Search Results (410)

Pseudomonas tolaasii, the causal agent of bacterial brown blotch disease, is a major threat to the yield and quality of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). To investigate the molecular basis of cultivar-dependent resistance, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis using the resistant cultivar ‘Aenutari’ (KMCC01220; AE) and the susceptible cultivar ‘Dahyun’ (KMCC04942; DH) under P. tolaasii challenge. The two cultivars showed contrasting phenotypic and transcriptomic responses after pathogen inoculation. DH exhibited visible disease symptoms and severe mycelial growth inhibition, with relative mycelial growth reduced to 33.97 ± 2.53% of the control, whereas AE maintained a relatively resistant phenotype and higher mycelial growth under pathogen challenge, reaching 51.19 ± 3.72% of the control. Consistent with these phenotypic differences, DH showed extensive transcriptional reprogramming, with 3585 up-regulated and 4377 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In contrast, AE showed a much narrower transcriptional response, with 181 up-regulated and 71 down-regulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that pathogen-responsive DEGs in AE were mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism, extracellular regions, redox-related processes, and ion transport. In cultivar-wise comparisons under pathogen-inoculated conditions, genes highly expressed in AE were enriched in RNA splicing, mRNA processing, mitochondrial organization, mitochondrial gene expression, transmembrane transport, oxidoreductase activity, and sterol-related metabolism. These results indicate that the resistant phenotype of AE is associated with a more limited pathogen-induced transcriptional perturbation and the relative enrichment of gene modules related to RNA processing, mitochondrial organization and gene expression, membrane transport, redox-related processes, and sterol metabolism. This study provides a transcriptomic framework for understanding cultivar-dependent responses to bacterial brown blotch disease in oyster mushroom. Full article

To address the low efficiency of manual quality grading for Pleurotus ostreatus in factory-scale production and the difficulty existing computer vision models face in balancing high localization accuracy with real-time edge deployment for food processing, a lightweight non-destructive detection model named POC-DETR-Prune is proposed. Based on an improved RTDETR framework, FasterNet is introduced to optimize feature extraction, reducing memory access latency while ensuring deep feature representation for complex food morphologies. A Small Object Enhancement Pyramid (SOEP) module is designed to mitigate the loss of subtle features caused by dense mushroom clustering. Furthermore, the Inner-MPDIoU loss function is proposed to significantly improve bounding box localization accuracy in highly overlapped food sorting scenarios. To adapt to industrial hardware constraints, a Random channel pruning strategy compresses computational overhead. Experimental results demonstrate that POC-DETR-Prune achieves a mAP@0.5:0.95 of 83.7% with a computation load of only 38.2 GFLOPs. Deployment testing on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super edge computing platform achieves a real-time detection rate of 30.2 FPS. This emerging technology provides a certain level of visual algorithm support for automated quality grading equipment in the edible fungi industry. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial residues is essential for advancing circular bioeconomy systems. This study integrated the natural colorant and edible mushroom industries by evaluating annatto (Bixa orellana) residues as substrates for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation. Two experiments were conducted, testing field and industrial residues at three incorporation levels (32.5%, 42.5%, and 52.5%, w/w on a dry weight basis) combined with different supplementation strategies (corn bran, wheat bran, and their mixture) in a completely randomized design. Field residues showed greater yield and biological efficiency, while industrial residues exhibited higher variability. Total yield reached 38.92%, while the lowest value was 24.28%, representing an increase of up to 65% depending on residue origin and supplementation strategy. Biological efficiency exceeded 140% under optimal conditions, with gains above 70% compared to the lowest-performing treatments. Field residues also promoted a higher number of bunches and greater average bunch mass. Overall, substrate origin, supplementation, and residue proportion were decisive for fungal performance, demonstrating that annatto residues are promising low-cost substrates for scalable mushroom production within circular economy systems. Full article

Fungi of the genus Pleurotus are increasingly studied not only for their ecological versatility and saprotrophic capabilities but also for their potential in biotechnological applications such as nutrient bioaccumulation. As sustainable alternatives to animal protein sources, Pleurotus species combine high nutritional value with the ability to grow on agro-industrial residues. This review explores the bioaccumulation potential of Pleurotus species of essential compounds of biotechnological interest, particularly selenium and iron, focusing on applications in sustainable nutrition and functional ingredient development. Notably, the substrate composition can nearly double protein content, and selenium-enriched mushrooms can reach up to 858 µg/g without compromising biological efficiency, depending on the dose and chemical form. Similarly, iron biofortification achieved up to 4176 µg/g in P. pulmonarius with minimal productivity loss. Among the species analysed, P. ostreatus and P. eryngii stood out for their productivity and nutritional quality, while P. citrinopileatus recorded the highest protein content at 34.7% dry weight. Overall, mineral biofortification of Pleurotus spp. emerges as a promising strategy to support sustainable food systems, address global micronutrient deficiencies, and expand the biotechnological use of edible fungi. Full article

