Tsvetomila mycology research

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent ]

Recycling: Mycology, Materials Science and Architecture

Context Essay Word Count: 2350

Abstract

My Interdisciplinary project is based on the development of a fungal building material, which would be produced from natural renewable resources and building site waste.

To achieve this I have studied various patents and production methods by Eben Bayer and Gavin Mclntyre at Ecovative (including tests of their samples), and artist Phil Ross' Mycotecture Project. In addition I have conducted various experiments to determine a manufacturing process and test different growth methods. As a brief overwiev, the material is made from woodchips, placed in a mold, and left for mycelium to grow from until colonisation binds the woodchips and the material has a white spongy surface. The material is then dehydrated until moisture content falls bellow 30% and treated with beeswax. The future of this project would be a series of tests and experiments with one aim: to propose a new material with low environemntal impact, which in its manufacture process would recycle buildings site waste. Crucial for this material would be the choice of substrate and fungal species. I am currently researching straw-bale and hemp as cellulose subtsrates alternative to woodchips, and the types Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Stropharia rugosa-annulata, Hipsigus ulmaria.

Acknowladgements I would like to express my gratitude to Tobias van der Haar from the School of Bioscience, University of Kent, and to artist Phil Ross for their cooperation and guidance outside of Kent School of Architecture.

Contents

lntroduction .......................... .. ...... .. ............... 2 Appendix3 .............................................. 11 Essence of Mycelium .................................... 2 Appendix4 ........................... ................ ... 12 Ecovative lnsulation ..................................... 2 Appendix5 .............................................. 13 Phil Ross Bricks ...... .. .. ...... ... ... ... ........... ... ...... ... 3 Appendix6 ........................... ................ ... 14 Experiments and Prposal. ........................... .4 Appendix7 ........................... ................... 15 Endnotes ........................................................ 6 Appendix8 ........................... ................... 18 Bibliography .................................................. 6 Appendix9 ........................... ................... 20 lmages ........................................................... 7 Appendix1 0 ......................... ................... 31 Videos of Experiments ................................. .7 Appendix11 ......................... .................. 35 Appendices ....................... ............................ 7 Appendix12 ......................... ................... 53

Appendix1 .......................... .............. 7 Appendix13. Glossary ..... ...................... 56 Appendix2 .......................... .............. 7 Notes .................................................................... 57

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent , .. , Introduction

The world can be perceived as a series of connections on all levels and scales: from the relations between celestial bodies to the forces that make electrons orbit a proton in an atom.(l) There are numerous interdependencies in our own planet which maintain a delicate equilibrium in nature and ensure life can flourish as majestically as it does. Out of all the organisms there is a specific type, whose sole purpose is precisely to establish connections and spread nutrients, thus infusing soil with the power to sustain all the magnificent flora and fauna. This highly complicated ubiquitous web is called mycelium, in essence a mass of fungal spores(2) . The aim of my project is to propose a scheme which would utilize the properties of mycelium as nature's recycling and life-spreading entity to transform construction and demolition site waste into a natural building material. This would allow for existing and future buildings to be converted from threats to the natural world, to an integral part of it. To demonstrate my ideas I will produce mycelium prototype materials in different forms, analyse their properties and discuss commercial applications of their manufacture process. As support I will use data gathered during a lengthy research stage, which I will outline in this essay, arranged according to author and relevance of the separate ideas to my proposal.

Essence of Mycelium

Fungi are believed to be our closest ancestor in terms of evolutions, with the branches of kingdoms Fungi and Animals dividing about 650 million years ago (3) . According to scientific assumptions, they have survived the first major catastrophe of 250 million years ago (between the Permian and Triassic periods}, as well as the second 65 million years after, which marked the extinction of dinosaurs.(4) From the mists of natural disaster and mass extinction, these creatures weaved their way through the decaying matter and eventually formed the vast network of incomprehensive to us complexity which allowed for plants to evolve, feeding off the nutrients the mycelium transferred throughout the Earth's core as it grew. What is so different about mycelium is that it reacts with other materials on a molecular levei(S), therefore it doesn't evolve 'on' rocks, or 'on' trees, but through them, piercing their cells with its fine web of amazing density of 8 miles/ cubic inch(6) . One man who understands and is truly fascinated by this living organism is Paul Stamets, the leading mycologist of today and author of Mycelium Running(2005} . In his book he suggests various ways that mushrooms can 'help save the world' . Although perhaps too optimistic, the statements he makes are argued with data from experiments conducted during a life solely devoted to fungi. According to his knowledge and research, mushroom species can be used in almost any aspect of life, but those that grabbed my attention were their abilities to restore wildlife habitats, clear toxic waste sites, intentionally destroy timber structures, and destroy munitions in old mine fields . Please refer to Appendix12 for a study of relevant fungal properties, species and growing

conditions. In addition to Fungi's omnipresence, immense diversity5, ability to survive in the most harsh of conditions these intriguing uses inspired me to construct a way to turn difficultly degradable and recyclable, highly C02 embodied building materials of today into a new, fungal-based natural one.A fascinating project with a similar emphasis on fungi's natural capacities to degrade matter, only in this instance organic, is the Infinity Burial Project by Jae Rhim Lee, started in 2009. it 's concept of decomposture, can be summarised in the immortal quote:

... when we die our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass, and so we are all connected In the great circle of life . Mufasa. The Lion King. ( 1994} .

Another intriguing, much more architectual project is the Lichen Concrete Deeveloped in Barcelona by Sandra Manso for a Doctorat's thesis. This patent utilises lichen's ability to grow on concrete and thus creates a structural concrete green-wall of three layers, designed for Mediteranian climate .

Image 1. Lichen Concrete Visualisation

Ecovative Insulation

A more practical entreprise which focuses on new fungal materials is Ecovative developed in the United States by the young scientists Eben Bayer and Gavin Mclntyre. Their initiative is highly commercial-orientated in providing the public with a large variety of sustainable mycelium-fibre products. All of the research and development to achieve this are executed in a highly controlled laboratory environment, where humidity, temperature, purity of air /not contaminated with fungal spores/ can be regulated at ease. In the process, they make use of local raw biological waste to feed the bio-engineered mycelia and to produce packaging, automobile foam replacement materials, and others shaped to unique consumer needs. From our correspondence

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent

(refer to Appendix 2) I was left with the impression that they are highly protective of their progress, with a great emphasis put on the profit side of the enterprise, something which is of course natural to any business enterprise. The developed dehydrated mycelium insulating materials do indeed praise great qualities such as fireresistance without added chemicals, improved energy dissipation, a closed loop-life cycle due to being 100% biodegradable, 'very good' acoustic performance(?), all of which focal for efficient, sustainable insulation. Various tests were performed with samples of the Ecovative product, the results of which proved to fall within the later obtained via e-mail Material Properties Data Sheet (refer to Appendix 3). A full analysis with sample experiments can be found in Appendix 5, as well as in images 7-10. Curiously, there have been none publications regarding the Ecovative material in scientific journals, and the material has not been released on the market as a building insulator.(8) The reasons for this I suppose are health and s afetyregulations, rigorous testing for human allergic reactions, effect on indoor air quality, humidity protection to prevent rehydration, reaction of pets. A major drawback would be that all of the aforementioned focal points cannot be tested in the long-term without immensely delaying the product's release date. However, this is valid a statement for any new material in any material in history, a current example is the widely used fibreglass insulation, known to cause cancer and inhalation problems.(9)

Image 2. Ecovative SIP panel prototype

Albeit the Ecovative products are slightly mystified and 'greenified', the patents for these newly proposed products , and descriptions in Connexion (the world's largest innovative material database and collection), have given great insight into the technical, precise aspect of the manufacture process. Along with an understanding of the real-life production cycle, these have provided me with models, guidelines for my own scheme, new aspects that need to be considered, such as the provision of controlled environments and whether it can be avoided through a more natural, less bio-engineering aggressive way. This is due to the fact that the specialized scientific equipment rises questions of the true sustainability, such as C02 emissions released by the facility, the origin of the materials that comprise the machinery

themselves, etc. Another intriguing possibility is the development of structural elements that would praise the same qualities as the discussed insulation material.

Phil Ross Bricks Although Ecovative have proposed a patent-awaiting scheme for SIP panel construction, Phil Ross, a US-based artist, takes the concept of structural fungal building material much further in his Mycotecture project(lO). Having explored the possible application and engineering properties of mycelium as a furniture material(ll ), he has recently triumphantly grown and constructed a self-supporting arch. This is how Ross, P (2012)summarises the process in a Reasoning (12):

... These artworks were created by infusing live fungal cells into a pulverized cellulose based medium (sawdust). The cellulose serves as both food and framework for the organism to grow on, and in about a week this aggregate solidifies as a result of the fungi's natural tendency to join together smaller pieces of its tissue into a larger constituent whole.

This project uses Reishi fungus, Genoderma Lucidum, because of the wide availability of the species due to medical use, the fact that it is harmless to humans, it's relatively easy cultiva-

tion, and its properties as a tough yet lightweight material when dehydrated. Designed to be exhibited in a museum in Dusseldorf, Germany, the structure constitutes a 'tea house' made of over 400 mycelium bricks These are of standard brick size, grown into molds and then left to dry at higher temperature. The whole process, which can be observed in Appendix 7, spanned over a period of three weeks(14). According to his report, the fungal bricks performed poorly under linear forces (snapped)(15), but showed great dynam-ic resistance when struck with a blunt force. The

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent , .. ,

Image 4. Phil Ross: Mycelium Arch in Dusseldorf. 2009

structure of the bricks he describes as sponge-like, with density increasing towards the periphery of the prisms . Because of this, they are also very difficult to shape and cut once dry, destroying files and saws. (16)

What I found fascinating when compared to the previous examples, was the DIY aspect of Phil's work1 The facilities required for the arch were no more than two separate rooms for growing and dehydrating. This success, along with the short production time and reported properties, allowed me to consider less-specialised experiments conducted in an environment similar to that on construction sites. However, in restrospection , two very important elements were not considered in my analysis of this method- the importance of the timber types and ratios in the cellulose substrate (with which Phil has been experimenting since 1990s), and the autoclave, or sterilisation process prior to inoculation, or in other words, the entire preparation stage.

