Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating aerial mycelium, such as mycological material comprising solely mycelia from depleted substrate or depleted and rejuvenated substrate. Alternatively, methods are disclosed for generating mycelia and mushrooms from depleted substrate or depleted and rejuvenated substrate. Alternative methods are disclosed for generating differentiated mycelium materials using depleted substrate or depleted and rejuvenated substrate. The mycelia products that are generated can be used in the food industry (e.g., as a meat analog) and in other industries, such as textiles, packaging, and others. The present invention provides systems and methods for generating mycelia that are repeatable and energy efficient, while providing consistently high quality and quantity mycelium-based products.

Abstract: A mycological biopolymer material is subjected to treatment in one or more solutions that work to enhance and/or retain the inherent material properties of the material. In one embodiment, the solution is an organic solution; in another embodiment, the solution is an organic solvent with a salt; in another embodiment, the solution is an organic solvent phenol and/or polyphenol; and in another embodiment, a series of such solutions is used.

Abstract: An improved mycelium in the form of an edible aerial mycelium that is suitable for use as a food product, including a food ingredient for making mycelium-based food, such as bacon. A method of making an edible aerial mycelium suitable for use as a food product, including a food ingredient. An edible product containing an edible aerial mycelium, and a method of making an edible product comprising an edible aerial mycelium, such as a mycelium-based bacon. A mycelium-based food product having a texture that is analogous to a whole-muscle meat product, wherein that whole-muscle meat product is bacon.

Abstract: This application relates generally to aerial mycelium and methods of making aerial mycelium suitable for use as a food or textile product or ingredient. Such a food product or ingredient can include edible aerial mycelium having a texture that is analogous to a whole-muscle meat product, such as for example mycelium-based bacon. Such a textile product or ingredient can be used in the manufacture of mycelium-based textile products, leather-like materials, petroleum-based product alternatives, or foams.

Abstract: Topical applicators containing mycological biopolymers are suitable for applying health or cosmetic products to the skin or lips of a subject. The applicators are made from biodegradable mycological biopolymers that are grown from fungi in the presence of a growth medium under a predetermined environment of relative humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, oxygen and air flow. The topical applicators containing the mycological biopolymers may further contain beneficial agents or products that that may be transferred to the skin or lips, thereby enhancing the health or beauty of a subject.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent biocompatible material which comprises mixing at least one mycological material, such as a fungus or fungal tissue, with at least one lignocellulosic material to provide a biocomposite material comprising the at least one mycological material and the at least one lignocellulosic material. The biocomposite material then is contacted with at least one substance that increases the hydrophilicity of the biocomposite material, thereby providing an absorbent biocomposite material that has a variety of uses, such as absorbent materials for use in vegetation propagation and preservation, animal bedding, animal litter, filler in diapers, cold chain materials for temperature regulation, ice packs, absorbent foams and mats, such as decorative floral arrangement foams, carpet mats, and absorbent booms applied to chemical spills.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent biocompatible material which comprises mixing at least one mycological material, such as a fungus or fungal tissue, with at least one lignocellulosic material to provide a biocomposite material comprising the at least one mycological material and the at least one lignocellulosic material. The biocomposite material then is contacted with at least one substance that increases the hydrophilicity of the biocomposite material, thereby providing an absorbent biocomposite material that has a variety of uses, such as absorbent materials for use in vegetation propagation and preservation, animal bedding, animal litter, filler in diapers, cold chain materials for temperature regulation, ice packs, absorbent foams and mats, such as decorative floral arrangement foams, carpet mats, and absorbent booms applied to chemical spills.