Measuring the Localized Physical Properties of A. nidulans Using Atomic Force Microscopy*

Mycelial materials, composed of fungal hyphae, are an emerging class of sustainable composites that are renewable, low-cost, energy-efficient to produce, and biodegradable. The performance of these bulk materials depends on the intrinsic mechanical properties of the individual fungi that comprise them. In this study, we used Atomic Force Microscopy to characterize the elastic modulus, topography, and adhesion of Aspergillus nidulans hyphae in both air and liquid environments. Nanomechanical mapping revealed spatial variations in stiffness, and modeling of the raw data provided deeper insight into the physical properties of the fungi, offering predictive links to their bulk behavior. These findings establish a foundation for optimizing fungal strains, including engineered variants, to improve the mechanical performance of mycelial-based materials.