The fruiting bodies will cause conformational changes of the mycelium based materials, while the spores may cause allergy and infection in susceptible population. Under proper circumstances, mycelium of many basidiomycetous fungi will aggregate to form mushrooms, which are the fruiting body spreading the basidiospores. The dried mycelium has strength, durability, and many other beneficial qualities: it is nontoxic, fire-resistant, mold resistant, water-resistant, and a great thermal insulator, amongst other salient features.
![hyphal knots to primordia hyphal knots to primordia](https://mycotopia.net/uploads/monthly_06_2012/post-10120-138194907457.jpg)
Mycelium-based biomaterials have a wide range of applications due to their controlled and tunable properties during growth.
![hyphal knots to primordia hyphal knots to primordia](https://files.shroomery.org/files/09-30/865087204-sub2-overall.jpg)
Mycelium is mainly composed of natural polymers, namely, chitin, polysaccharides, proteins, etc. Initials then develop into stage-1 and -2 primordia, young and mature fruiting bodies. Upon environmental stimuli, including nutrient depletion, light/dark cycle, and cold shock, mycelia aggregate into hyphal knot, followed by fruiting body initials. The life cycle of mushroom-forming fungi starts from the basidiospores geminating for mycelial growth. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONįungi are important to carbon cycle of the ecosystem in that they degrade lignin and cellulose of plants.
![hyphal knots to primordia hyphal knots to primordia](https://mycotopia.net/uploads/monthly_06_2012/post-10120-138194904103.jpg)
15, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in the entirety for all purposes. 62/586,732, of the same title, filed Nov.