Search Results (26)

Arsenic (As) contamination poses a major challenge to sustainable crop production, particularly in legumes such as peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), where it disrupts growth, nodulation, and redox homeostasis. This study evaluated the potential of circular-economy-based amendments derived from spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Pleurotus djamor and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to mitigate As stress in peanut plants. Six growth conditions were tested under 20 µM arsenate, including single and combined inoculations with P. djamor and Pseudomonas fluorescens, as well as a residue-only benchmark (E). Results showed that the unamended control (AP) exhibited the highest As accumulation, oxidative stress (H₂O₂, TBARs), and biomass loss, whereas SMS-based amendments attenuated these effects. Treatments HB (SMS + P. djamor + PGPB) and B (SMS + PGPB) combined low As translocation with enhanced antioxidant performance (SOD, CAT), maintaining growth and pigment stability. Amendment H (SMS + P. djamor) preferentially activated phytochelatin-related genes (PCS2, CAD1), while E minimized As uptake but lacked circular applicability. Overall, SMS-PGPB interactions promoted As retention in roots and strengthened ROS-scavenging defenses. These findings highlight SMS-based amendments as viable, sustainable strategies to enhance peanut quality and resilience under As stress, supporting their integration into circular agronomic systems. Full article

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are widely cultivated due to their high nutritional value and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. However, the fruiting body developmental stage significantly influences the centesimal composition and bioactive compound levels. This study examined the centesimal composition and bioactive properties of five commercial oyster mushroom species (P. citrinopileatus, P. cornucopiae, P. djamor, P. ostreatus, and P. pulmonarius) cultivated in northern Thailand at three maturation stages (young, middle, and mature). The centesimal composition; polysaccharide, ergothioneine, and phenolic compound contents; antioxidant activity; and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were analyzed. The results showed that the centesimal composition and polysaccharide content increased as the mushrooms matured in all species. The middle stage consistently exhibited the highest levels of ergothioneine, total phenolics, and individual phenolic compounds in all five species. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and trans-o-coumaric acid being predominant. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, according to the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with the highest activity found at the middle stage. This is the first paper to report the ergothioneine content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in P. cornucopiae and P. djamor. These findings demonstrate that harvest timing can be optimized to maximize either the nutritional content (mature stage) or bioactive compound content for functional food applications (middle stage), offering a better understanding of the developmental phases at which mushrooms have the greatest health and technological potential. Furthermore, this knowledge provides practical guidance for growers seeking to target specific markets for high nutritional value foods based on consumer demand and for functional food developers aiming to maximize health-promoting properties. Full article

This study explores the production of nutritious edible mushrooms from mixtures of agave bagasse, an abundant agroindustrial byproduct, through the biotechnological application of solid-state fermentation using the edible mushroom Pleurotus djamor. The ability of the fungus to biotransform different mixtures of agave bagasse and corn stover into secondary metabolites of nutraceutical interest, such as polyphenols, organic acids, and bioactive polysaccharides, was evaluated. Biological efficiency (BE), morphological change, texture, and antioxidant capacity were also assessed, correlating the results with the impact of substrates and fungal developmental stages. The color, size, and margin of P. djamor basidiomas were observed to vary among treatments; BE progressively decreased from T0 (106.5%) to T4 (33.16%). Treatments with higher amounts of agave bagasse (T4) generated firmer fungi, with a fracture toughness of 7.06 ± 3.06 newtons. During fungal development, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins fluctuated. Treatment T0 showed the highest concentration of phenols (5.41 ± 0.92 mg GAE g⁻¹). Treatment T4 stood out for its high antioxidant capacity (DPPH) (61.83 ± 12.16% inhibition). Finally, 17 non-phenolic secondary metabolites were found: L-valine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L, D-phenylalanine, L-proline, alanine, L-asparagine, serine, glutamic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, butanoic acid, propanoic acid, pyrimidine, succinic acid, hexanedioic acid, and phosphoric acid. In conclusion, P. djamor can biotransform agroindustrial waste into edible fungi containing nutraceutical compounds. Full article