Conventional sterilization methods limit smallholder mushroom cultivation in PNG. This study evaluated alternative disinfection approaches for Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus) using coffee parchment and Cenchrus fungiraminus (C. fungigraminus) as substrates. After screening 20 strains, the superior strain PXF9 was selected. Three methods were compared: (1) Complete Sterilization with Aseptic Inoculation (CSAI) applied to T1 (experimental) and T2 (sawdust control); (2) Short Sterilization with Open Inoculation (SSOI) applied to T3 (experimental) and T5 (control); and (3) Non sterilization with Open Inoculation (NSOI) applied to T4 (experimental). CSAI (T1) achieved the highest yield (3985.26 ± 2.00 ^d g/24 bags), biological efficiency (83.03%), protein (28.44 g/100 g), and profit (14.76 USD), with the fastest colonization (21 days). SSOI (T3) produced the largest fruiting bodies; NSOI (T4) had the lowest heavy metal levels. SSOI and NSOI were economically beneficial (9.88 and 5.96 UDS per 24 bags). Bioactive compounds (e.g., naringenin, ergosterol peroxide), were detected across treatments. While CSAI maximizes productivity, SSOI and NSOI offer low-cost alternatives for resource-limited farmers. Full article

Ergosterol (ERG) is a bioactive sterol found in fungal cell membranes with reported cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) conditions were optimized for Lentinula edodes (shiitake) using Response Surface Methodology and subsequently applied to Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster). Optimized SFE (690 bar, 69.8 °C, no co-solvent) produced significantly more concentrated ERG extracts than Soxhlet extraction for both species—280.57 ± 10.80 mg_ERG/g_extract for shiitake and 95.87 ± 7.18 mg_ERG/g_extract for oyster—corresponding to a 107% and 65% increase, respectively. Three biomass pre-treatments—ultrasound, microwave, and enzymatic—were evaluated in combination with SFE. Enzymatic pre-treatment with chitinase significantly improved ERG concentration: 337.53 ± 23.12 mg_ERG/g_extract for shiitake. These results obtained after analysis of samples by GC-MS demonstrate that high-pressure SFE combined with chitinase pre-treatment is an effective strategy for producing ERG-rich extracts from fungal matrices. Full article

As a society, we are facing an environmental crisis, and as a result, nature-based and environmentally friendly solutions are gaining increasing popularity. The development of environmentally friendly wood-protection systems is an important challenge in materials science. In this study, lanolin-based emulsions were systematically evaluated as natural agents for improving the hydrophobicity and biological durability of wood. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) samples were treated with four types of lanolin emulsions, including variants containing boric acid, and subsequently analysed in terms of contact angle, resistance to wood-decay fungi (Coniophora puteana and Pleurotus ostreatus), and susceptibility to mould and microfungi growth (Chaetomium globosum; and mixture of: Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, Paeciliomyces variotti, Alternaria tenuis, and Trichoderma viride). This study investigates whether, and to what extent, the application of lanolin affects surface hydrophobization and thus improves its resistance to fungi. The results demonstrate that lanolin treatments, like paraffin or carnauba wax, significantly increase surface hydrophobicity, with contact angles rising from approximately 58° for untreated wood to 85–105° for treated samples. This effect is associated with reduced biological degradation, as evidenced by lower mass loss in treated samples compared to controls. Depending on the formulation, mass loss was reduced by up to approximately 30 percentage points for Coniophora puteana and up to approximately four percentage points for Pleurotus ostreatus. The incorporation of boric acid further enhanced resistance to wood-decay fungi, while slightly reducing contact angle values. The results indicate that lanolin-based emulsions can effectively improve both the moisture resistance and the biological durability of wood. The study provides a comprehensive experimental assessment of lanolin as a sustainable alternative to conventional hydrophobic agents and demonstrates its potential for application in wood-protection systems. Full article

