guangdong province. Carbendazim, thiram and bromoxynil could be used as candidate field control agents for the pathogen of K. coccinea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the genetic diversity of 30 isolates of the pathogen Phomopsis helianthi was studied using the mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) method. Mycelial compatibility tests were carried out on two media - PDA + 80 µl/L and PSA +80 µl/L, with added colorant (Christmas red - Sly Commerce OOD) and without added colorant. The use of PDA medium was found to be inadvisable due to the indistinct dividing line (groove) in isolates having an incompatible phenotypic response. Based on the tests done, 416 combinations were carried out and the four types of reaction were observed- NC-N - incompatible with necrosis, NC-Gincompatible, mycelium do not approach with a pronounced distance between them, NC-DL- both lines (black) are spaced, C-compatible. Their percentage ratio is presented. Isolates are grouped into 20 MCGs, with two of the groups containing only one isolate due to their incompatibility. The remaining isolates were found to occur in more than one MCG. The isolates originating from the region of Ruse were marked with the greatest genetic diversity, and the isolates from the area of Karnobat with the least. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that causes considerable economic losses in commercial crops. Fungi of the genus Botrytis exhibit great morphological and genetic variability, ranging from non-sporogenic and non-infective isolates to highly virulent sporogenic ones. There is growing interest in the different isolates in terms of their methodological applications aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the biology of these fungal species for more efficient control of the infections they cause. This article describes an improvement in the protoplast production protocol from non-sporogenic isolates, resulting in viable protoplasts with regenerating capacity. The method improvements consist of a two-day incubation period with mycelium plugs and orbital shaking. Special mention is made of our preference for the VinoTaste Pro enzyme in the KC buffer as a replacement for Glucanex, as it enhances the efficacy of protoplast isolation in B459 and B371 isolates. The methodology described here has proven to be very useful for biotechnological applications such as genetic transformations mediated by the CRISPR/Cas9 tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Automatisierungstechnik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Organic polymer‐based composite materials with favorable mechanical performance and functionalities are keystones to various modern industries; however, the environmental pollution stemming from their processing poses a great challenge. In this study, by finding an autonomous phase separating ability of fungal mycelium, a new material fabrication approach is introduced that leverages such biological metabolism‐driven, mycelial growth‐induced phase separation to bypass high‐energy cost and labor‐intensive synthetic methods. The resulting self‐regenerative composites, featuring an entangled network structure of mycelium and assembled organic polymers, exhibit remarkable self‐healing properties, being capable of reversing complete separation and restoring ≈90% of the original strength. These composites further show exceptional mechanical strength, with a high specific strength of 8.15 MPa g.cm−3, and low water absorption properties (≈33% after 15 days of immersion). This approach spearheads the development of state‐of‐the‐art living composites, which directly utilize bioactive materials to "self‐grow" into materials endowed with exceptional mechanical and functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Phenylethanol (2-PE) is an aromatic compound with a rose-like fragrance that is widely used in food and other industries. Yeasts have been implicated in the biosynthesis of 2-PE; however, few studies have reported the involvement of filamentous fungi. In this study, 2-PE was detected in Annulohypoxylon stygium mycelia grown in both potato dextrose broth (PDB) and sawdust medium. Among the 27 A. stygium strains investigated in this study, the strain "Jinjiling" (strain S20) showed the highest production of 2-PE. Under optimal culture conditions, the concentration of 2-PE was 2.33 g/L. Each of the key genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae shikimate and Ehrlich pathways was found to have homologous genes in A. stygium. Upon the addition of L-phenylalanine to the medium, there was an upregulation of all key genes in the Ehrlich pathway of A. stygium, which was consistent with that of S. cerevisiae. A. stygium as an associated fungus provides nutrition for the growth of Tremella fuciformis and most spent composts of T. fuciformis contain pure A. stygium mycelium. Our study on the high-efficiency biosynthesis of 2-PE in A. stygium offers a sustainable solution by utilizing the spent compost of T. fuciformis and provides an alternative option for the production of natural 2-PE. Key points: • Annulohypoxylon stygium can produce high concentration of 2-phenylethanol. • The pathways of 2-PE biosynthesis in Annulohypoxylon stygium were