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Physisporinus vitreus: a versatile white rot fungus for engineering value-added wood products

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Abstract

The credo of every scientist working in the field of applied science is to transfer knowledge “from science to market,” a process that combines (1) science (fundamental discoveries and basic research) with (2) technology development (performance assessment and optimization) and (3) technology transfer (industrial application). Over the past 7 years, we have intensively investigated the potential of the white rot fungus, Physisporinus vitreus, for engineering value-added wood products. Because of its exceptional wood degradation pattern, i.e., selective lignification without significant wood strength losses and a preferential degradation of bordered pit membranes, it is possible to use this fungus under controlled conditions to improve the acoustic properties of tonewood (i.e., “mycowood”) as well as to enhance the uptake of preservatives and wood modification substances in refractory wood species (e.g., Norway spruce), a process known as “bioincising.” This minireview summarizes the research that we have performed with P. vitreus and critically discusses the challenges encountered during the development of two distinct processes for engineering value-added wood products. Finally, we peep into the future potential of the bioincising and mycowood processes for additional applications in the forest and wood industry.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the close collaboration with following partners: BASF AG, Switzerland; International Speciality Products ISP AG, Baar, Switzerland; Böhme AG-The Wood Care Company, Liebefeld, Switzerland; Bois Ril SA, Palézieux, Switzerland; and the University of Applied Sciences HEV, Sion, Switzerland. Moreover, we express our gratitude to the CTI (Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency, grant No. 8593.1) and Swiss National Science Foundation (grant No. 205321-121701) for their sustained funding.

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  1. Wood Protection & Biotechnology Wood Department, Empa Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland

    Francis W. M. R. Schwarze & Mark Schubert

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  1. Francis W. M. R. Schwarze
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  2. Mark Schubert
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Correspondence to Francis W. M. R. Schwarze.

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Schwarze, F.W.M.R., Schubert, M. Physisporinus vitreus: a versatile white rot fungus for engineering value-added wood products. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 92, 431–440 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-011-3539-1

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