The high-Andean grass Jarava ichu (Poaceae) plays a vital role in water regulation and aquifer recharge. However, its limited use is often linked to forest fires, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Therefore, this study aims to explore the valorization of ichu as a substrate for the cultivation of Pleurotus spp. (P. citrinopileatus, P. djamor, and P. ostreatus) and to evaluate the potential of the residual substrate as a biofertilizer, offering an ecological alternative to grassland burning in the Peruvian Andes. Samples of ichu from the district of Tomás (Lima, Peru) were used as culture substrate, analyzing productivity indicators such as crop cycle (CC), biological efficiency (BE), and production rate (PR), together with the nutritional profile of the fungi and the chemical properties of the residual substrate. The results showed an average biological efficiency of 19.8%, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) in CC, BE, or PR among the species, confirming the viability of ichu as a substrate. The fungi presented a high protein content (24.1–30.41% on a dry basis), highlighting its nutritional value. In addition, the residual substrate exhibited elevated levels of phosphorus (795.9–1296.9 ppm) and potassium (253.1–291.3 ppm) compared to raw ichu (0.11–7.77 ppm for both nutrients). Germination tests on radish seeds showed rates between 80% and 100%, without inhibition, supporting its potential as a biofertilizer. This study demonstrates the double potential of ichu as a substrate for the sustainable production of edible mushrooms of high nutritional value and as a source of biofertilizers. Full article

Medicinal mushroom production utilising rural cultivation (solid state fermentation) requires approximately six months compared to culinary mushroom production (7 days). Urban cultivation (submerged liquid fermentation) can be used as a sustainable method of producing medicinal mushroom biomass. In this study, chicken patties were fortified with liquid-fermented Ganoderma lucidum flour (GLF) and Pleurotus djamor mushroom biomass flour (PDF) at concentrations of 3%, 6%, and 9%. These were compared to a negative control (0% mushroom flour chicken patty) and a commercial patty. Chicken patties fortified with 3% PDF and 9% GLF recorded the lowest cooking loss, at 5.55% and 10.3%, respectively. Mushroom chicken patties exhibited lower cooking losses and significant changes in colour and texture compared to control samples. Notably, 3% GLF chicken patty achieved the highest overall acceptability score of 6.55 followed by 9% PDF chicken patty (6.08) (p < 0.05). Biomass flour of liquid-fermented Ganoderma lucidum (ENS-GL) and Pleurotus djamor (ENS-PD) were extracted for their endopolysaccharide and analysed for their functional properties. All elemental, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy analyses revealed the existence of a comparable beta-glucan polymer structure, linkages, and absorptions when compared to the Laminarin standard. In addition, ENS-GL also proved to possess higher antimicrobial activities and significant antioxidant levels (DPPH-scavenging activity, ferric reduction potential and total phenolic content) compared to ENS-PD. Overall, this study revealed that sustainable liquid-fermented Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom, outperformed Pleurotus djamor, a culinary mushroom, as a potential alternative flour for combating hunger in the future. Full article

Oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, has been widely detected in various environmental matrices, posing significant ecological and health risks. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the capacity of Pleurotus djamor to degrade oxybenzone in in vitro cultures. After 14 days of mycelial incubation, oxybenzone concentrations in the medium decreased from 25 mg to 1.5394 ± 0.095 mg. The final amount of oxybenzone in the mycelium after lyophilization was 6.2067 ± 0.2459 mg. Furthermore, oxybenzone addition significantly reduced biomass growth from 2.510 ± 0.6230 g to 1.4697 ± 0.0465 g. The transformation products in the dry mycelium and medium were assessed and identified using UPLC-Q-tof based on monoisotopic molecular mass and fragmentation spectra. In processes initiated by P. djamor, mainly acylated derivatives of oxybenzone were formed. Additionally, compounds with thiol and amino groups were identified. Alterations in antioxidant profiles (L-tryptophan, 6-methyl-D,L-tryptophan, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ergosterol, lovastatin, L-phenylalanine, and ergothioneine) in response to oxybenzone exposure were observed. Our findings reveal significant changes in the antioxidant levels and biomass growth inhibition, underscoring the potential toxicological risks associated with oxybenzone. The observed reduction in oxybenzone concentration highlights the potential of P. djamor as an effective and environmentally friendly strategy for mitigating this pollutant. Full article

