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Strongest untreated mycelium materials produced by Schizophyllum commune dikaryons

Summary

Researchers found that mushroom mycelium grown from dikaryotic strains (with two nuclei) produces stronger, stiffer materials than traditional monokaryon strains used in mycelium-based products. These dikaryotic materials show tensile strength values comparable to some polymers, making them promising for creating sustainable alternatives to leather and textiles. The improved strength comes from differences in cell wall composition and lower expression of a hydrophobin gene, offering new possibilities for bio-based material development.

Background

Mycelium-derived materials are emerging as biobased, biodegradable alternatives for applications like leather and textiles. Monokaryons of Schizophyllum commune have been preferred for production due to uniform material properties, but are sensitive to genetic mutations. Dikaryons with two nuclei per hyphal compartment may offer greater phenotypic stability.

Objective

To compare biomass formation and mycelium material properties of four S. commune dikaryons with a commonly used monokaryon strain grown in three different media. The study aimed to evaluate whether dikaryons could produce superior mechanical properties while maintaining adequate biomass production.

Results

Dikaryons produced 2.5-10 fold higher tensile strength (σ up to 47.29 MPa), similar or higher stiffness (E up to 2.06 GPa), and similar or higher ductility (ε up to 7.92%) compared to monokaryon, with equal or lower biomass. Strains 139 and 351 produced the strongest untreated mycelium materials reported, with high KOH-soluble cell wall components and low sc3 expression.

Conclusion

S. commune dikaryons produce phenotypically stable materials with superior mechanical properties compared to monokaryons, with strength values exceeding previously reported untreated mycelium materials. The enhanced properties correlate with increased KOH-soluble cell wall components and reduced hydrophobin gene expression, providing a promising platform for mycelium-based material production.
  • Published in:World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11274-025-04582-6, PMID: 41128988
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