ExpBrimBnts and Proposal

The consequences of this unawareness can be very clearly observed in the results of my own growth attempts. (Appendices 8-11) To summarise, the first one, aiming to demonstrate that fungus can be grown in everyday conditions and also observe the growth process, got colonised by the common household mold in 7 days, with a grim outcome. The second experiment was conducted in the school of Bioscience to contamination, but the obtained conifer woodchips prevented it from growing the specific Genoderma Lucidum fungus. ( 17) However, the rye grains proved to be a highly suitable medium, as the microscopic observations proved it was identical to the one growing from the cellulose-agar laboratoric nutrient mix. The complexity of the web structure, the fine white net, was truly conceived only when observed single-handedly, when all the microscopic hyphae( 18)were distinguished. The fundamentals of materials science When the material was observed at 8.0+ magnitude settings each sight change in the focus settings would reveal a new layer of connections.When these extremely strong living links were compared to the dehydrated sample,

Image 5. Phil Ross sample brick

the resemblance was lead me to conclude that th insulation/building material would benefit from their binding properties, just as living mycelia. The specifics of the material would therefore depend on the substrate materials, and the density to which the mycelia are left to colonise the mixture. Therefore if the substrate is constituted from easily bended elements, such as replacing woodchips with branches let's say, the fungal material would have a greater bending moment that the woodchip sample. Analogically, thermal mass properties, for example those of concrete, would aslo be transmitted onto the dehydrated fungal building material. This would allow for specific-need varieties to be produced for different use in buildings- weather it would be fire resistance, insulation, structure, decoration, sound absorption, exterior application, etc. However, the issue of sterile conditions and the emitted C02 emissions to achieve them, the sourcing, adequate storage and transportation of the different substrate ingredients still question the true sustainability of this natural material. As a possible solution, I propose that mycology is combined with straw-bale construction. Straw is a perfect medium for growing most of the fungal species, as described in detail by Stamets, Paul (2005) p.191, even in unsterilised, natural (full of thousands of enemys-spores) surroundings. The two fungal species naturally occuring in straw and utilised in straw-bale gardening, Stropharia rugosa-annulata and Hypsigus ulmaria, could be used for inoculation via spore injection, or granulated spores. If this method is developed for use in the manufacture process of the fungal material, it's C02 embodied emissions would decrease greatly, and more importantly, it would be made much more widely available. In addition, if pulverized concrete is added to the mixture, it may not need to be treated prior to being added to the substrate, and would be absorbed by the mycelia in a natural way. A fully developed production method, a range of material varieties, and hopefully an overall negative carbon footprint would be the ultimate outcomes of this project: a new material, consisting of countryside and urban waste material, binded by the power of nature . The two types of artificially created human habitats being reused, fully absorbed by a single living organism to form the foundations of a new way of building. Theoretically, an economic niche for such a material is already evident- the eco movement is an unavoidable, fundamental part of our everyday lives, and is of specific interest to


architects, politicians, lawyers around the world. In terms of details and moisture issues, further research is needed, but speculate straw-bale, and hempcrete construction methods could be applied, using plasterboard as a damp-proof layer. The problem of the growth cycle being reactivated,of the mycelia developing fruiting bodies and beginning to grow once put in a building would have to be thoroughly researched and resolved. At the moment the assumption is that if dehydrated to a level of less that 30% moisture, the hyphae become entirely inactive and the growth process cannot be triggered (Appendix 4).

Conclusion

To summarise, applying nature's 'own recycling system' to reuse the waste of our habitats, especially the problematic concrete buildings, I believe to be a prospect for the future. The first steps in the development of such a system have already been made, with products reaching the free market. The full potential of the material is still to be grasped, students around the world are already exploring it's possibilities in a creative scientific way.

Image 6. Author's presentation: structure

STRUCTURE MICRUSCALE ANALYSIS Tr.ese phOI~roplis lalten l'litl"l c LeikQID•~~'261 O..OJ.x.. micr~cope were lal:en to visuoire the cornpleK web microsfiiJcfure or lhe mycelium.

GROWTH PRDCESS

1, MYCELIUM llRANCHES FIIOM Sl GLE SPORE

The grow1h p!OCe!s i! slotllld from o singl& mycelium ~pcl(e. from wl'lich mycelium <JPreocb as a nel or web from lhe lips of the lirlgle bfronch. This is tile wov fvr~gol orGJ!Oni~m$ store l'l!Jirienl~ · coo~IJUclifllg vo~l microscopic nello transmit lhem through. Nlatute'sr cyclii'IQ syslem.

2. M'I"CEUUM WEB COLONISES MORE. TERRORY'

3. Fli:URING BODIES ARE FOR'MED FROM THE COMF"UCATED MYCEliUM WEB WHEN MATING STAGE !SREACHEO

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent .•. , Image 7. Author's presentation: Microscopic photographs of petri dish experiment containing 1 g Ganoderma Lucidum spores, 5 g concrete and laboratoric cellulose substrate. Unfortunately, this sample, despite sterilisation at 1 60 degrees celsium, was contaminated by Stachybotrys Chartarum. These images show the infected

fungus at zooms 1.6, 5.0, 15.0 using Leica 1 0446261 0.63x. What becomes clear from then is that the dark color of the contamination is due to the numerous fungal mold spores in dark color, awaiting to be released in the environment.

CONTAMINATION EXAMPLE When exposed to unsanitary conditions. the fungus is attacked and completely colonised by Stachybotrys Chortorvm. the common Block Mold

Image 8. Author's presentation : Microscopic photographs the sample obtained from Ecovative, taken at zooms 0.8, 3.2, 5.0 using Leica 10446261 0.63x. What becomes evident is the strycture of the material, the woodchips are clearly visible in the first image, the webs structure of the binding

mycelium becomes more clear in the second, and is the focus of the third image. Each fine string contains numerous cells aranged in a tight microscopic web, with hyphae at their ends. Hyphae are the cells that split to develop new strings of cells.

ECOVATIVE SAMPlES These vorietles are port of o ronge of materials developed to serve os insulation in bu~ding construction. SIP panels ore one of the possible application methods being developed.


Image 9. Author's presentation: Insulation properties, showing the density of the Ecovative sample and a comaprison to other natural insulation materials

INSULATION PROPERTIES The Ecovative material was calculated to hove a density of 176 kg/m cubic. which mckes it 5imilcr to rock wool, cork and hemp. The results comply with the Ecivatlve dolo.

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Image 10. Author 's presentation: Tests. These show a few of the teste I performed with a brief summary of the outcocomes.

3. PoS5ble slruclurol properties

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PROPERTIES TESTS The structural properties. of the samples under horizontal and vertical load, the possibility of u$ing o triangular grid, and the sound abosrtion ore other key properties with curious results.

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Eames. (1977}. Powers of Ten. mycelium(pl. mycelia}: the network or mass of discrete hyphae that forms the body (thallus} of a fungus. (Cammack,R. 2012.} University of California Berkley.(2012}. Biology Lecture 1 B: Fungi. 20:00 Stamets. (2005}. P .3 This is because instead of forming an outer layer we know as skin, or epidermis, fungi took another route in evolution to retain nu trients, forming a web structure. Alexopoulos. (1996}

Stamets. (2005}. Ecovative (2012} . Ecovative website/ applications http:/ 1 www.ecovativedesign .com/applications/ automotive/ Ecovative website/ building materials http:/ /www.ecovativedesign.com/ applications/building-products/ Yves. (2010}. Mycotecture. (2009}. Phi I Ross. http:/ /phil ross.org/projects/mycotecture/#projects/ mycotecture/ Workshop. (2009}. Phi I Ross. http:/ /philross. org/projects/mycotecture/ #20 12/1 0/01 I the-workshop-residence/ This document was obtained on November 30th 2012 via e-mai.

Ross, P. (20 12} Ross, P. (20 12} p .3 For a video demonstra tion please follow the links:

Ross, P. (20 12} p .3 This is partially due to the fact that he didn't have access to laboratories when he started off as a fungus enthusiast. Sterry, Paul. (2009} Hyoha, Hyohae: The individual fungal cells. Stamets, Paul (2005} p.306

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The Architect's Journal. (02.20 13} .Insulation.

All Accessed 06/03/2013 British Mycological Society

http:/ /www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/library I The Biotechnique of Phil Ross http:/ /philross.org/ Ecovative Design http:/ /www.ecovativedesign.

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http:/ /www.shroomology.com/fo rum/16-mushroom-growing-techniques/

Dove Edwards. FSMA Tower, London. http://www. dave-p-edwards.com/FSMA_page 1 .html

Bilting Mushroom Farm.Ashford. Kent. http:/ /www.mushroom-compost.co.uk/ how _to _grow _mushrooms.htm

Jae Rhim Lee.(2009}. The Infinity Burial Project. http:/ /infinityburialproject.com/

Tobias Revell. New Mumbai. http:/ /www.tobiasrev ell.com/New-Mumbai

Fantastic Fungi. Flickr Group. http:/ /www.flickr.com/ groups/fantas tic-fungi/pool/with/ 48207 42640/

Mushrooms and other Fungi. Flickr Group. http:/ /www.flickr.com/groups/fruit

bodies/ pool/with/ 48207 42640/ Material ConneXion. A global materials consultancy

and library of innovative and sustainable materials. www.MateriaiConneXion.com

Cammack, R. Atwood, T. Campbell, P. (2012}. Oxford dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biolo

gy. Search:'mycelium' 2nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. E-book http:/ /www.oxfordreference.com.chain.kent. ac.uk/view/1 0.1 093/acref/9780198529170.001.0001 I acref-9780198529170-e-13170?rskey=MAFOSJ&result=1 &q=mycelium

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Berkley. Visualizing the Future of Enviromental Design: Biomimicry in the Built World: Consulting Nature as Model, Measure, and Mentor. CED 50th Anniversary Series. http:/ /www.youtube. com/watch?v=yVHtAjQoWmg

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view _play _list? p=-XXv-cv A_iBiOpo 1 VZMOidEzZbMPkdze University of California Berkley.(2012) . Biology Lecture 1 B: Fungi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jit712a4pys David Attenborough . (2007) . BBC. The Private Life of Plants. Fingi Growth. http:/ /www.youtube.com/ watch?v=puDkLFcCZyl&feature=watch-vrec Charles and Ray Eames. ( 1977). Powers of Ten.

http:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfKBhvDjuyO Paul Stamets. (2008). Mushroom Lecture for Taste. http://www. youtube .corn/watch ?feature= player _embedded & v=oJwSmMPaxMk # ! Paul Stamets. (2008). 6 Ways Mushrooms Can Help Save the World . TED Talks.

http:/ /www.ted.com/talks/view/lang/en/ 1 id/258 Paul Stamets. (20 11). How Fungi can Boost the Human Immune System. TEDMED talks .

http:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXHDoROh2hA Eben Bayer. (20 1 0) . Are Mushrooms the New Plastic. TED talks.

http:/ /www.ted .com/talks/eben_bayer_are_ mushrooms_the_new_plastic.html Jae Rhim Lee. (20 11) . My Mushroom Burial Suit. TED talk.

http://www. ted .com/talks/jae_rhim_lee .html Tobias Revell. (2012). New Mumbai. http://vimeo. com/44168415 The Ecomist.(2012) . Material Connexion Li-brary. http:/ /www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/20 12/07 /library-new-materials? bclid=O&bctid=1730885096001 Discovery Channel . (2012). Future Tech. Material Connexion. http:/ /www.discovery.ca/ Article.aspx?aid=35017 Tamar Haspel . (2011 ). How to Grow Shiitake Mush-rooms at Home. http:/ /www.youtube.com/ watch?v=2369npAmY Jo Steven Maxwell. (2011) .Mepkin Abbey Mushroom Production by Cistercian Monks. http:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=2369npAmY Jo Terence McKenna. (unknown). Mushrooms from Outer Space http:/ /www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AIMPX5aGCu8&feature=player_embedded#! Disney MGM Studios. ( 1994). The Lion King . Directed by Allers, R. and Minkoff, R. 00:09 :35.

lmagBs lmagel. Science Daily. Accessed 05/03/2013

http:/ /images.sciencedaily.com/ 2012/12/12122008031 0-large.jpg

lmage2. Ecovative . Accessed 05/03/2013 http:/ /www.ecovativedesign.com/

lmage3. Mycotecture. Phil Ross. Accessed 05/03/2013 http:/ /philross .org/projects/ mycotecture/

lmage4. Mycotecture. Phil Ross. Accessed 05/03/2013 http:/ /philross .org/projects/ mycotecture/

ImageS. Author' presentation . 06/03/2013.