(1→3)-α-d-Glucan is an important component of the cell wall of most fungi. The polymer has many applications, including as a therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of various diseases, as well as a heavy metal sorbent and a component of new materials used in the plastics industry. The presence of (1→3)-α-d-glucan (water-insoluble, alkali-soluble polysaccharide) in the cell wall of Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster mushroom) was confirmed using specific fluorophore-labeled antibodies. Therefore, the water-insoluble fraction (WI-ASF) of P. djamor B123 fruiting bodies was isolated by alkaline extraction and used for further analyses. The structural features of the WI-ASF were determined by composition analysis, linkage analysis, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as viscosity, specific rotation, and gel permeation chromatography. These studies revealed the presence of glucose units linked by α-glycosidic bonds and scanty amounts of mannose and xylose. Furthermore, methylation analysis of WI-ASF demonstrated that the (1→3)-linked glucopyranose (Glcp) is the primary moiety (86.4%) of the polymer, while the 3,4- and 3,6-substituted hexoses are the branching residues of the glucan. The results of chemical and spectroscopic investigations indicated that the analyzed WI-ASF is a (1→3)-linked α-d-glucan type with a molecular weight of 552 kDa. Full article

The increasing generation of agro-industrial waste and its improper disposal have raised significant environmental concerns, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives which would repurpose these materials. In this context, enzymes such as endoglucanase play a critical role in degrading lignin–cellulose biomass by catalyzing the breakdown of β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose, thereby converting it into fermentable sugars with diverse industrial applications. This study aimed to investigate the production, purification, and characterization of an endoglucanase produced by the fungus Pleurotus djamor PLO13, using coconut fiber, sugarcane bagasse, wheat bran, and pineapple crown as substrates. Endoglucanase activity was measured by the Miller method (1959), using 2% (w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as substrate. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) was found to be highly efficient for enzyme synthesis, with wheat bran emerging as the most effective substrate, yielding an enzyme production of 7.19 U after 120 h of cultivation. The endoglucanase was purified through ethanol precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-Sepharose, achieving a recovery rate of 110%, possibly due to removal of inhibitors present in the crude extract. The purified enzyme exhibited stability across a broad pH range and thermostability, with optimal activity at pH 5.0 and 50 °C. Furthermore, the enzyme was activated by EDTA, Mn²⁺, and Ca²⁺, while being inhibited by Mg²⁺. Notably, the enzyme demonstrated halotolerance, with activity increasing by 60% upon the addition of 3 M NaCl. Kinetic analysis revealed that the purified enzyme showed affinity to the CMC substrate at the analyzed parameters (pH 5.0 and 50 °C), with Km and Vmax values of 0.0997 mg/mL and 112.2 µg/min/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that the endoglucanase from P. djamor PLO13 has promising potential for biotechnological applications, underscoring the feasibility of the use of lignocellulosic waste as sustainable substrates in industrial processes. Full article

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) have gained significant attention in food science and nutrition due to their exceptional nutritional and functional properties. This review examines various oyster mushroom species’ comprehensive physicochemical characteristics, functional attributes, and antioxidative properties. Through analysis of current literature, we establish that oyster mushrooms contain substantial amounts of protein (15–30%), carbohydrates (43–60%), dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients while maintaining low-fat content (~1.2%). The mushrooms demonstrate significant antioxidant activity through compounds such as ergothioneine, phenolics, and flavonoids, with different species showing varying levels of bioactive compounds. Scientific studies reveal that processing methods, particularly different drying techniques, significantly impact their nutritional composition and functional properties. Notable findings include the identification of specific compounds in coloured varieties, such as pink chromoprotein in Pleurotus djamor and various melanin types, which contribute to both aesthetic and functional properties. Full article

