Optimization of Mycelial Growth for Mycelial Mat Formation from Polyporales Fungi

Abstract

Fungal mycelium-based composites are an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products, as synthetic goods are a great threat to our natural ecosystem due to their non-biodegradability and toxicity. The aim of this study was to collect, characterize, and optimize polyporales fungal growth in order to form mycelial mat, which was a prerequisite for the development of mycelium-based bio-composites. Four fungi, namely Ganoderma sp., Trametes sp., Polyporus sp., and Hexagonia sp. were collected and their radial growth was observed on PDA, SDA, MEA, and YMPA media. Trametes sp. and Hexagonia sp. showed lower growth than Ganoderma sp. and Polyporus sp. Therefore, the mycelial growth of Ganoderma sp. and Polyporus sp. were optimized under different conditions such as culture media, pH, temperature, and substrates. The optimal temperature and pH for Ganoderma sp. and Polyporus sp. were found to be 25℃ to 30℃ and 6.0 to 8.0, respectively. Sawdust was found to be a more suitable substrate for mycelial mat formation than rice straw, rice husk, and sugarcane bagasse.