Splitting the Difference: Genetically-Tunable Mycelial Films Using Natural Genetic Variations in Schizophyllum commune

This study explores how natural genetic variation within the split gill mushroom, *Schizophyllum commune*, can be harnessed to tune the mechanical and physiochemical properties of pure mycelial materials (PMMs). Four monokaryotic strains from diverse global origins were mated to form twelve dikaryotic progeny with unique nuclear–mitochondrial combinations, producing sixteen genotypes in total. Mycelial mats were cultured via liquid-state surface fermentation and crosslinked with either glycerol or polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) to form films. The resulting films exhibited wide variability in strength, ductility, hydrophobicity, and toughness depending on genotype and crosslinker type. Statistical modeling revealed strong nuclear–mitochondrial and crosslinker–genotype interactions governing film performance, highlighting the potential for strain-level optimization of fungal biomaterials.