VidBos of ExpBrimBnts: Experiment 1 Growth: https:/ /www.youtube .com/watch?v=3GsCqT1 Ji 1 c Experiment 2 Split: https:/ /www.youtube .com/watch?v=gsSmSTl hge3s Experiment 3 Grid : https:/ /www. youtube .corn/watch ?v=j9VmFO-KU Xg Experiment 4 Flame: https:/ /www. youtube .corn/watch ?v=Z H h n BC 1Zj6o Experiment 5 Slow Burn : https:/ /www. youtube .corn/watch ?v=stU D4eDjs8o

AppBndicBs: Appenxl: Correspondence with Phil Ross

Hello Phil Ross!

I am an enthusiastic student at the University of Kent, Canterbury currently doing an Interdisciplinary module as part of my final year of BA (Hons) Architecture. The University of Kent is among the most renowned for it Architecture course in the United Kingdom, and has an extensive programme which focuses on sustainability. As a topic for my project 1 have chosen new sustainable materials and have become truly fascinated with your work on Mycotecture which merges Mycology with Architecture. As part of the process I would like to explore the possibilities this union has to offer, and test at first hand the material properties of fungi. A particu-lar aspect of my research would naturally be the properties of fungi that make them nature's own recycling system and how that may be applied in architecture and industry, which is extremely closely linked with your work.

Up to this point, I have found the online resources on Mycotecture very informative, but to continue my project I would require a more reliable and specific database. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts to find published scientific papers, talks, patents or other official documents regarding your work, such as laboratory research, results, etc., 1 could not find any material to assist my project. 1 would thus be extremely grateful if you could send me additional information, or sources where to find it, regarding the process of producing a practical building material : - Time requirements - Facilities - Type of fungi used -Specific data: density, strength, unsuccessful tests, numeric studies - Possible faults and how they are handled - How the current industry could adapt to the use of this material -Your personal views as an artist

Thank you in advance for the time taken to read this, your cooperation and support! I sincerely hope we can collaborate in this intriguing field to spread the knowledge among the new generation of designers!

Best Regards, Tsvetomila Duncheva

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent 1111111

Hello Phil Ross!

I am an enthusiastic student at the University of Kent, Canterbury currently doing an Interdisciplinary module as part of my final year of BA {Hons) Architecture . The University of Kent is among the most renowned for it Architecture course in the United Kingdom, and has an extensive programme which focuses on sustainability. As a topic for my project I have chosen new sustainable materials and have become truly fascinated with your work on Mycotecture which merges Mycology with Architecture . As part of the process I would like to explore the possibilities this union has to offer, and test at first hand the material properties of fungi . A particu-lar aspect of my research would naturally be the properties of fungi that make them nature's own recycling system and how that may be applied in architecture and industry, which is extremely closely linked with your work.

Up to this point, I have found the online resources on Mycotecture very informative, but to continue my project I would require a more reliable and specific database. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts to find published scientific papers, talks, patents or other official documents regarding your work, such as laboratory research, results, etc .. I could not find any material to assist my project. I would thus be extremely grateful if you could send me additional information, or sources where to find it, regarding the process of producing a practical building material : - Time requirements - Facilities - Type of fungi used -Specific data: density, strength, unsuccessful tests, numeric studies - Possible faults and how they are handled - How the current industry could adapt to the use of this material -Your personal views as an artist

Thank you in advance for the time taken to read this, your cooperation and support! I sincerely hope we can collaborate in this intriguing field to spread the knowledge among the new generation of designers!

Best Regards, Tsvetomila Duncheva BA{Hons) Architecture University of Kent Canterbury

Hello, Tsvetomila Duncheva,

Can you first tell me about the types of experience you have with growing fungal tissue, or other in-vitro technique and laboratory skills with applied behaviors directed from germ theory. If you do not it is not a problem, but I would first recommend learning to grow fungi to inform your research more deeply. This will lead to much better questions about the parameters of the material, which is metamorphic and plastic in its nature. If you do not have this experience I recommend reading Paul Stamet's My-

celium Running as a good introduction to different culturing techniques and concepts. If you do have experience in growing fungal tissue or other in-vitro technique or skills please let me know. You can find many patents on line if you look for mycelium as a search term. You can also read a recent interview, which gives some idea of my backround here: http:/ /glasstire.com/20 12/09 /08/the-future-is-fungalinterview-with-phil-ross/ And I have attached a brief description of the material and my process. Best, Phi I

Hello Phil,

Thank you ever so much for your informative reply! I was just beginning to doubt the entire chosen topic because of time restrictions and lack of scientific publications in journals on the topic, but now I have hope for this project again!

Regretably, I do not have any experience in the field of biology, so I will turn to Mycelium Running as a first point of reference . I am currently going through a general source to familiarize myself with the subject, The Fungi by Michael J Carlile.

Could I also ask you in terms of time, since the project I am working on only spans for another 3 months, what could I achieve in your opinion? Having in mind I am only inetersted in the bricks, and have gathered the information related to them available on your website . In the interview you so kidnly sent me you mentioned they could be grown even in just a week. Would that be provided I have ideal facilities? Being at university, I should have access to the Bioscience laboratories, however a room for my own research and fungi growth would be way too optimistic, so the project may need to be carried out in domestic/non-professional settings. Would you think this is a problematic issue? From your experience it sounds like it should be quite probable.

Also, I did not receive your attachment for some reason . Could you resend it, please? I am attaching a pdf with patents which came out under a search of your name, as MYCELIUM showed 4,000+results, and I have also looked at the patents of Ecovative, would you recommend them? In addition, would you have an explanation to the lack of publication in mycology-related journals, because that is one of the major gapin my research?

Apologies if I have bombarded you with insignificat random questions but the support I have managed to receive from the architecture and bioscience departments has been less than I first anticipated .

Thank you in advance! I truly appreciate your cooperation .

Best, Tsvetomila


Hello Tsvetomila,

Please find attached the document. Three months is not that much time, and I suggest you set aside the rest of your life for this if you are really interested. You will have to learn how things grow, which has a clock of its own in becoming. If you act as if this is the same as other material realities than you will miss the jewels along the way. Best, Phi I

Hi Phil,

Thank you very much for the reasoning, it has been of great help, as well as the Paul Stamets books you recommended! My project is well underway now, and I was wondering if you knew any of the specific propertis of your experiments, such as thermal conductivity, acoustic performance, behaviour under tension/compression, weight per cubic metre? Even if it is a an estimate, it will only be used to strengthen the project and back-up it up with numeric figures. If there would be any restrictions on the publicity of the information, not printing it on my final presentation for instance, I would follow them strictly!

I will send you my presentation as a pdf if you are interested to see it at the end of this project.

Best, Tsvetomila

Hi Tsvtomila,

I have not yet published my data, but most probably will be doing so in later May. Unfortunately, I can not share this as yet. However, I think you will find some interesting data sets of similar materials here:

https:/ /docs .google.com/a/usfca .edu/viewer?a=v&q=cache:43uWOZ57N30J:www.gsapp. org/ AAR/wp-content /uploads/20 1 0/05/Mayorai_091 O_GROWING-ARCHITECTURE-THROUGH-MYCELIUM-AND-AGRICULTURAL-WASTE. pdf+mycelium+based+furniture&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgi4BsF5WtVdthzscTef39VKhRojMv9CW F2hvsPOqTOJQvvQT jXa YT AHJAuOrSeQFnTAvH 1 XUJhiCAHo_LyollvrYcJ5-SK9bqGUNeBSS 1 XzAjUSFC5dsNoOXuhoh2vuwWLirw&sig=AHIEtbRxz3MDsuzwtdyATyAB-4nUz-KOKQ

And also : http:/ /issuu.com/mycofarmx/docs/mycofarmx

I would very much like to see your presentation when you are done.

Best,

Phi I

Appenx2: Correspondence with Ecovative

Hi Tsvetomila,

Many thanks for your interest and enthuasiasm. We 're excited to hear from students like yourself who support our work. Due to the proprietary nature of our technology and products, I'm unable to provide answers to your questions. I wish you the best of luck with your project.

Best, Stephen Nock EcovativeDesign.com

Dear Stephen,

I was very disappointed to hear that you could not provide me with additional information! However I was stubborn in my research and managed to find several patents by Eben Bayer and Gavin Mclntyre, which provided me with very useful information. As I am continuing my research, would it be possible to obtain samples of your products? They would be of great use to me for quality control while making experiments with Fungi at the University of Kent. Credit for them would of course be given to the Ecovative Team. Please let me know about delivery cost details and I will provide a posting address should you confirm you can send me sample material.

Thank you in advance!

Best, Tsvetomila Duncheva

Hi again Tsvetomila,

lt sounds like you've made great progress on your research; congratulations! We're happy to offer samples in our online webstore . You should be able to navigate the costs of delivery through the site: http:/ /www.ecovativedesign.com/store/

Let me know if you have further questions. We're anxious to hear the results of your work.

Stephen

Hi Stephen,

Thank you for the prompt reply! I will keep you informed on the progress of my project and send you some images once it starts to take more solid shape. I am looking forward to receiving my samples!

Best, Tsvetomila

Hi Stephen,

Thank you very much for the samples they have are great, everyone in the school is really fascinated by the material! My project is well underway now,


and I was wondering if you could give me data on the specific thermal conductivity properties, acoustic performance, behaviour under tension/ compression, weight per cubic metre? Even if it is

Thanks, Tsvetomila

Tsvetomila,

lfll11

a an estimate, it will only be used to strengthen the project and back-up it up with numeric figures . If there would be any restrictions on the publicity of the information, not printing it on my final presentation for instance, I would follow them strictly!