β-glucans are biologically active biopolymers that influence metabolic activity and possess immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. The biological activity of β-glucans is influenced by both their primary structure and spatial conformation, which, in turn, depend on the natural source of the polysaccharides and their extraction methods. In this study, the water-soluble fraction of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucan, isolated from non-irradiated and irradiated Pleurotus ostreatus cryopowder pre-treated with alcohol, was investigated. Increasing the irradiation dose was found to increase the yield of the water-soluble glucan fraction. Furthermore, irradiation increased the solubility of glucans in water and reduced their bulk density and moisture content, which may be due to partial degradation of the biopolymer. According to FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, water-soluble glucan samples isolated from both irradiated and non-irradiated samples consist predominantly of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucan, protein, and a small amount of (1→3)-α-glucan. It was found that the triple-helix conformation of glucans in solution, assessed using Congo red analysis, did not change upon irradiation. Irradiation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the antiradical activity of the glucans against the stable DPPH radical. Addition of irradiated glucans to sugar syrup used as a feed supplement for bee feeding resulted in a significant increase in the proline content of honey. Thus, electron irradiation is a promising method for obtaining β-glucans with high water solubility and contributes to enhancing their biological activity. Full article

Precision microclimate management is critical for stabilizing oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus) production under variable farm conditions. This study evaluates Mushroom Kothi, an IoT-enabled cultivation system integrating low-cost sensors, automated control strategies, and cloud-based monitoring, across multiple agro-climatic zones and seasons in India (Bharat). Comparative trials with conventional farmer-managed systems show that Mushroom Kothi significantly reduces microclimate variability, improves yield consistency, enhances fruit body uniformity, and increases water-use efficiency without relying on energy-intensive cooling. The results demonstrate that biologically informed, automated environmental stabilization—rather than growth forcing—can support sustainable, smallholder-oriented precision mushroom cultivation. Full article

Some microorganisms present in the cultivation environment serve as biocontrol agents and contribute to enhanced mushroom production. However, the native bacteria naturally associated with commercial cultivation bags of Pleurotus ostreatus, as well as their growth-promoting roles and underlying mechanisms, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify native bacteria that promote Pleurotus ostreatus development and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Four native bacteria, including Brevibacterium epidermidis (P6), Acinetobacter soli (A7), Pseudomonas parafulva (A8), and Pseudomonas hunanensis (A12), were isolated based on their ability to promote mycelial growth of P. ostreatus. B. epidermidis P6 shortened complete mycelial colonization time from ~30 d to 14 d in dual cultivation bags. All four strains increased fresh mushroom yield, with B. epidermidis P6, A. soli A7, and P. parafulva A8 increasing the number of basidiomata, while P. hunanensis A12 enhanced their size. These strains produced exopolysaccharides that enhanced mycelial growth. Additionally, B. epidermidis P6, A. soli A7, and P. parafulva A8 also secreted extracellular crude proteins that also promoted mycelial growth. Bi-plates and further gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that volatile organic compounds from P. hunanensis A12, including acetone, 2-butanone, benzaldehyde, and 1-undecene, enhanced fungal mycelial growth. The mycelial growth rates of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus pulmonarius were also enhanced by these four strains. These results reveal that four native bacterial strains promote mushroom development through complex mechanisms. Full article

Lignocellulosic agricultural residues are abundant yet underutilized despite their potential for sustainable bioconversion. This study evaluated spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation and roots of leafy vegetables (RLV) as alternative substrates for Pleurotus production, using wheat straw as a control. Two species, P. ostreatus and P. citrinopileatus, were cultivated on different SMS/RLV ratios and the immunomodulatory potential of harvested mushrooms was assessed. Specifically, protein (PE-D-P3 < 3 kDa) and carbohydrate (CE-D) fractions obtained after in vitro digestion were applied to LPS-challenged THP-1 cells and immune-related gene expression was analyzed by qPCR. Both species significantly modulated immune responses. The PE-D-P3 showed a more pronounced immunomodulatory effect, significantly downregulating IL1B, IL6 and TNF, whereas the CE-D reduced only TNF expression. Substrate composition influenced bioactivity: PE-D-P3 from SMS 80-RLV 20% resulted in the greatest reduction in IL1B, IL6 and TNF, while CE-D from SMS 60-RLV 40% reduced IL1B and CXCL8. These findings provide insights that both fungal species and substrate composition influence immunomodulatory compound production. Valorizing lignocellulosic residues through optimized mushroom cultivation represents a sustainable strategy for producing functional ingredients with applications in human and animal health, particularly for preventing inflammation-related disorders. Full article

Emerging contaminants pose significant risks to ecosystems yet are not routinely included in standard monitoring or regulatory frameworks. Among these substances, endocrine disruptors such as β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol threaten both human and environmental health by interfering with metabolism, reproduction, and development across multiple species. These hormones are continuously released into the environment through excretion and improper disposal, and conventional water treatment processes are largely ineffective at removing them. As a result, they can accumulate in aquatic organisms and enter the human food chain. Recent studies have demonstrated that banana peel, Pleurotus ostreatus biomasses, and the nanomaterial δ-FeOOH are efficient, low-cost materials for the removal of toxic metals, suggesting their potential applicability for eliminating estrogenic compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the removal of β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol using filters composed of banana peel and P. ostreatus biomass combined with δ-FeOOH. Hormone removal efficiency was assessed by LC-MS, and toxicity reduction was evaluated through bioassays. The results showed up to 100% removal of hormone concentrations and a significant decrease in sample toxicity, indicating that this filtration system represents a safe and effective alternative for removing organic contaminants from water. Full article