analyzed. • Spent compost of Tremella fuciformis is a potential source for 2-phenylethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sanghuangprous vaninii is a medicinal macrofungus cultivated extensively in China. Both the mycelia and fruiting bodies of S. vaninii have remarkable therapeutic properties, but it remains unclear whether the mycelia may serve as a substitute for the fruiting bodies. Furthermore, S. vaninii is a perennial fungus with therapeutic components that vary significantly depending on the growing year of the fruiting bodies. Hence, it is critical to select an appropriate harvest stage for S. vaninii fruiting bodies for a specific purpose. With the aid of Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS) was used to preliminarily determine 81 key active metabolites and 157 active pharmaceutical metabolites in S. vaninii responsible for resistance to the six major diseases. To evaluate the substitutability of the mycelia and fruiting bodies of S. vaninii and to select an appropriate harvest stage for the fruiting bodies of S. vaninii, we analyzed the metabolite differences, especially active metabolite differences, among the mycelia and fruiting bodies during three different harvest stages (1-year-old, 2-year-old, and 3-year-old). Moreover, we also determined the most prominent and crucial metabolites in each sample of S. vaninii. These results suggested that the mycelia show promise as a substitute for the fruiting bodies of S. vaninii and that extending the growth year does not necessarily lead to higher accumulation levels of active metabolites in the S. vaninii fruiting bodies. This study provided a theoretical basis for developing and using S. vaninii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I discuss the interplay between the formal and informal mobility rules regulating migration, asylum, and reception regimes in Italy. Engaging with the blurred grounds generated by mobility rules in practice, I argue that the (ir)regular functioning of bureaucracies of asylum and its gray zones created systemic injustice, while also accidentally fostering what I call a "relational mycelium" and support networks between the migrant and non-migrant population. The contribution dialogues with my former experience as reception worker and later as researcher with that of a group of Gambian asylum seekers to understand how subjectivities, goals, hopes, and desires were invested and reshaped through the asylum system, and by the relational networks developed in reception facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kiwifruit, which is known for its unique flavour and high value, is extensively cultivated in the world, especially in China. In 2022, a unique case of leaf spot disease was discovered in Xifeng, Guizhou Province, China, with symptoms deviating from those reported in previous studies. We isolated the pathogenic fungal strain YYK-A and YYK-F using the tissue isolation method and verified them using Koch's postulates. The colony appeared white during early growth and gradually turned black at later stages. The conidia exhibited 3–8 transverse septa, 0–2 longitudinal septa and measured 10.0–53.0 × 5.0–13 µm in size. The strain was identified as Alternaria longipes, which was supported by phylogenetic analyses based on multigene sequences. The inhibitory activity of five fungicidal active substances against A. longipes was investigated using the mycelium growth method to formulate an effective disease management strategy. Honokiol displayed the highest inhibitory activity against A. longipes with an EC50 of 9.57 mg L−1. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. longipes causing kiwifruit leaf spot in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms in the rhizosphere, particularly arbuscular mycorrhiza, have a broad symbiotic relationship with their host plants. One of the major fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of Peucedanum praeruptorum is Penicillium restrictum. The relationship between the metabolites of P. restrictum and the root exudates of P. praeruptorum is being investigated. The accumulation of metabolites in the mycelium and fermentation broth of P. restrictum was analysed over different fermentation periods. Non‐targeted metabolomics was used to compare the differences in intracellular and extracellular metabolites over six periods. There were significant differences in the content and types of mycelial metabolites during the incubation. Marmesin, an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of coumarins, was found in the highest amount on the fourth day of incubation. The differential metabolites were screened to obtain 799 intracellular and 468 extracellular differential metabolites. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the highly enriched extracellular metabolic pathways were alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. In addition, the enrichment analysis associated with intracellular and extracellular ATP‐binding cassette transporter proteins revealed that some ATP‐binding cassette transporters may be involved in the transportation of certain amino acids and carbohydrates. Our results provide some theoretical basis for the regulatory mechanisms between the rhizosphere and the host plant and pave the way for the heterologous production of furanocoumarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuber magnatum is the most expensive truffle, but its large‐scale cultivation is still a challenge compared to other valuable Tuber species. T. magnatum mycelium has never been grown profitably until now, which has led to difficulties to studying it in vitro. This study describes beneficial interactions between T. magnatum mycelium and never before described bradyrhizobia, which allows the in vitro growth of T. magnatum mycelium. Three T. magnatum strains were co‐isolated on modified Woody Plant Medium (mWPM) with aerobic bacteria and characterised through microscopic observations. The difficulties of growing alone both partners, bacteria and T. magnatum mycelium, on mWPM demonstrated the reciprocal dependency. Three bacterial isolates for each T. magnatum strain were obtained and molecularly characterised by sequencing the 16S rRNA, glnII, recA and nifH genes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all nine bacterial strains were distributed among five subclades included in a new monophyletic lineage belonging to the Bradyrhizobium genus within the Bradyrhizobium jicamae supergroup. The nifH genes were detected in all bacterial isolates, suggesting nitrogen‐fixing capacities. This is the first report of consistent T. magnatum mycelium growth in vitro conditions. It has important implications for the development of new technologies in white truffle cultivation and for further studies on T. magnatum biology and genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predominant use of synthetic materials, such as fiberglass and polymeric foams, for thermal and acoustic insulation in the construction sector contributes to the recalcitrant waste accumulation in the environment and is not economically sustainable in the long term. This is because they are developed with linear economy standards, they are neither reusable nor recyclable, and, at their end of lifecycle, they are not compostable, with a great amount of them finishing in landfills. This work is focused on the development of natural, self‐growing mycelium‐biocomposites as sustainable alternatives to these conventional synthetic materials. Specifically, fungal mycelium derived from the nonpathogenic fungal strain Pleurotus ostreatus is fed by coffee silverskin flakes, a lignocellulosic agrowaste from roasted coffee seeds, forming 3D biocomposites. The physicochemical properties of the obtained composite are thoroughly investigated, with a final focus on their thermal and acoustic insulation properties. As proved, the natural agrowaste‐mycelium composites possess high porosity and thus low density, good thermal properties, and satisfactory sound absorption capability. Such properties combined with the minimal energetic requirements for their growth and their fully compostable end‐of‐life nature make them valuable alternatives for thermal and acoustic insulation in building construction, among other applications, promoting environmental and economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of different essential oils against the in vitro growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500 ppm) of each essential oil, including thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris L.), cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), juniper oil (Juniperus horizontalis L.), neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), lemon grass oil (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf), peppermint oil (Mentha piperita L.), and an unamended control medium. This setup aimed to evaluate their efficacy against the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii. The data were analyzed using R software in R-Studio, and means were compared using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% level of significance. Mycelium growth data were recorded at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours of incubation. All tested essential oils significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen compared to the control (p<0.05). After 72 hours, thyme oil at all concentrations and lemongrass oil at 1500 ppm both achieved 100% growth inhibition. In contrast, neem oil at 500 and 1000 ppm showed the lowest inhibitory effects, with rates of 27.56% and 34.62%, respectively. Lemongrass oil at 500 ppm (75.39%) showed statistical similarity to cinnamon oil at 1000 ppm (79.12%). Peppermint oil at 1500 ppm resulted in 82.73% inhibition, and cinnamon oil at 1000 ppm (75.73%) showed comparable results to peppermint oil at 1000 ppm. Thus, the study highlights the superior performance of thyme oil among the tested essential oils. These effective essential oils can potentially be used at lower concentrations to minimize potential hazards. However, further research and field trials are essential to validate these findings for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stalk rot disease is a major constraint in maize production and till date reported to be caused by two to three species of phytopathogenic fungi but, in our present study, we disclose the first report of stalk rot is caused by complex species of phytopathogens, which belongs to five different