A Novel Mycological Medium Using Cassava and Soybean Extracts

In order to grow and reproduce, fungi need important nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, vitamins, minerals, and the presence of enzymes; they also require specific environmental factors including a proper pH level, an appropriate temperature, and oxygen. The nutrients needed for development and maintenance are provided by the culture medium used in laboratories to cultivate microorganisms. However, in laboratories with limited resources, especially in developing countries, commercial culture media like Potato Dextrose Agar, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and media alike cannot be used due to their expensive cost. 

Hence, we conducted a study to investigate whether cassava as a carbohydrate source, and soybean as protein source, can support fungal growth. As a result, we can determine whether they may be used as alternatives to conventional media. The abundance of these natural resources that may be used as microbial growth medium motivates the researchers to create a "cruelty-free" substitute media from materials that are readily available in markets, do not need high charges, and can also minimize total costs to be invested in research.