Growth and viability of mycelial fragments of white-rot fungi on some hydrogels

The viability of mycelial fragments of Trametes versicolor and Irpex lacteus and their growth on selected hydrogels are described. The size of mycelial fragments of the fungi did not significantly influence their viability. Alginate hydrogel films supported fungal growth better than agarose, carrageenan, chitosan and gelatin films, and had the highest mechanical strength but were less hydrophilic than the other hydrogels. All commercial alginates that were tested supported aseptic growth of fungal fragments without prior sterilization of the hydrogel solution. The viability of mycelial fragments in the hydrogel solutions was higher for some commercial alginates than that in laboratory grade alginate. The mechanical strength and hydrophilicity of hydrogels from alginate type Sobalg FD 155 and Meer HV were comparable to that of laboratory grade alginate. Sterilization and pH of the alginate hydrogel did not significantly influence the growth of T. versicolor mycelial fragments but affected the growth of I. lacteus. Concentrations of alginate in the range of 1–2% in the hydrogel did not affect the growth of entrapped mycelial fragments of these fungi.