genera. Therefore, to substantiate these findings, a total of 105 diseased samples of maize were collected from 21 different locations in six different geographical locations of India from which 48 isolates were used for the research study. Morphological features such as pigmentation, colony color, type of mycelium and pattern of mycelium was examined using macro and microscopic methods. A total of 11 different spp. of pathogens belonging to the five different genera: Fusarium verticillioides (56.25%), F. equiseti (14.5%), F. andiyazi (6.25%), F. solani (2.08%), F. proliferatum (2.08%), F. incarnatum (2.08%), Lasidioplodia theobrame (6.25%), Exserohilum rostrtum (4.16%), Nigrospora spp. (4.16%). and Schizophyllum commune (2.08%) were identified by different housekeeping genes (ITS, TEF-1α, RPB2 and Actin). Fusarium verticillioides, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi were major pathogens involved in stalk rot. This is the first report on F. proliferatum, F. solani, F. incarnatum, Lasidioplodia theobrame, Exserohilum rostrtum, Nigrospora spp. and Schizophyllum commune causing stalk rot of maize and their distribution in the different states of India. Studies on population dynamics of PFSR will enhance the understanding of pathogen behavior, virulence, or its association with different pathogens across India, which will facilitate the development of resistant maize genotypes against the PFSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elucidate the influence of various culture medium components, including carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, suspension agents, and temperature, on the mycelial growth characteristics of Phallus dongsun. Employing single-factor experiments and response surface methodology within glass Petri dishes, the research identified that carrot powder, soybean powder, and ZnSO4 notably enhanced the proliferation of aerial mycelium, significantly augmenting the growth rate of P. dongsun mycelium. The resultant mycelium was observed to be dense, robust, and fluffy in texture. In particular, ZnSO4 markedly accelerated the mycelium growth rate. Furthermore, xanthan gum was found to effectively modulate the medium's viscosity, ensuring a stable suspension and facilitating nutrient equilibrium. The optimal cultivation temperature was determined to be 25°C, with mycelial growth ceasing below 5°C and mycelium perishing at temperatures exceeding 35°C. The optimal medium composition was established as follows: wheat starch 5 g/l, carrot powder 5 g/l, soybean powder 7.50 g/l, glucose 10 g/l, ZnSO4 0.71 g/l, NH4Cl 0.68 g/l, xanthan gum 0.5 g/l, and agar 20 g/l. Under these optimized conditions, the mycelium of P. dongsun exhibited a rapid growth rate (1.04 ± 0.14 mm/day), characterized by a thick, dense, and well-developed structure. This investigation provides a theoretical foundation for the conservation, strain selection, and breeding of P. dongsun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the fungal forays conducted in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh (India) several specimens of corticioid fungi were collected. Based on morphological characterization, these fungi have been identified as Aphanobasidium pseudotsugae, Cytidiella albida, C. nitidula, and Phlebia viridesalebrosum. These four species are new additions to the Indian mycobiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most important air pollutants, especially in urban areas. The efficiency of PM biofiltration by plants depends on the morphological features of the foliage. More PM is deposited on complex leaves, covered with thick wax layer, trichomes, epidermal glands, and convex venation. Very few literature reports suggest that also the presence of mycelium of nonparasitic and saprophytic fungi positively affects the accumulation of PM on the leaves. In this work, to our best knowledge, for the first time the effect of the mycelium of the parasitic powdery mildew on the efficiency of PM accumulation by urban greenery was studied. Uninfested and fungus-infested leaves of Acer negundo L., Malus domestica Borkh Quercus robur L., and Berberis vulgaris L. were harvested in July in the center of Warsaw city. The effect of powdery mildew infection on PM accumulation was species-specific. A higher amount of PM on leaves not infected with powdery mildew was found in M. domestica and Q. robur, while in A. negundo and B. vulgaris more PM was accumulated on leaves infected with fungus. All species (except A. negundo) accumulated more of the PM of 0.2–2.5-μm and 2.5–10-μm size fractions on leaves not infected with powdery mildew. One of the greatest consequences of the presence of powdery mildew mycelium on the foliage is most probably reduction of the direct involvement of waxes in PM accumulation and retention processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global population and rapid urbanization have led to high consumer demand for construction and other raw materials. Manufacturing of synthetic material usually generate a large amount of waste, resulting in significant environmental impact. Fungi are one of the key biological resources that can be used to develop a wide range of sustainable products including biodegradable materials with promising applications, with zero waste generation during the production process. Mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus can be shaped either into pure mycelium materials or composites. Mycelium can grow its network in lignocellulosic material, combining separate pieces into a solid material which results in Mycelium-Based Composites (MBCs). The attributes of MBCs are influenced by the fungal species, the growth substrate, and the processing conditions. Both pure mycelium materials and MBCs have remarkable advantages as versatile materials because they are porous, elastic, low-density, low-cost and eco-friendly materials with potential applications in various industries. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest developments MBCs considering the possibility of using mycelium for the material-driven design (MDD) approach, and the potential of genetic and biochemical modifications to enhance mycelium properties. We therefore encourage researchers in material science and fungal biotechnology to strengthen their collaborative efforts and address the current challenges in this innovative field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractExpanded polystyrene (EPS) is a polymer known for its remarkable resistance to degradation. Despite several studies conducted on polymer degradation, there is still limited information about the use of White Rot fungi (WRF) to degrade EPS. Our study aims to explore the potential of WRF, which are known to have several isozymes of laccase, a powerful oxidoreductases that potentially could aid in EPS biodegradation. We evaluated the results based on two parameters: (1) morphological damage observed through gravimetry and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and (2) physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of degraded EPS characterized using Universal Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (UATR-FTIR), Thermogravimetric (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GCMS). Our findings revealed that Phelinus noxius BRB 11 and Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73 were able to resist 10.000 ppm EPS and demonstrated growth rates of 1.86 and 1.22 cm/day, respectively, causing 16 and 1% EPS weight loss after 30 days of incubation. UATR-FTIR analysis showed significant changes in the transmittance value of treated EPS. Phelinus noxius BRB 11 exhibited the highest crystallinity and the lowest styrene percentage area compared to Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73. Based on all parameters in this study, our results suggest that Phelinus noxius BRB 11 has the best potential as a polymer degradation agent, particularly for EPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy (low‐vacuum SEM) is widely used for different applications, such as the investigation of noncoated specimen or the observation of biological materials, which are not stable to high vacuum. In this study, the combination of mineral building materials (concrete or clay plaster) with a biological composite (fungal mycelium composite) by using low‐vacuum SEM was investigated. Fungal biotechnology is increasingly gaining prominence in addressing the challenges of sustainability transformation. The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to the climate crises and, therefore, can highly profit from applications based on regenerative fungal materials. In this work, a fungal mycelium composite is used as alternative to conventional insulating materials like Styrofoam. However, to adapt bio‐based products to the construction industry, investigations, optimisations and adaptations to existing solutions are needed. This paper examines the compatibility between fungal mycelium materials with mineral‐based materials to demonstrate basic feasibility. For this purpose, fresh and hardened concrete specimens as well as clay plaster samples are combined with growing mycelium from the tinder fungus Fomes fomentarius. The contact zone between the mycelium composite and the mineral building materials is examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The combination of these materials proves to be feasible in general. The use of hardened concrete or clay with living mycelium composite appears to be the favoured variant, as the hyphae can grow into the surface of the building material and thus a layered structure with a stable connection is formed. In order to work with the combination of low‐density organic materials and higher‐density inorganic materials simultaneously, low‐vacuum SEM offers a suitable method to deliver results with reduced effort in preparation while maintaining high capture and magnification quality. Not only are image recordings possible with SE and BSE, but EDX measurements can also be carried out quickly without the influence of a coating. Depending on the signal used, as well as the magnification, image‐recording strategies must be adapted. Especially when using SE, an image‐integration method was used to reduce the build‐up of point charges from the electron beam, which damages the mycelial hyphae. Additionally using different signals during image capture is recommended to confirm acquired information, avoiding misinterpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]