Our study employed Pleurotus ostreatus, P. djamor, and Trametes versicolor (white rot fungi = WRF) in the process of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to convert sorghum grains into myceliated sorghum (MS). The MS was then used for in vitro studies to assess changes in nutrient content compared to untreated sorghum (control). The results demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) increase in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of MS. Specifically, CP and ash values saw a remarkable increase from 68 to 330% and 40 to 190% in MS, respectively. Additionally, NDF and ADF degradability values increased significantly (p < 0.001) by 81.5% and 56.2% in P. djamor-treated MS at 24 h post-incubation. The treatment × time interaction was also significant (p < 0.001) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. T. versicolor MS exhibited the highest total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionate production. The use of WRF in the SSF process led to a significant improvement in the nutritional value of sorghum. Despite the varying effects of different WRF on the nutritional parameters in MS, they show potential for enhancing the feed value of sorghum in animal feed. Full article

Due to the increasing populations of anthelmintic-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes and as a consequence of the adverse effects of synthetic drugs, this study focuses on the search for secondary metabolites with nematocidal activity from the edible mushroom Pleurotus djamor using The proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) metabolomics. The highest activity was shown by the ethyl acetate fractions of mycelium (EC₅₀ 290.8 µg/mL) and basidiomes (EC₅₀ 282.7 µg/mL). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical data analysis (HCA) of the ¹H-NMR metabolic profiles data showed that the ethanolic extracts, the ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fractions from mycelium have different metabolic profiles than those from basidiomes, while low polarity (hexane) fractions from both stages of fungal development show similar profiles. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) allowed the identification of signals in the ¹H-NMR metabolic profile associated with nematocidal activity. The signals yielded via OPLS-DA and bidimensional NMR analysis allowed the identification of uracil as a component in the ethyl acetate fraction from basidiomes, with an EC₅₀ of 237.7 µg/mL. The results obtained showed that chemometric analyses of the ¹H-NMR metabolic profiles represent a viable strategy for the identification of bioactive compounds from samples with complex chemical profiles. Full article

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse (SCB) is one of the most widely produced lignocellulosic biomasses and has great potential to be recycled for sustainable food production as ruminant animal feed. However, due to severe lignification, i.e., lignin-(hemi)-cellulose complexes, ruminants can only ferment a minor fraction of the polysaccharides trapped in such recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomasses. This study was therefore designed to systematically evaluate the improvement in nutritional value, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and the rate and extent of in vitro total gas (IVGP) and methane (CH₄) production during the 72 h in vitro ruminal fermentation of SCB, bioprocessed with Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus djamor, Calocybe indica and Pleurotus ostreatus under solid-state fermentation (SSF) for 0, 21 and 56 days. The contents of neutral detergent fiber, lignin, hemicellulose and CH₄ production (% of IVGP) decreased (p < 0.05), whereas crude protein (CP), IVDMD and total IVGP increased (p < 0.05) after the treatment of SCB for 21 and 56 days with all white-rot fungi (WRF) species. The greatest (p < 0.05) improvement in CP (104.1%), IVDMD (38.8%) and IVGP (49.24%) and the greatest (p < 0.05) reduction in lignin (49.3%) and CH₄ (23.2%) fractions in total IVGP were recorded for SCB treated with C. indica for 56 days. Notably, C. indica degraded more than (p < 0.05) lignin and caused greater (p < 0.05) improvement in IVDMD than those recorded for other WRF species after 56 days. The increase in IVGP was strongly associated with lignin degradation (R² = 0.72) and a decrease in the lignin-to-cellulose ratio (R² = 0.95) during the bioprocessing of SCB. Our results demonstrated that treatment of SCB with (selective) lignin-degrading WRF can improve the nutritional value and digestibility of SCB, and C. indica presents excellent prospects for the rapid, selective and more extensive degradation of lignin and, as such, for the improvement in nutritional value and digestibility of SCB for ruminant nutrition. Full article