I can provide the attached information. Good luck with your presentation .

Appendix3: Ecovative Data Sheet

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Denalty

COmpressive !81rength (10%C)

Comprwsive modulus (1 O%C)

F1eXJUral strength

Rexural modululll

Flammability

Flr:e resistance

Tflermal eonduethtity

Mold ntaistanat

Water sorption

Alribome ao\111\d tranamiu•lon

Stephen

45- 200 kglm3

12-46kPa

0.25 - 11 .0 MPa

90 - 300 kF'a

1 - 4 . ~ MPa

Stable to 34QPC

Cl'ass 1 Firewall:

0..035- 0.06 WlmK

Pass

Class 1 V:apor :Retaroer, 0.04 US Pe-rm

7%

0-63-00 Hz

Pertormar~ce ranges due lo substrata S.'t'laction

Standard or Test

ASTMD695

ASTM0695

ASTMD693

ASTMD393

TGA1e.st

ASTM E1354

TPS

ASTM C1338

ASTM E96

ASTM 01134, partial immersjon

ASTM E10SO


Appendix4: Ecovative Patent Study

Process for creating de-hydrated mycelium pellets

®

Dehydrated Mycelium Compos it~ ' ' ~ ...... __ -_-_- _-_-__ .J_;

, _..;. _ __. ........ -- - _ .. __ . _,

. ~--------------------- - ---- ------- --- --

.---·-·· -~·----·--------~ I I I I

~~~~on~ ! @

ruses: "'spt~t~y app'lication "blow mto cavilie:> *gap filling material

.. erosion colllroll !:led

I

. I . I

' I I

' ' ............ ___________ , ' --· --------- - ~

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent 1[1111

Appendix5: Ecovative Material details. Obtained via Eduardo Mayoral Gonzalez from Columbia University.

Table 5.1. Energy Consumption and C02 emissons data from Ecovative Design.

Table 5.2. Greensulate characteristics from Ecovative Design .

~ EP6 OM~ 1 3 1 ~.>1'1't~ 71tr.o/fl:,:t J:l.Vt'J h.~ 3.5/in :Mn

flmnrfl<~hihtv Hrgll VOryLGw SU'er'Jqtll 33 psi 541!>:!!1 ~OOtpnnt l:liq ViSrySniall c~~ ~-<'l US[l,ift" 2·~ USQift"

Table 5.3. Greensulate chemical composition from the Researching Technology and Innovation Centre of Sevile.

element;5 10:.0 c:ao so" P, O, l:tJ 1.419 0_!:183 0 509 0 4 Uil

elemellCS SI(), MilD 0 AI,O, llll 0.39!1 [) ::16.') 0 2.l0 0090

lliiiTIII'ItS Fe o Na.o () iaO ill! o.oao 0,0~:7 lt009 0,004

Table 5.4- Table 5.6. Greensulate chemical composition from the Researching Technology and Innovation Centre of Sevile.

8!.:mu11t W111gh~(Jb AtDnl iL~~

c 5() 4? f.5 BSl 0 2/.BIJ 27.08

Nil 0-41 0. 2 8 - -Mg () 33 --~,

.AI 0.24 0.14 Sr 0. :04 0 . 30 [] () 5fi () :;Ill

K 2..1JQ U. EI1 ea () 31 () 12 Fa 17 0 3 ~ 79

Totals ·1()0.00

l:lertlllll[; Wr.:•gflt1cMI AtOJnu:,"''b r: 50 1-1 71 :'Ill 0 2<:;..21 2"3.22 AI o.n 0."12 R.i () p~ () 13

K U. 'itl U. 1U Ca 1.1 8 0 .4ll 1ii 13 .98 4.JO

rue;ab 100.00

P.ml!nl: vverr~ru:.., A.r.nmrr.«> r; CIB. H.l 6/. 1 2 n 3'1 Q3 3 0 16 Nu O.:J / 0. 341 Mp 0 3 6 () 21 Cl 0 .00 O. J4! K ~ . 1 7 1,83

T(ltals 100 00

Table 5.7. Greensulate chemical composition from the Researching Technology and Innovation Centre of Sevile.

Elm! miC Waghr.'ll Atorme'll c 28.0 4 48.8:3 0 11. 71 1:J.31 AI ;l4 91 1Q 31

SI 0 .44 0 .33 Cl 0 .19 0 .4'ti

I K 9.39 ~.02

I Cli 8.87 4 63 I ,, 2 74 1. 19

Fu 13. 13 4 .9'2 I Tr~~f!l 10000

~men& Wei!Jhtllb lls.o~

I c ?6 20 471 3 0 11 2 4 15 18

I AI ~3 ~2 19 15 I S• 03e 0~ I Cl 1.06 O. b~

K 11.67 6.4'!:> I ea 939 4 ::l-.J'! I Fa 17 13 863 i T~al~ 10000

Image 5.1 . Greensulate diffractogram from the Researching Technology and Innovation Centre of the University of Seville .

Image 5.2. Greensulate diffractogram from the Researching Technology and Innovation Centre of the University of Seville .

Append ix6: Phil Ross Reasoning

Phil Ross


Description of Pa.st Work With fungai .Materials

In the early 199o·s I began growing a :series of sculptural artworlks 111sing li ing flllngllls as

my primary casting ni1ateriaL These artworks were created by infusing live fung.a] cells

into a pulverized ·cellulose based medium (sawdust). The cellulose serves as both food

and framework fol!' rhe organism to grow on, and in about a week this aggregate solidifies

as a result of the fungi ' s natural tendency to join together smaller pieces of its tissue into

a larger constituent whole . Like cement and plaster> fimgal tissruewilllbind> solidify and

harden into any chosen form, and once dried out and processed becomes a l~ghnveight

and strong material. The same methods and techniques d1at created these artworks can

also be used to gener.ar.e any number of physical objects, and it ~swell suDted to creating a

ast and dli· erse range ofmarerial applicati.ons. The fo11owing text will desc:r1be a little

more about the bioloe.:ry behind this, as weH as the mot[vat[ons and history that have led to

this way of working with materials.

Characteristics of Mushroom Growth

Mushrooms are similar in some ways to animals in that they need to consume things that

were once .alive in order lO survive and grow. Animals digest d1e food they eat by moving

it through the insides of their bodies,. but fungi do things in re erse, growing an

'ntercmmected web of threadlike cells directly wifhin the food they are in the process of

djgesting. In this way it is possible for a single. microscopic fungal s.pore tto land on the

scratched surface otf a tree 's bark, and there gennit1ate insidious threadJike c.eJls that will

rligest the insDde of the tree wl1ile bidden from view. Over a course of time ranging frmlll a

few days to a few decades, an expanding web of interwoven fungal cells wi]l exude

strong enzymes into the wood or other materia[ it is living within, and dissolve the

molecular bonds that give structure to the plant's cell wa1ls. The fungus absorbs dissolved

nutrients taken from the wood. whicl1 it then uses to bui~d the large. chain-like molecules

caUed <chhin ' that compose its own cell waJls. Chit'n like celll!llose and keratin. are

naturally forming po~ymers that are found in the toughest organic tissues.


Traditional Mushroom Cultivation

Mushroom fanns prepare the food for mushrooms by pasteurizing comcobs sawdust and

many other types. of cellulose based agricultural waste that .have been packed into bags

and other vesse·ls . Once the vessels have cooled down after pasteurization they are

opened within a flowing stream of super dean air_ Little pieoes of fungal tissue are

poured intto the esse! and then mixed into the neutralized cel1ulose. These p~eces of

introduced t~ssue gmw and expand, consuming and transfom1ing tlle dead plant material

within the vesseJ into a cross~wo en matrix. of interconnected fungal cells. Much as one

s1ow1y feeds. flour to yeast that wi11 eventually expm1d and become bread dough, these

fungal b~obs can be grown by being fed pasteurized cellulose. After a molding and

forming process, the fmgus bricks are rendered biologica1ly inert through a kiln-drying

session.

Why This Partic~tlar Fungus?

The reishi fungus has long been valued in cultures around the pEanet~ both for its value as

a health tonic and also for the aesthetic aloe found in its distincti · e forms. ln addition to

these saHent fearures the n-eishi fungus can also be used to create objects that are hard

strong, and lightweight once thei e been drled out and are relatively easy to cultivate

·nto being. From my ongoing years ofex.perjments I have learned how to grow tough

structural forms from the ·fungus rh rough a manipulation of material densities and

environmental controls. Fungi are very :sensitive to their surroundings, and by altering

subtle factors it ~s possible to make the tissue express a range of physical characteristics_

While incredibly strong and durable the material can readily be broken down through

benign organic processes and incorporated back into the world.

Funga~. Material Qualities :and Description

For an exhibition in Dusseldorf. Germany in 2009 I giew a system of bricks out onhe

reishi fung,al material. which were assembled into a modest sized teahouse. The bricks

were grown on a sub:strate of oak sawdust. and were proc,essed in about thre-e weeks time.


The material structures of these lbr:icks resembled a spongy composite material with

roughly cross-grained parrides in the middle progressi ely becoming denser towards the

skin . The skin is r]g]d with a surface texture that varies from fluffy, cotton-like velvet, to

rubbery/fleshy leatlhe.r, to beetle-shell brittle aud shiny. The bricks behaved like cork and

felt a bit like a 6 ]b/ft"3 uretthane foam. Even with thi s, haping and cutting the br ick

destroy,ed our fi les rasps and saws. Through various eng!neer.ing tests l have ]earned tllat

these bricks wm crunch with a moderate linear forces , but if stmck wi~h a blunt force

their dynamic resistance is outsrtanding. The reason E chose to work with reishi is due in

part to it being one of tile most studied fungi on the planet, with a huge amount of

pubUsbed literature available on its life cycle and b~ology . It is considered to be a

·golden-herb' in Traditiona1 Chinese Medicine, a status reserved for candidates tllat are

the most benign. and also beneficial for human contact and consumption_ Rf'ishi has many

wild type relativ,es and cousins~ each with a diverse range of quaHties and characteristic ~

