OUTWARD LOOKING

Next for us, we want to continue our journey of hammering out prototypes, failing quickly, and learning even quicker. We intend to continue to iterate full-sized molds and possibly use the first wood one we have constructed if we can fully sanitize it. We also are now experimenting with 3D-printed molds on a smaller scale, having seen positive results when the mycelium is grown in plastic containers.

 

Additionally, we are experimenting with many different strains of mushrooms, now working with inoculated liquid cultures as well as basic hard substrates. One of these strains is the Winecap mushroom, also known as Stropharia ambigua. This is native to California, a benefit to local business and ecology, and is also known for its thick mycelium. We also are experimenting with turkey tail, reishi, and others. 

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We hope that in the long term we can test the material properties of many different species, and even use the growing accessibility of gene splicing to create optimal hybrids for our intended use. 

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We are also experimenting with different solid substrates beyond the oak pellets we started with, testing the strength of rice hulls and straw, with a keen interest in the silica both contain.