Lignin degradation is important for enhancing the digestibility and improving the nutritive quality of ruminant feeds. White rot fungi are well known for their bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass. The objective of this paper was to evaluate whether Lentinus sajor-caju, Pleurotus ostreatus, Phyllotopsis rhodophylla, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus citrinopileatus treatments altered the chemical compositions of highland barley straw constituents and enhanced their nutritional value as a ruminant feed. All white rot fungi significantly increased the relative crude protein (CP), ethyl ether extract (EE), starch, soluble protein (SP), and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) contents but decreased the ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and acid detergent insoluble protein (ADFIP) contents. In addition, L. sajor-caju treatment increased (p < 0.001) the levels of PA, PB₂, PB₃, CA, CB₁, CB₂, and CNSC, but reduced (p < 0.001) the PC and CC in the solid-state fermentation of highland barley straw. Maximum ligninlysis (50.19%) was optimally produced in the presence of 1.53% glucose and 2.29% urea at 22.72 ℃. The in vitro dry matter digestibility and total volatile fatty acid concentrations of fermented highland barley straw, as well as the fermentability, were optimized and improved with L. sajor-caju, which degraded the lignocellulose and improved the nutritional value of highland barley straw as a ruminant feed. Full article

The sustainable management of agricultural residues is a pivotal element in ensuring the sustainable development of agriculture. This is based on strategies that include the reutilization of residues as a substrate for the cultivation of economically significant mushroom species. The primary aim of this investigation is to assess the viability of utilizing two of the most prevalent agricultural residues in Ecuador as a substrate for the cultivation of hybrids within the Pleurotus genus. This assessment includes an evaluation of the nutritional and productivity parameters exhibited by the resulting mushrooms, employing multivariate statistical methodologies. The hybrid strains were developed by crossing compatible neohaplonts obtained through chemical dedikaryotization. A total of five neohaplonts of Pleurotus ostreatus as parental strain P1 and five monokaryons of Pleurotus djamor as parental strain P2 were randomly crossed in all possible combinations. Two parental hybrid strains, H1 and H2, were produced. These hybrids were cultivated using agricultural waste substrates, specifically, green banana leaves (GBL) and sugarcane bagasse (SB). Two distinct treatments or mixtures were tested: M1 (composed of 80% SB and 20% GBL) and M2 (composed of 20% SB and 80% GBL). It was found that the M1 blend promotes mushroom growth, yielding superior properties attributable to the higher proportion of nutritional content derived from sugarcane bagasse. Full article

The effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle; Hs) by-product (2–5%) and Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster; Pd) powder (5–7.5%) as meat replacers on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of beef patties were analyzed. The addition of these non-meat ingredients significantly decreased moisture and increased fiber content, and did not affect the protein level of the product. The antioxidant effect of the roselle by-product was limited, while Pleurotus djamor favored the oxidation processes. The samples supplemented with roselle by-product and mushroom powder presented significantly lower microbial counts (total viable counts, enterobacteria, and Pseudomonas) than control, but texture and sensorial parameters were significantly affected. The patties darkened due to the presence of the Hibiscus by-product, while the color of the samples containing 5% Pleurotus djamor was hardly modified. These samples, together with the control samples, were the most sensorially appreciated. The addition of these ingredients provoked a decrease in texture parameters, being less pronounced in the samples with only 2% of roselle by-product. In spite of the good antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Hibiscus by-products, its inclusion in meat should be moderate (2–2.5%) to avoid consumer rejection when Pleurotus djamor is also included in the formulation. Full article