and many with tbe po~entia1 to lbe grown on Ag waste at room ~emperature using

standardized, offthe sheEfbiocon ersion equipment_

Current Research

This: project initially started from a desire to understand how environmentaJ conditio:u.s

influence the aesthetics of life fonns. It is now focused on the engineering and production

of an entire building assembly system that is made from fungus bas,ed materials and

components. Fungus can be propagated on waste products ~hat are readily available

almost e · erywhere on trhe planet, using slightly aLtered equipment and manufacturing

processes, and using a fraction of the energy of conventional mateda] production.

In the fall of2012 I wiEl be an AIR at The Workshop Residence here in San FJandsco,

where· [ wUI be growing a set of limited edition 'fu.miture cultivated and manufactured

almost ent~rely from loca] agricultura] waste and otlher organic ingredients. The furniture

wlll be a way of dermousurating the engineering and fabricatmon possibilities for more

complicated types ofmaueria] consuructions. Ihese fumiture pieces wiB use essential oils,

beeswax. sheElac and otfuer biodegradab1e ingredients, and wm incorporate structuraJ

.salvage wood elements.

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent 11:1111

Appendix7: Phil Ross Study of Mycelium Brick Arch

Image 7.1. Molds for the bricks are made.

Image 7.2. Genoderma Lucidum fungus is left to grow at room temperature of 21 degrees celsium on woodchip substrate.

Image 7.3. The plastic bags are placed in the molds to be shaped into brick while colonisation is still taking place.

Image 7.4. The Genoderma lucidum fungus is left in to solidify at 21 degrees celsium and moderate daylight for two weeks.

Image 7.5. The Genoderma lucidum fungus is moved to a growing room with moderate daylight at temperature 26 degrees celsium.

Image 7.6. Some of the bricks are taken out of the mold to check they have the correct shapes and dimensions.


Image 7.7. The checked bricks are placed in the maids again and the tops are cut out to allow the fungus to grow (the desired look of the bricks for this particular project).

Image 7.8. The bricks are then left to grow out in a high humidity environment (air humidifiers used) at 26 degrees celsium and moderate daylight for a week.

Image 7.9. The bricks dehydrated for a period of ten days using electric heaters, fan heaters and air dehumidifiers. Average room temperature 35 degrees celsium.

Image 7.1 0. The fully grown and dehydrated over 400 bricks are laid out in a museum in Duseldorf and a temporary arch timber frame is constructed.

Image 7.11. The bricks are assembled alongside the frame. Bamboo chop-sticks are used as binding pegs for increasing the shear strength of a tightly locked arch.

Image 7.12. The structure is exhibited. Note that all the files and instruments were destroyed by the bricks while shaping the details.

r---------~----~--------.


Appendix8: Experiment No.l Growth in Domestic Conditions

EXPERIMENT STARTED: 21101/2013

EXPERIMENT ENDED: 21/0'2/2013

MAii'ERIAL5 USED: 3X 300/2S0/1S. mm CARDBOARD MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE MED IUM

1X SOgr PINK OYSTER DRIED (iRAINS

1METHOO:

GOAL~

Ughtwergnt timber 20%

1X SOgl' GOLOEN OYSTER OR:IEO 6RAINS

produced by tJy Hr.Fotlhergrills, Ker-.Hord, Suffolk

MIX Of HA TERIALS~

Sgr Solid t imber /ne.!lldle~s mahn~tkks/

4gr Hehl and wire /~e.apnone ends/ 3gr Lightweight t iml:le!r 2gr Cloth

CloU; ~5%

Se~lid t imber 35%

t1etat 30%

1. The cardboard subs.tra te was divided into four parts.. each

llll e;a:s uring 150/125/15 mm for experiment .and observation purposes.. 2. The s.ubtrabl'! was inf used, toHowing the instructions provided,

with the f ungi spa.wn in 4 ba tches:

2.1. Pink Oyster. Pure .. 2.2. Pink Oyster. With 1/Z of Mix of Ma,terials on level '2 subs"trate 2J. Yullow Oyster. Pure.

2.4. Yellow Oyster. With 1/2 of Hix: of Ha~erials. on leve l 2

substrate

3. The batches 'Were hydlrated and sealed in pl.as tic: bags to grow at room temperature

Initial fungi growt·h 'il'il cont1r·olled coditions to understand the process. Test i f fungi grow whe-n di fferent materials are added to the

subsJrate. Obsetve the ma,teria! dlild att empt dehydra t ion method.

19 . Gotd~n Oy'Ster. Pure. hterier. Si•g11s r>f water iibsorbtion.

Slight ~ ign~ of growrh.

20. Golder1 Oyst·er. With mat erial-s. Elderior. Signs. ot wate:r abs.orbticm. He:~

signs of gnwtl'l.

21'. Golden Oy-s ter. With materials. rnterior. Clear signs of initial

c:o lonis.ation in tentre r>f substrate.

22. Gold~n Oys.hr. Wdl"l materiaLs. l i'i teri01r detail .

f\li(ely formed wetil of

mycelium takiniJ over th.e materialo;.

Theo four batches were rehydrated l<'itll 5(} ml wate•r each. rese.aled in n·ew rlean bags. labeled and [eft to gro·""' at ro01m t'llmpe-ra•hlrre f·or S. days.

OBSERVATION DAY 9 06102/2013:

Z3. Pink Oys.her. Pure. Exterior. Sil)ns. of water

absorbrlon.

24. Pi r.k Oyster. PIJre. Elevation. Cr>lonis.ation has bonded the three layers.

ZS. Pir~k Oys~er. With materials. Ex terior , Sings of dehydr<~tiron

and funga l coloraHon.

26. Pink Oyster. With materiats . Elev~t ·iol'l.


CONCLUSIONS ON GOLDEN OYSTER DEVELOPMENT. DAY 4. - Cardboard substrate: vis•tlly 11at colanis:ed by the mycelium. Sponge-like

structure. very similar to moist paper properties. - The Goldfn Oyster batches sha-wed much faster develaprnent than thf Pink

Oyster. I assign this fad ta the fungi type, because the conditions were the

s.ame for both species. - 8oth Golden Oyster llatchts showed dear signs of -stage 1 m~celium growth.

From the 'W1th materials.' it is dear that growth starts from the centre. spreading gradually to the periphery.

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent r14111

27. G·olden Oyster. Pure. Exte-rior. Signs, ·o.f dehydra;tiQI1. Cctorat irm s.pots. in green due to fu1ngal growth.

28. Golden Clyster. Pure. E>::hriOF. EI I!:Vi~hOn. The mycelium W'!!l:l is.

Splreding acrr~;~ss. tevels and ll~s. , olor~tiM.

29. G·olden Oyster. Witn materials. Exterilllr . Sign if d~hydrt:~~tion~. Slight

Coloration due to flJngal growth.

30. Gol dern Oyster . With ma~·eria ls. £:derior. Hev.a tion. The fungus has s:!)r ead <~gCJ.rEssi Y ely a~:ns s levels . The levels could not be s~parat~d .

:n Pink Oyster. Wit h materi~l $. lnh!:rior. The level~ «:ouldl be sep•aarated des.pite the f ungal gnrwth. The pi11k oys ter mycelium is dearly more a 'r>uff~bal l' type.

31. tiolden Oyster. With m-aterials .. lnterial". Tfle l aye-s ~·oudl not be separated. The mat·erials are chHtrly engulfed by th~ mycelium. This my~;;t.J lium resembles a net (!lr web.

CONClUSIONS ON PINK OYSTER DEVELOPMENT. DAY 9. - Cardlloard substrate: visibly slightly colonised D)l the mycelium. Sigras of

hardening on bottom layer. Otherwise spongy structure. - Signs of mycelium establishing connections between the cardboard Layers -he :s.ubstrate is being actively devoured..

- The m.ycelium seems to be deveiDping with equal paste in bot-h 'Pur e' and With materials' Dahhe~ . Positive . ~Weaker !Connections and less development than the Golden Oyster. Puff-ball

u11 i t e resemblance . As visible in the com arison bellow.

CONCLUSIONS ON GOLDEN OYSTER DEVELOPMENT. DAY 9.

- Card!Joard substrate: visibly slightly colonised !Jy tile mycelium edernally. Spongy structure. Could not be separated withou t destroying the cardbcard, -There are strong connections between the layers. External coloration in green is a sign of the cardboard being actively devoured. - The mycelium seems to be developing well in both batches, albeit the 'With materials' one is much more overgro111n. -Oufc:ker than the Pink Oyster. Web structure. As. visible in the ~;omparison

bellaw.

:n Pink Oyst~r . Pure.

With 2 pieces cut aut for dehydration h•sting. Very difficult tD cut.

34 . Gold'en Oys.hr. Pure. With 2 piece1 wt out for t.lehydrat ion te:sting. E~!!n morE! diffi.cult to

wt.

OBSERVATION DAY 14 11/0212013:

35. Pink Oyster. Pure. The smalt pieces meant for d!l'hy dr at ioll.

36. Gold~n Oyster. Pure. The small pi~ce5

rnea ll t for dehydration, Noh! the dark cl iS,CDioration.

31. Pink Oys·ter. Pute. The b l!'s t s.pedml!!n cl'losen for t l'le dehydr.ati(lin te~t .

38. GoLd!!!n Oyst!'!!r. Pure. The! bE!s.t s.pl!!ciml!!n chosen for tile de-t1ydration test. Inferior ilf'l qu!ity to the

Pin'k Oysh:r sjJedmelll.

39. Pink Oyster piec'e .after dehydr-altion for 10 hours at 9'0 C

4{k Golden Oyster piece after dehydra1tion ft~r

10 hours. at 90 L


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: - Booth 'Pur·e' batches were divided using a sharp knife into 3 pil!!cec: 2x:

6S/50t60 mm 1x 125/t()0/60rnm. The purpose was to have small spec:imens when

reaching 14 and 21 day$ of the e~j:leriment tt~ te$ t the dehydratiofl'l method • .._ This, howe'ier. proved to be rather unsucces$ful, as in both cases the smaller pieces were not nearly as (Olonised as the larger one As seen bellow. - All four batches were then carefully hydrated with SO ml water each. $Uied, labelled and put away ~o warmer conditions with the: intention to speed up ~he growth process. A green-hcuse effect. in ether words.

