Application of micro-computed tomography to microstructure studies of the medicinal fungus Hericium coralloides

Abstract

The potential of 3-D nondestructive imaging techniques such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was evaluated to study morphological patterns of the potential medicinal fungus Hericium coralloides (Basidiomycota). Micro-CT results were correlated with histological information gained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). It is demonstrated that the combination of these imaging methods results in a more distinct picture of the morphology of the edible and potentially medicinal Hericium coralloides basidiomata. In addition we have created 3-D reconstructions and visualizations based on micro-CT imagery from a randomly selected part of the upper region of a fresh H. coralloides basidioma: Analyses for the first time allowed an approximation of the evolutionary effectiveness of this bizarrely formed basidioma type in terms of the investment of tissue biomass and its reproductive output (production of basidiospores).

Hidden treasures uncovered: successful detection of fossils below the surface in large limestone blocks using a standard medical X-ray CT scanner

“…Most palaeontological X-ray CT scanning is used to make 3D digital models of fossils (Sutton 2008, Herbin et al 2010, Garcia Sanz et al 2013, to reconstruct and restore fragile fossils digitally (Lautenschlager 2016), or to study the internal anatomy of animals, plants or even fungi (e.g., Gee 2013, Pallua et al 2015, Maldanis et al 2016). X-ray CT scanning is usually performed on previously prepared or partially prepared specimens (Balzeau et al 2010, Smilg andBerger 2015) and seldom on unprepared blocks of fossils for which interest in the specimen has not been established.…”