Abstract: Spherical shaped mycelial pellets suitable for use in the biocatalytic conversion of organic compounds are prepared having a rigid spherical core surrounded by a porous webbed layer of structural integrity of a mycelial microorganism. The webbed layer is preferably separated from the core by a substantial void space and is attached to the core by a portion of the mycelium of the microorganism. The core may be composed of a cellulose derivative or agar. The pellets are prepared by forming a solution of a cellulose derivative or agar, mixing spores of a mycelial microorganism with the solution, precipitating the celluose derivative or agar to form beads containing the spores and incubating the beads in a culture medium.

Abstract: Spherical shaped mycelial pellets having a support core and which are suitable for biocatalytic conversion of organic compounds are produced by dissolving a cellulose derivative in a solvent to form a solution, mixing spores of a mycelial microorganism with the solution, precipitating the cellulose derivative to form porous beads containing the spores, and incubating the beads in a culture medium. Alternatively, the pellets may be produced by dissolving agar in water, mixing the agar solution with spores of a mycelial microorganism, precipitating the agar to form beads containing the spores and incubating the beads in a culture medium.