--------------~


<+ 1. Pi,l'lk Oyster. Pur e. Exterior . Note the discoloraliCII"lS :.pots . Oia:meter 1 ro 1 mm.

42. Pink Oysh~r- Pure. Interior, Majority of m:acelium is. whiite, however •here- are di:scol cro'[lticns in gre~rn.

yeltow and black .

43. Pink Oyste:r , PiJre,

ElevatiDn. [)is(DICiration in green a!ld l:l~adc Very week ccmnedions

behiO!en layerr; .

44. Pink Oyster. Pute. 1 nt erior d'et ail. Yello-w grain- l ike. green mold-like imperfe:cticms.

45. Pink: Oyster . With m111teri.als. Exterior.

46. Pink Oys.ter. With materials. E~~:terlor

de·tail <Of discoloration in greeo .and bl ack . Oiameter 1 to ~ mlfl for greeo, 3 to '12 mm for bla(k.

4 7. Pink Oyster. With materials. Elevation. Connection tletwee-n layers is dear~y vis'ible. ' Slight di,sw[.oration.

48. Pink Oys.ter. With materials .. Elevation •. Tut of substrate.

49. Pink. Oyster . With materials. lnh!!rior. Obyndanc::e of white puff- like rr.ycel iLJrTI. Minor discolartions.

50. Pink Oysteli. 'With materials.. Interior dehil. -.J;'-'l...ol~=--"-'""-

rL1111

51. Golden Oys~er. Pure. E)(terior. Slight dli~col (lr~tioo~ lllli!linly in green, 1 to 4 mm In dlrameter.

'32. Gl)lden Oyster;. Pure. Exterior detail.

53. Goldetn O~ster. Pure. E letvatioll 1. Black. discoloration.

S4. Gold£'1'1 Oy~ter. Pur£'. El-evation 2. Green ami black discoloratio-n.

55. Gllldetn O~ster. Pure. Elevation 3. Nai~nly dark green discoloration.

56. Golden Oy-s er. Pure. Elevation 4. Black dis.uloratiotn mainly ar ends where the my( e~iym

ila·s l:leen in contad ~o~ith

the plastic bag.

51. (}olden Oy:sh!r. 'With ITiate-r1als . bteri()r, Very s.li.ght llls~oloratioM, all

in bro~Wn. These would Clnly tile diJe t(J dehyl!,r;ltlon of th£> &ubstr.ate.

SS. Goldtm Oyster. Witfl !'hat~rial$ , El(h'lriar detail.

S-9. Golden Oyster. With materials. Elevation1 .

overgrowr1 web of mycelium has sligi"Jt disc:oiCIIratio·ns., main'ly on rhe bottllm layer.

60. Golden Oyster. W'Pth ma~eriats . Elev.ation2.



61. Golden Oy'lter. With materials . EleYation l £lisc:£Jiora t ions on both layers.

&Z. Golder~ Oyster.

With rn~teriat~El~vati on -4.

Edensively overgrown. yet di~colorated ()1!1

both layers. mainly where the 111yc eUum t.as I:J~en in conhd

wi th th~ r-tas tic b.a~.

&3. Gold~n Oys.t,er.

With m<:~terials.

Elevation 4. [)etail cf separation

attempt .

64. [joldefil Oy~ter. With m::~ter i~l~. Snapg.hot~ M

test under horizontal ~nd vertic;illl foHe:s . FQr the 'Jicleo footage j:ll ease foll ow the link: ottp:/IWW'-1 . ~OI.ih.ii)e,cOm/

lo'~t rh ?v :3GsCqT1 Ji1 r

CONCLUSIONS

-The develop1111mt of the mycelium in aH four £ases was suprl:sinyly unadvanc;ed, A strong unpilenant smell as well as teh various discolorations in

yellow, greu and bl~ck were unex:pected. After somre research I established

that all these signs. ~o~ere evidenc.e of the mycelium beil"'g infected by common

houselod fungus such as mol d. (PF-Tek. http://www.fungifun.org/English/Pftek Ac:ce!;sed 11102/2013.) -This was due to lack of sterile conditions and the reseaUing performed fOtr detailed examination of the: l:latc~es. .

-Unfortunate!~ this le-ad to the end of the experiment 1 days in advance of the plan11ed dehydration. I made a decisron to dehydrate the l:Jat(hes in the

state they were, after testing the methDd on the smaller pieces. However, I

am leaving the 'Golen Oyster. With materials' batch to grow for another 14 days as an example of what could go wrong for my fi11al project presentation.

lt will not be opened. only observed thro1.1gh the plastic bag for this period. ttlen deilydrahed at 90 C - The cru~ial importance of sterile conditions has been clerly demonstrated ~hrough this pirototype and will be a point of spec1fic caution in the future!


AppendixS: Experiment No.2 Petri Dishes with Materials

9,1 Objective

The Pelri Dish S.ample Experiment Oil"t''$ to t~st lh~ svitQbility of thr~elvoesof subsfra~e. ofld the reaction ot the myce~um grown from one ot the wlth 6 lyoo~ of bulldlng material~. This, wollld help lo determine the be:st gmwing medium and' reoclijon with o bllilding material. ldoony t11e mo~t suilable medium would be tested fhl. bvl ~CrOV$$ or lime OOn$lrCJinl$ a, research. supported hypalhesi:S Is constructed to predict the best ~ubstrole type,

9.2 Time Spon Experiment Skirted: I.S/01/2013 Growlh Started: 18/02/2013 Ob$ervotion 1: 22/ o212o13 Obsrevation 2; 26/ 02/ 2013 Ohsetvation 3: 01 / 03/ 2013 Conclusions: o 1/03/20l3

9.3Metnod Throo subs trots rnedio were identi~ed o~ po~e11liaDy s.uita~e:

Rye groins from o mushl'oom \:lmwing kit t I ]

Glucose-based nulrienl mix. (2} Pina woodchl~ (3]

Six Mah~Iiat5 were idenl ifiied to be mixed wm-. pine woodchlp S.1Jbst,rate.

AltJminium (4] Copper (51 Timber ,(6) Bi'ick{:l) Concr,ele ~ight (8) Concrala Haov~ (9l

From these 12 combinat ions were prepared for the experiment using two types of substrate : P D 1 2.8 g Pine Woodchips "' 3. 3 g

Coppe~

PD2 2.8- g Pine Woodchips + 1,8 g Aliminium

PD3 20,8 !J Pine Woodchips + 2.4 g 1rnber

PD4 :2.8 g Pine Woodchip$ + 10.7 g Brtck Rubble

PD5 2,8 g Ptrle Wood chips+ 10.3 g bte<~VY Concre e Rubble

PD6 2.6 g P"1r1e Woodchips + 1 o, 4 g Light Concrete Rubble

PD7 2,8 g Pine Woodchip~ + 1,3 g P'opet PD8 4,0 g Rye Graln -t- I ,-4 g Proo

Woodchipz, PD9 :8.0 Q Rye Groin PD 1 o 2.8 g Pfrle Wood chips PD11 Glucose &lbstrate with 2 g Concrete PD12 Glucose &lbstrate

~ 8


The subslrales were s1ellllsed 111 an auloclcwe going up to 162 c for 50 minutes. This wos done simultaneously in ~ autoclave units. !13)

The prspored mixtures were left to cool down ot room ~mpere~lvr~.

The petl1 dimes were prepared using: 3g Dis1illed Wotet + L5g Genoderrl"'I

Lucidum Spores. (H) . (1 51

The prepared inocu]aled sompte~ we~e·

move-d loo 2S C Qi-conditroner con1 rol~d room, with 24 h lighting, In o covered, nol sealed. plaslic box 116)

4 ('lllys tlltG-r, on 22/02/2013, l·he ~xperiment wos omerved and the following findings were mode:

PD1 Not Colonised PD2 Not Colonised PD3 Not Colonised PD4 Not Colonised (17) PDS Not Colonised (18) PD6 Not Colonised PO? Not Colonised PD8 Not Colonised PD9 2% Cola nised (19) PD10 Not Colonised (20) PD11 90%Co Ionised (21) PD12 2% Cola nised

~ ~-----'' ' -~,...

- --;..

1 1

r1:1111

a day!> later. on 24/02/2013. lihe pelri dishes were obsreved ond lhe colonisclion progress was noted os s.uch:

PDl Not Colonised PD'2 Not Colonised PD3 Not Colonised ~24j pl).4 Not Colonised (23j PD-5 Not Colonised (24)

PD' Not Colonised (25) PD7 Not Colonised (26) PD:S :m. Coloni$ed (27) pl)rf 5% Colonised (28) PD10 Not Colonised (29) PD11 l<:Jret Colonised (30) PD12 5% Colonised (31)



1 A days later. on 01/03/'101 3. the petri dishes were obsreved and lh.e colonisation progress wos noted os such;

PDl Not Colonised PD2 Not Colonised PD3 Nol Colonised (32) PD4 Not Colonised (33) PDS Nol Colonised (34) PD6 Not Colonised 135) PD7 Not Colonised (36) PDa 6% eoron~ed (37) PD9 20% Colonised (38) PDl 0 Not Colonised (39) PDll l<Jem Colonised (40)

Contomiooled PDl2 20% Colonise-d (41)

9 A .Conclusions:

l_ The pelri dishe~ which relied on woodchip :subslrale have not been colonised. This was nol ~peeled and the reason must be inve-stigated.

2. The rye grains ore a suitable s.\Jbstrate tor I he growth of Genooerrno k.Jcidum_

3_ The glucose-based substrole is suitable lor lhe growll1 of Genoderma lucidum.

4. Cellulose. paper. showed no ~igns of colonisation. opposite to expectations. The rxoblem identified is the vse of woodchjps with il .

5. R'ye g~ains mix:ed with woodchips showed much slower cooni~ation.

6. The contamination or lhe coli"'cfEHe piece PDlll can either be dve to exposure to spores during oreviuo~ observation~ or during, the sel up of the experiment_

7. The concrete piece was compleleky engulfed by the mycelium ond FOntafned wllhlng a tight ne1work. No signs br the myce~um entering lt1e concrete were observed. H1ou. For such effecl onolher :specie~ fovnd Qll1 concrete i~ to be identified and used.

IJIII11


AppendixiD: Experiment No.3 Jars with Sawdust Substrate and Different Materials as a Test for Brick Growth

10 .1 Objective

The Protolype Growth Experiment aims to grow seven lypes of f ungol moterio1s based on plne woodchlp s.umtrote

10.2 Time Span

Experiment S.1arled: 18/0112013 Growth Started: 18102/2013 Obs.etValion 1 : Obsrevolion 2: Obs.ervolion 3: ConctLJSions.: 01/03!2013

1 o .3 Method

One sub~lrato medic wcs idenlilied as potenti.olly fhe most suilcble from th@ ororelfl'i1itntioned sui:)Strote media (I):

Pine Woodchi~ [P. w .) S.oorce: PetShop SIJpplies.

WhitfOioble Rood, Canterbury. Chemiccl Treolmenl: None. s.ore ror hvm<Jns and onymols. LOcCIIy ~urced. Timber Prodllds: plank.s of stancJaJd

sizes la vooou:~. purpos.es..

A Mixlur~ ol woodchoip$. Qnd' WliiQr wos mode in using c 10:64 rotio. lolol hydrate-d subslrole produced: 150g Pine woodchip:s • 960 rnl water = 1210 g s~bsh'ale.

