Fungal Species and Strains Selection

We investigate the role of phylogenetic factors of fungal species and strains in the process of mycelium material production. First, we review scientific literature on the impact of the phylogeny, hyphal growth, cell wall composition and degradation capacity of fungal species and strains. Then, a selection of fungal species and strains are assessed on an individual basis with different characterisation techniques to establish their suitability for composite manufacturing applications. The characterisation is done with surface colonisation measurements on different types of medium, enzymatic activity measurements, biomass quantification, Scanning Electron Microscopy of the hyphal structure, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of the degradation capacity and mechanical testing. The study provides an application-dependent screening of fungal species and strains.