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Strongest untreated mycelium materials produced by Schizophyllum commune dikaryons

Summary

Scientists have developed a new method to produce exceptionally strong mushroom-based materials by using dikaryotic strains of Schizophyllum commune instead of monokaryotic strains. These new materials achieved record-breaking strength of 47 MPa, making them stronger than existing mycelium materials while maintaining flexibility. The enhanced strength comes from differences in cell wall composition and lower expression of a specific gene that normally affects material density. This breakthrough could lead to improved fungal-based alternatives for leather and textiles.

Background

Mycelium-derived materials have emerged as biodegradable biobased alternatives for applications like leather and textiles. Monokaryons of Schizophyllum commune are typically used for mycelium material production due to lack of fruiting bodies, but single gene mutations can negatively impact biomass and material properties. Dikaryons with two nuclei per hyphal compartment may offer greater phenotypic stability.

Objective

Compare biomass formation and mycelium material properties of four S. commune dikaryons with a standard monokaryon strain across three different growth media. Investigate the underlying mechanisms contributing to superior mechanical properties in dikaryon-derived materials.

Results

Dikaryons produced 2.5- to 10-fold higher ultimate tensile strength (19.55-47.29 MPa) compared to monokaryon (4.62-7.77 MPa), with strains 139 and 351 achieving record 47.29 and 47.16 MPa respectively. Dikaryons exhibited similar or higher Young’s modulus and elongation at break with lower or similar biomass. High strength correlated with elevated KOH-soluble cell wall components and reduced sc3 expression.

Conclusion

S. commune dikaryons offer phenotypically stable platforms producing significantly stronger, stiffer, and more ductile mycelium materials than monokaryons. The enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to high KOH-soluble cell wall components and reduced sc3 hydrophobin expression. These findings establish the strongest untreated mycelium materials reported to date.
  • Published in:World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41128988, DOI: 10.1007/s11274-025-04582-6
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