Growing concern over antibiotic resistance in poultry production has increased interest in natural feed additives such as Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom)-derived products. This study evaluated three freeze-dried oyster mushroom powders: total fresh fruiting body (OMP-TF), cooked solid residue (OMP-CSR), and cooked liquid fraction (OMP-CL), as dietary supplements in male Coturnix japonica. A β-glucan positive control and basal diet negative control were included. Birds (1-day-old) were fed experimental diets from 1 to 28 days. An Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was applied 12 h before sampling to induce an immune system activity. Growth performance, immune system activity, spleen relative weight, ileum morphometry, and antioxidant capacity were then evaluated to determine the effects of the experimental diets. Mushroom supplementation significantly modulated body weight during weeks 2–3 and overall weight gain, with OMP-TF maintaining higher body weight at week 4. Relative spleen weight, villus morphometry, cytokine responses (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4), and total antioxidant capacity were not significantly altered compared with LPS controls. Overall, P. ostreatus supplementation modulated growth performance under inflammatory challenge conditions, without significantly affecting the measured immune or intestinal parameters. These findings suggest a potential role of mushroom-derived products as growth-supporting feed additives; however, further studies are needed to clarify their effects on immune function and intestinal health. Full article

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), the main by-product of mushroom production, is rich in valuable compounds that could be recovered by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and exploited as fat-mimetic functional ingredients in food formulations. In this study, low-fat cookie prototypes were developed by incorporating a dietary fiber extract obtained from SMS using UAE. The extraction process was optimized following a Box–Behnken experimental design, identifying optimal conditions at a specific energy input of 200 J/mL, a particle size of 2 mm, and a solvent-to-solute ratio of 27%, yielding a dietary fiber recovery of 30.82%. The optimized SMS extract exhibited high oil-holding capacity (OHC) (1.39 g/g), emulsion stability (ES) (80%), and foaming capacity (FC) (83.55%). Four cookie formulations were evaluated, among which G1 (50% fat replacement) showed the best balance between consumer acceptability and an improved nutritional profile, characterized by higher protein (8.4 g/100 g), total dietary fiber (TDF) (7.10 g/100 g), and mineral contents. Notably, G1 cookies displayed a significant reduction in predicted glycemic index (pGI), decreasing from 83.84 in the control to 69.65. Overall, these results demonstrate that optimized SMS-derived dietary fiber is an effective functional ingredient for the development of low-fat, high-fiber, and reduced-glycemic cookies, contributing to the valorization of agro-industrial by-products within a circular economy framework. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable alternative proteins has intensified interest in fungal mycelia as a nutrient-dense biomass for food applications. This study compared Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting bodies with mycelia grown in liquid state on amaranth seed- and Bambara groundnut-based media, evaluating aroma-active volatiles and amino acid composition. Across 52 identified volatiles, C8 oxylipin-derived compounds dominated all matrices, with exceptionally high odour activity values (OAVs) for 1-octen-3-one (~4.1 × 10³), 3-octanone (~1.5 × 10³), 1-octen-3-ol (~8.3 × 10²) and 3-octanol (~5.3 × 10²). Amaranth-grown mycelia showed intensified mushroom/green/fatty notes due to elevated C8 ketones and unsaturated aldehydes, whereas Bambara-grown mycelia exhibited reduced C8 prominence and stronger malty, nutty and fermented nuances driven by Ehrlich-pathway aldehydes (e.g., 3-methylbutanal ~2.0 × 10³), with floral contributions from linalool (~3.8 × 10²). Mycelial protein contents ranged from 35.8 to 36.1 g/100 g (amaranth) and up to 38.2 g/100 g (Bambara), compared with 39.5 g/100 g in the fruiting body. Amino acid scores (AAS) identified cystine + methionine as limiting; mycelia exhibited higher AAS, with more indispensable amino acids exceeding reference requirements. Elevated glutamic and aspartic acids underscore the umami potential of the mycelial biomass. Overall, these plant-based substrates can strategically modulate both flavour chemistry and amino acid balance in P. ostreatus mycelia, supporting their use as nutritionally relevant, flavour-active ingredients in alternative protein and hybrid food systems. Full article