Nine jar samples were prepc.ed; 202g Aluminium"" 100 g P.W. 12) 200 g Copper+ IOOg F'.W. {3) 205 g limber + 100 g P.W. 1·4) 200 g Brick Rubble+ lOO g f' .W. {5) :204 g Light Concrete +lOO g f.W. (6} 201 g Heovy Concrele + 100 g P'.W.{7J IO)g P_w_ x3 fSI

These wf:fe sternliSed tor 50 minutes in 2 aulodave Ullits, reaching tempre1 arure of 162 C. (91 Then left to cool oown al rootn temoreroture tor 120 min.

tS ml G-cnodermo l.ueidum Spores were injected in each Jar .Somple ( 101


Date; 22/0212013

P~n€ Woodchip!> 1: No signs. of growth. (2~] Pdne Woodchips2: No :signs of growth. f22] Pine Woodchips3: No ~igns or growth. (23) P.W. ,.. Aluminium: No signs o1 growth. l2.<11 P.W."'" Copper: No signs of growth. (25) P.W. + fimb« Blocks,: No $igns of growHl. 126) P.W. + 81iCt: li'ubbl~: NO sigrlS Of growth. (27) P.W. + Lighweight Concrete Rubble: Mo signs or growl h. {28} P.W. 1' Heovywe[gl1~ Concrete Rubble: No signs oi growth. ~2'9}

The samples. were lelt In lhe same cond"lions of 25 C temperaii.Ke. (30)

. ~ t I

, "';

~ ·-~~- .· .,: j

29)

., .. ,

Date : 26/ 02/ 2013

Pine Wood chip s1: No signs of growth . (31) Pine Woodchips2 : No signs of growth . (32) Pine Woodchips3 : No signs of growth. (33) P.W. +A luminium: No signs of growth . (34) P.W. +Copper: No signs of growth. (35) P.W. +limb er Blocks: No signs of growth . (36) P.W. +Brick Rubble : No signs of growth . (37) P.W. + Lighweight Concrete Rubble : No signsof growth . (38) P.W. +Heavyweight Concrete Rubble : No signsof growth. (39)

The sampleswere left in the same conditions of 25 C temperature for another seven day period. (40)



10ote: 01/03/2013

Pine Woodchips. 1; No signs of growl h. [41) Pine Woodchips2: o ~igns of grow h. (42) Pine Woodchips3: No signs of growl h. (43) P.W. + AJumini.um: No signs ot growth. 144) P.W. +Copper: No signs, of growltl. (4!5) P,W, +Timber Blocks,: No signs of growth, (461 P.W. + &fck Rubble: No signs of gowlh. {47) P.W. + Lighwe1ghl Concrete Rubble: No signs. of growl h. (48) P.W. +- Heavyweight Concrete Rubt>le: No sign~ of growth. (49)

1 0.4. ConculsJon

The dispoinling results were assume-d lo be due to lhe possible treatment of l~e pine woodchip~ with cherni'Cols wllich prevent funga1 growlh.

To check lhe vCJiidily of this hypo hesis, I con acted the Whltstoble Rood Pets.hop 1501 on 28/02/2013 at 14:3(] on phooe number01227769329. The IJiendly shopk:eepet" ogreed to contoct H1~ir woodchip supplier "With the fol!owing questions on my behalf:

1. Has he timber been lreCJ ted vvll h any chemicals I hat prevent fungal and bacteria growth\!

'2- What kind of tree species. it the limber sourced from~

.3. What does the company prodtJCe o.s a final product?

4. What is the name ol the company? 5. Where is the timber sourced from'?

The folowing day 01/03/20131 contacted lhem at 16:30 to retrieve the amwers:

1. 'No. The lody was quite definile on that. She ~eei'r'led r'ea11y ptood I hat lheit plonks ore absolutely untl"eCJ led. 1. 2.Pine.

3. Standord ~;zes ot wooden plonks for multiple purpose!>.

4. There isn's a specific name .. Difterenl suppliers and cfients.

5. Different sources acr~s the UK.

1 0.5·. Analy~is end Fl esearch

According to addilional re!>Barch on the use ol pine woodchlips CIS a substrale;

1. Spore Works http :t /sporeworks .com/Ganodermo-ll!cidu m-Reisl1i-Ling-CN-Mu~llroom-CuUure-Syringe. hlml To every lOO parts hard wood sawdust/sma I woodchips should be added 1 0 parts. bran

1!1111


2. Acceding to Collins Complete Guide lo British Mushrooms and Toadstools (2009,: Ganodemia Lucidum. Lacquered Elrad::el. (41) A111nual Ganoderma whose distinct stem can be relatively long YA1en lhe s-ubstrata on wt1ich it grows is bi.Kied wood. Frui~ 6ody: lo 25cm across; kidney-shoped bracket "With a lalerol :stem and a thic'k. irregular margin. Upper surface; Uneven and concentrically grooved with a smooth. poliched surface: redd'ish broiM'\. becoming dork-pvrple brown. Stem: Dark Brown or blacki:sh with a glossy surface. Unde.rslde; While or cream fine, rounded pores that become browner .. Hobilot: Roots and stvmps of deciduoos tre-e5: rarely witlh conifet"5-StollJs: Wides.preod but occosronal.

According to an online dictionary: 'Noun. 1. corliferous. tfee - orw gymnospermous lree or sl'lrub beoring cones conifer pine, pine tree. true pine- a coniferous tree'.

Therefore I have assumed wro.ng lhal Genoderma Lucjdum would have grown on Pine woodchips.

Propo~>al far the fu ture:

Better ~uited fungal type5 con be used in the feo lue if lhe jars are reautoclaved. Provided thal there is ~oli"d proof the lype gows on. pJne sawd~t, !he expetirne-n.l sl1ould be a s<uccess.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11. 1 ObjeC"Iive

Sawdust Substrate rick Growth

The aim of tflese observotions fS to determine Whether I have rucce@'ded at growing o p\lre hmgallype. how it reocls to differenl buildin9 materials; and la explore it's strvcture on a micro scale.

11.2 Mell'lod and Images

Five samples will be observed and analysed: Rye Grairn Sam~e Glucose-Based Subs Irate Sample Glucose-Brne Su~lrate wil h ConcreteS. Woodch~Jjs and Concrete Sample Dehydro1ad ccovotiva Product

{lJ l?ya Seed$. L>13ica 10446261 0.63:>:. Surtoce 1. Mognilute Setting 0.8. Expos.ure: 30.2 ms

12) Rye Seeds. Leico 1044-6261 0.6~. S1.1rtace 1. Mognitvte Setting 0-S. Exposur-e: :x>.2 m~


(3) Rye Seeds. Leica 10446261 0.63x. &.irface 1. Magnitute Seeting 0.8. Exposure: 30.2 ms

(3) Rye Seeds. Leica 10446261 0.63x. &.irface 1. Magn itute Seeting 0.8. Exposure : 30.2 ms

IJ:W111


(3] Rye S~dt. Leico 10446261 0.6-~.x .. Svrfoce 1. Mog11itute Setlii"'Q 0.8. Expos.ure: 30.2 ms

13l Rye S.eern . Lek:o 10.4462t, I 0.6.3x. Surface 1. Mogni~vl<£~ Selling O.a.. ExPOsure: 30.'2 ms.


(7) Rye S.ee-ds. l.eico 10446261 0.63A. Svrfat;e I, Mognilule Selfi•lg 0.8. Exposure: 30.2 ms.

(BI Rye Seeds. leica l 044b261 0.63)(_ Surface I. MQgnilvle Setting 1.6. Expo-sure: 41 .5 ms

11:1111


(3) Rye- Seec::l5-. Leico I 0446261 0 .• 63x. Svrf~e l. MogllitutaSeating 0.8. E.JIIposure: 30.2 ms

(3~ Rye Seed~. leicc I 044b2t:.l 0.63x_ Surface L Magnituhll Se-eting 1.6-. Expowr~; 41 . .s m~


( 11) Rye See-ds. Lerco 1044.6261 Q_e.J):_ sunoc:e I. Mognilu!tt Selling 8.0. ExPO!iVn:~; 112.7 ms.

!12) ~ye Seed'!.. leicc 10446261 O.b3x.. Surlcce I. Mognilv le s-a. tting S.O. E.xpowre: 112.7 rns


(13j Rye Seects . Leieo

(14) Rye Seed~.


(15j Gonoderi"T''.CC ueudim on glucos.e-bossct substrote .. Perifel)'~eico 10446261 0.63x Mognitvde Setting; O.a Exl>)~vre: 26.9 m~

115] Gonoderrno Lucud·m on glucose-bmad subslrate . . Perilery. l~it ico H)44~261 0.63x Mo:gnih.J<:;ie s- tting: 1.6. l;po$~Jre: 36.0 ms

,, .. ,


(17) Gor.odermo Lueudim 01"1 glueose-bo~d ~ubstrote. Perifery. Leic;o I 0446261 0.63x Mognilude Selling; S.OExiPowr~; 45.9 mJ

{ 181 Ganodwmo Lucudim or~ glucose·bmad ~ub!>trota. Perifery. Leico 1 0~46261 0.1.3-x; Mognit~.Jde S~Uing: 8.0. Exp~IJr~: 95.3 m:;


(19) Gonoderi"T''.CC ueudim on glucose-bossd substrote .. Perifel)'~eico 10446261

1201 Gonoderrno Lucud-m on gluco~e-boo:ed subslrate . . Pafilery. l~it ico


(21, Go 1'\0d.mmo lucudim 011 glu<::OS€!-bosed substrate. Jnlerior pulfbc:llls. lleiorJI I 0446261 0.63x. MognitiJcle Setlil'lQ: 0.8. ExP~IJie: 19.0 ms

(22} Goooderma turudlm oo gluc~e-l)osecl sub61rate. lnlerior puffbolls. ll~ico I 0446261 O.Q:»:. MognitiJde Setting,: 3-2- Expo.sure: 31.1 m.s;


(23) Gonoderi"T''.CC ueudim on glucose-bossd sub.strote. Interior purlbolls. ~eico 10446261 0.63x. Mo~;mih.Jde Setting; 8.0, Exposvre; 90.8 ms

(24J Ga.lod'ermo lucudim on glucos.a-brned subs1rote. With Concrete Rvbb1 . CQOiominoted. Lt?ic;:o 10446'261 0.$3x:. MQgniih,Jde Setting: CLS.

111111


(24) Ganoderma lucudim on [Jiuco~·based sub!;lrate. Wilh Concrete Rll.ibble. Conlominoled. Leico 10446261 0.63x. Magnitude Setl'ing: 1.6 Expo~ure:. 50.6

t25J Gonodermo lucudim on gluc:os.a-bmed o;ubslrala. WiH1 Concrete R~~Jbbl ·. Conlominoled.l~k;o 104.d.Q261 O.Q.3x. Magnih,J(;ie S~tting: 3.?


(26) Ganoderma lucidum on glucm.e·bmed subslrole. Wilh Concrete !Rubble. Conlorninoled. leico 1044626 1 0.63x. Magnitude Se1ting: S.O &:xpQwre: 50.6

(27J Ga.lod'ermo lucidum on glucos.a-brned subs1role. With Concrete Rvbb1 . Conlominoted. Lt?ic;:o 10446'261 0.$3x:. MQgniih,Jde Setting: 8.0


(28) Gmmdermo Lucidum on gluoo~e·bmed sub;lrat.e. With Concrele Rubble. Con~aminated.leico

('29) Go odermo Lucidum on grucose-bosoo su~)5.frote. WiU1 Con ere le Rl.lbbl€- Con~ominot<'!d-lei.co


(30l Ganocl'erma luddum on Concrete aoo Pine Woodchips. Leil<o 1 ()446261 0.63x. Megnii\Jde Ss ting 0.8. Exposure: 29.6

(31) Gonod'ermo lucidum on Concrete ooo Pine Woodchips. eiiqo 1 04.t6261 '0.63x. Mognitvde Seiting 3.2. Cxp0$1)re: 50.~

., ..• ,


[32l Ganoderrna lucidum on Concrete and Pine Woodchip:s. leika 1044~261 0.63x. Mognitvdo Selfng 5.0. E:qJos\Jre : 69.6

[33J Gonodermo Lucid\Jm on Concra1e one! Pine Wooclchips. Leik:o ],044.6261 0.63x. MagniM;!e S€1t'ng B.O. E.x;poS\Jre: 110 . .$


(34] Ecovo1ive Somple. ll.e o 1044!6261 0.~3.'1. MCIQnitude Set·tinQ 0.8. ExpoSiure: 19.9

(35l Ecovolive Sampla. Leilco 10446261 0.63x. Magnitude Sailing 1.6. Expo$vre : 4 I . 6


