Phlebiopsis friesii (Phanerochaetaceae, Polyporales), a New Record in Thailand and the First Preliminary Characterization of Its Potential in Mycelium Mats.

This study reports a new record of the white-rot mushroom species Phlebiopsis friesii (MFLUCC 24-0323) from Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The specimen is described based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the combination of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions. After identification of the fungus, its culture was used to develop pure mycelial mats in broth media and for preliminary characterization. Thermogravimetric properties, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy profiles, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle (CA) measurements were investigated to determine the potential of mycelium-based leather (MBL). These findings provide new insights into Thai P. friesii, focusing on its morphology, genetics, and the potential use of mushroom mycelium mats for developing mycelium-biomaterial.