Bachelor thesis Paula Buschmann

Systematic optimization of cultivation conditions and biomass yield of Trametes hirsuta in liquid culture for the production of hydrophobic mycelial materials

Pure mycelium materials are materials that consist entirely or partially of fungal mycelium and are increasingly becoming the focus of research and industry. Mushrooms can be cultivated on various substrates and processed into a variety of bio-based materials. They are therefore sustainable in terms of their production, use and recycling. Depending on the cultivation medium, the fungal strain and the growth conditions, mycelia with different properties can be produced.
Filamentous fungi produce the structure-giving protein hydrophobin, which can give the mycelial surface hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties. Hydrophobicity can be measured by means of contact angle measurement. The aim of this bachelor thesis was to optimize the cultivation medium of Trametes hirsuta with the help of statistical experimental design and to increase the biomass yield and the water contact angle. First, the one-factor-at-a-time method was used to investigate important carbon and nitrogen sources that had a positive influence on biomass production. Subsequently, these nutrient sources were used for the Plackett-Burman design to identify significant effects. By testing different medium compositions, the optima for biomass yield and water contact angle were determined.