(34) Ecovotive Scnnple. leiko 10446261 O .. o3x. Mognih.r<:le S-etting 5.0. Exposure: 53.2 nlll

[37] Ecovotiva Sompla. Leiko 104.116261 0.63x. Magnitude SeUing 8.0. Expo!>IJI"e: 1 1.4.7 ms


Appendixl2: Study of Fungal Species. Source Stamets(IS83).

Names and Images Mycelial &Jbstrate Growth Use and Pea sons for S:udy Characteristics Medium Conditions Availability

Genoderma Longitudinally Agar Cultured Spawn Run: Medical use in the lucidum radial, non-aerial, Media: Malt Extract Incubation form of infused hot /Reishi/ initially white, rapid Agar (MEA), Temperature: drinks made from

growing, becoming Oatmeal Yeast 21-27*C the dehydrated densely matted & Agar (OMYA), Relative Humidity: Reishi . oppressed, yellow Potato Dextrose 95-100% to golden brown, Yeast Agar (PDYA), Duration : Associated with and often zonate or Dog Food Agar 10-20 days royalty, health, with age. (DFA). C02: Tolerated up and recuperation,

to 50,000 ppm or longevity, sexual A 1 cm. square Spawn Media: Rye 5% prowess, wisdom, inoculum colonizes grain, wheat grain, Fresh Air and happiness a 100x15 mm. petri other cereal grains. Exchanges: 0-1

Extremely strong plate in 7-1 0 days Fruit bodies do not Light Requirements: No specific mycelium web. at 24* C. form on most grains n/a alergetic reactions Used by Phil Ross except milo. recorded . for the creation of After a petri plate is Primordia his arch exhibit in colonized (2 weeks Substrates for Formation: Ancient Chinese, Stuttgart. from inoculation), Fruiting: Indoors Initiation Korean, and

the mycelium on hardwood Temperature: Japanese origins. Eventually chosen becomes difficult sawdust/chips. 5% 18-24* c for my experiments to cut and typically supplementation Relative Humidity: Widely avaialable 2 and 3. tears during of the sawdust 95-100% in the world market

transfer. with rice bran or Duration : as a food

sorghum enhances 14-28 days supplement and Culture slants can yields. C02: for personal growth be stored for 20,000-40,000 ppm from specialised periods of 5 years NOTE: prefers Fresh Air fungi stores. at 1-2* C. deciduous tree Exchanges: 0-1

soecies. Rarely Light Requirements:

grows on connifiers. 4-8 hours at 200-500 lux

Pleurotus Cottony, whitish Agar Culture Spawn Run: Gourmet citrinopileatus mycelium, often Media: Malt Yeast Incubation edible /Golden Oyster/ with tufts of dense Agar (MY A) or Temperature: mushroom.

growth, sometimes Potato Dextrose 24-29* c with yellowish Yeast Agar (PDYA) . Relative Humidity: Widely sold on the tones, and occa- 90-100% market. sionally run through Spawn Media: Rye, Duration: with underlying rhi- wheat, sorghum, 10-14 days Praised for its zomorphic strands. milo, or millet. C02: 5000-20,000 golden calor and

pp m beautiful stem-like Substrate for Fresh Air distrbution.

Mycelium is dense Fruiting: Pasteurized Exchanges: 1-2 per on grain . wheat, cottonseed hour This mushroom is

Spawn available. hulls, chopped Light Requirements: better suited for Colonization of bulk corn cobs, and n/a cultivation in

Used in experiment substrates at first hardwood warmer climates of 1 . Potential use for wispy, only sawdusts. Primordia Asia, the southern further experiments. becoming dense Formation: United States, or

well after Prefers cottonseed Initiation Mexico, or during Dismissed as too colonization . hulls. Temperature: the summer months difficult to grow. 21-27*C in temperate

Casts a much finer Relative Humidity: regions. mycelial mat at first 98-100% on wheat or straw. Duration: 3-5 days

C02: < 1 000 pp m Fresh Air Exchanges: 4-8 per hour Light Requirements: 500-1 000 lux.


Names and Images Mycelial &Jbstrate Growth Use and Feasons for S:udy Characteristics Medium Conditions Availability

Stropharia Rhizomorphic to Spawn Media: Spawn Run: Edible mushroom, rugosa-annulata closely linear. Rye grain or Incubation widely cultivated. /Wine Cap/ Whitish in color. chopped wheat Temperature: 24-

straw. 28* c Very common. Does not colonize Relative Humidity: Found Europe and substrate as quickly Substrates for 90+% widely distributed as Pleurotus Fruiting : Duration: in northern North ostreatus for Cased wheat 14-28 days America . Season example. straw, chopped or C02: June-October.

whole, and bal- 5000-1 0 000 ppm anced to 71-74% Fresh Air Has been grown in moisture content. Exchanges: 0 Europe in outdoor

Light Requirements: cold frames. Naturally occurs on Has been grown n/a straw. on a substarte of Found in

alder/ maple chips Primordia woodlands. Potential use for mixed with mature Formation: further experiments horse manure using Temperature: Also known to with straw-bale and natural culture 12-16* c purify/filter highly hemp substrates. techniques. Relative Humidity: contaminated

95+% water. Duration: 10-12 days Used in straw-bale C02: gardening to <1000 ppm transform straw Fresh Air bale into fruitful soil. Exchanges: 2-4 Light Requirements: Indirect sunlight or grow fluorecent 12hrs/day

Pleurotus Fast growing Agar Culture Spawn Run: Edible ostreatus rhizomorphic to Media: Incubation Cultivated /Oyster/ linear mycelium. Malt Yeast Temperature: commercially.

Peptone Agar 25-29* c European strain Color typically {MYPA), Potato /Thermal death 48 Wood composting ATCC's- 38546 whitish. Dextrose Yeast hours at 40* Cl Saprophytic

Agar {PDYA), Relative Humidity: Parasitic In age forming a Oatmeal Yeast 90-100% Primary thick, tenacious Agar {OMYA), or Duration: 10-14 decomposter mycelial mat. Dogfood Agar days

{DFA). Optimal C02: 20,000 ppm Grows on fallen growth seen at pH Fresh Air adler, cotton wood 5.5-6.5. Exchanges: and maple.

0 per hour Spawn Media: Light Requirements: Fruits in fall. early Rye, wheat, milo, Total darkness winter and spring .

Grows on a sorghum, corn varietstraw s and millet. Pinhead NOTE: Due to its ubstrates; and Initiation: numerous spores it many other Substrate for Temperature: can infect cellulosic Fruiting : Straw 13-16*C surrounding substrates. (wheat. rye, oat, Relative Humidity: woodlands.

rice, and barley 95% Reorted allergic Mycelium colonises straw) ; corn stalks, Duration: 7-14 days reactions among rapidly. cotton waste C02: <600 ppm workers in

and cottonseed Fresh Air mushroom farms. Dismissed because hulls; hardwood Exchanges: of allergic reaction sawdusts; pater 4 per hour reports. by-products and Light Requirements:

many others. Diffused natural OR 2000 lux for 12hrs/d

T svetomila Duncheva I AR:5211nterdisciplinary I University of Kent ., .. , Appendixl3: Glossary

agar A product derived from seaweed and valued for its gelatinizing properties. Commonly used to solidify media in any type of sterile tissue culture.

autoclave sterilize media.

A steam pressurized vessel used to

campanulate Bell shaped.

carpophore The fruiting body of a higher fungi.

casing A layer of water retentive materials applied to a substrate to encourage and enhance fruiting body production.

cespitose Growing clustered, appearing to arise from a single base.

compost A biological matrix of microorganisms combined with straw, manure and other organic substances and designed for mushroom fruitbody production .

context The flesh of a mushroom.

coprophilous Growing on dung.

cystidia Microscopic sterile cells adorning the mushroom fruitbody.

fibrous

filamentous like cells.

flush

Composed of tough, stringy tissue.

Composed of hyphae or thread-

The collective formation and development of mushrooms within a short period, often occuring in a rhytmic manner.

fructification The act of fruitbody formation.

humicolous Growing in humus, soil.

hypha, hyphae Individual cells of mycelium.

hyphal aggregate A concentration of mycelium; a 'knot' in the mycelial network which often differentiates into a primordium.

lignicolous Growing in wood or on a substratum composed of woody tissue.

meiosis The process of reductiondivision by which a single cell with a diploid nucleous subdivides into four cells with one haploid nucleous.

mycelium A network of hyphae.

parasite An organism living on another living species and deriving its sustenance to the detriment of the host.

pileus The mushroom cap.

primordium The first recognizable but undifferentiated mass of hyphae that develops into a mushroom fruitbody. Synonymous with 'pindead' .

rhizomorphs Cord-like or strand-like hyphae.

rhizo morphs Cord-like or strand-like hyphae.

spawn The aggregation of mycelium on a carrier material which is usually used to inoculate prepared substrates.

spores The reproductive cells or 'seeds' of fungi, bacteria, and plants.

strain A race of individuals within a species sharing a common genetic heritage but differing in some observable features of no taxonic significance.

stroma A dense, cushion-like aggregation of mycelium forming on the surface of composts or casings and indicative of somatic (vegetative), not generative growth.

substarte Straw, sawdust, compost, soil, or any fibrous material on which mushrooms grow.

terrestial Growing on the ground .

veil A tissue covering mushrooms as they develop.


Notes:

Tsvetomila mycology research

Technology

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