ABSTRACT
Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) have gained attention as sustainable materials with potential applications in the building industry. While they offer structural and environmental benefits, their fabrication and inoculation processes remain underexplored, particularly when combined with inorganic components like clay. This study explores mycelium-based clay composites (MBCCs) using digital fabrication technologies, focusing on inoculation methods. Current inoculation techniques in mycology and mushroom farming prioritise economic efficiency over the specific needs of MBCs, and fabrication workflows for 3D printing these mate-rials require further optimisation. We investigate two inoculation methods: grain spawn (GS) and liquid culture (LC), to evaluate their effectiveness in paste-based extrusion. Through growth morphology analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we examine mycelial growth patterns, colonisation rates, and microstructural integration within the clay-sawdust matrix. Results show that T. versicolor exhibited faster growth than G. lucidum in both fortified Petri dish and liquid culture media. GS inoculation led to dense, directional growth around air pockets, while LC produced a more uniform but lower-density hyphal network. Although LC required a longer growth period, it provided greater flexibility in application and contamination control. These findings highlight how inoculation methods influence MBC development, contributing to future research on optimising fabrication techniques. Further studies will explore mechanical properties, final-stage SEM imaging, and the evolving hydrophobicity and durability of these composites.
