Search Results (457)

Mushroom production is a sustainable practice but requires improvements, such as in Lentinula edodes (Berk) Pegler cultivation, which has high water and labor demands. In this context, this study proposed replacing the traditional primordia induction method by submersion with a water injection method. Two primordia induction methods (submersion and injection) and two cultivation block formats were compared: rectangular cube (2 kg) and cylindrical (3.5 kg). The substrate, composed of eucalyptus sawdust (72%), wheat bran (12.5%), rice bran (12.5%), CaCO₃ (1%), and CaSO₄ (2%), was inoculated with strain LED 19/11 and incubated for 80 days at 26 ± 5 °C and 85 ± 15% humidity. After this period, the blocks were washed and transferred to the production environment. Fruiting was induced either by submersion or water injection, and production was evaluated over four harvest flushes. The 2 kg blocks had higher yields with submersion (16.62%), while the 3.5 kg blocks responded better to injection (13.01%), showing more homogeneous production. Increasing the substrate quantity contributes to greater harvest stability across production cycles. Water injections proved to be a viable alternative, reducing handling and facilitating large-scale production. The use of this technique demonstrates great importance in reducing water use and also the need for labor in cultivation. Full article

Flammulina filiformis, one of the most delicious and commercially important mushrooms, demonstrates remarkable adaptability to diverse agricultural wastes. However, it is unclear how different substrates affect the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass and the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes in F. filiformis. In this study, label-free comparative proteomic analysis of F. filiformis cultivated on sugarcane bagasse, cotton seed shells, corn cobs, and glucose substrates was conducted to identify degradation mechanism across various substrates. Label-free quantitative proteomics identified 1104 proteins. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of protein expression differences were predominantly enriched in energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolic pathways. Detailed characterization of carbohydrate-active enzymes among the identified proteins revealed glucanase (GH7, A0A067NSK0) as the key enzyme. F. filiformis secreted higher levels of cellulases and hemicellulases on sugarcane bagasse substrate. In the cotton seed shells substrate, multiple cellulases functioned collaboratively, while in the corn cobs substrate, glucanase predominated among the cellulases. These findings reveal the enzymatic strategies and metabolic flexibility of F. filiformis in lignocellulose utilization, providing novel insights for metabolic engineering applications in biotechnology. The study establishes a theoretical foundation for optimizing biomass conversion and developing innovative substrates using targeted enzyme systems. Full article

With the acceleration of the pace of life, increased stress levels, and changes in lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, the incidence of diseases such as cancer and immunodeficiency has been on the rise, which is closely associated with the impaired antioxidant capacity of the body. Polypeptides and polysaccharides derived from edible fungi demonstrate significant strong antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory effects. Auricularia auricula, the second most cultivated mushroom in China, is not only nutritionally rich but also offers considerable health benefits. In particular, its polysaccharides have been widely recognized for their immunomodulatory activities, while its abundant protein content holds great promise as a raw material for developing immunomodulatory peptides. To meet the demand for high-value utilization of Auricularia auricula resources, this study developed a key technology for the stepwise extraction of polypeptides (AAPP1) and polysaccharides (AAPS3) using a composite enzymatic hydrolysis process. Their antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects were assessed using cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immune-suppressed mice. The results showed that both AAPP1 and AAPS3 significantly reversed CTX-induced decreases in thymus and spleen indices (p < 0.05); upregulated serum levels of cytokines (e.g., IL-4, TNF-α) and immunoglobulins (e.g., IgA, IgG); enhanced the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT (p < 0.05); and reduced the content of MDA, a marker of oxidative damage. Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that these compounds restored CTX-induced reductions in microbial α-diversity, increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Paramuribaculum, Prevotella; p < 0.05), decreased the proportion of pro-inflammatory Duncaniella, and reshaped the balance of the Bacteroidota/Firmicutes phyla. This study represents the first instance of synergistic extraction of polypeptides and polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula using a single process. It demonstrates their immune-enhancing effects through multiple mechanisms, including “antioxidation-immune organ repair-intestinal microbiota regulation.” The findings offer a theoretical and technical foundation for the deep processing of Auricularia auricula and the development of functional foods. Full article

Mushrooms are eukaryotic organisms with absorptive heterotrophic nutrition, capable of feeding on organic matter rich in cellulose and lignocellulose. Since ancient times, they have been considered allies and, in certain cultures, they were seen as magical beings or food of the gods. Of the great variety of edible mushrooms identified worldwide, less than 2% are traded on the market. Although mushrooms have been valued for their multiple nutritional and healing benefits, some cultures perceive them as toxic and do not accept them in their culinary practices. Despite the existing skepticism, several researchers are promoting the potential of edible mushrooms. There are two main methods of mushroom cultivation: solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation. The former is the most widely used and simplest, since the fungus grows in its natural environment; in the latter, the fungus grows suspended without developing a fruiting body. In addition, submerged fermentation is easily monitored and scalable. Both systems are important and have their limitations. This article discusses the main methods used to increase the performance of submerged fermentation with emphasis on the modes of operation used, types of bioreactors and application of morphological bioengineering of filamentous fungi, and especially the use of intelligent automatic control technologies and the use of non-invasive monitoring in fermentation systems thanks to the development of machine learning (ML), neural networks, and the use of big data, which will allow more accurate decisions to be made in the fermentation of filamentous fungi in submerged environments with improvements in production yields. Full article

The white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a widely cultivated edible and medicinal mushroom, which contains various active substances, and has application value against pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture. Firstly, A. bisporus water extract (AB-WE) was prepared. Through the detection kits, it was found that the polysaccharide, protein, and polyphenol components of AB-WE were 9.11%, 3.3%, and 1.5%, respectively. The 246 compounds were identified in AB-WE, and the major small-molecule components included L-Isoleucine, L-Tyrosine, L-Valine, and Linoleic acid by HPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap-MS. Secondly, the AB-WE was evaluated for its immunological activities through dietary administration and pathogen challenge (Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio fluvialis) in goldfish (Carassius auratus). The results showed that the levels of immune factors of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM) increased (p < 0.05) in goldfish, and the relative percentage survival of AB-WE against A. hydrophila and V. fluvialis were 80.00% (p < 0.05) and 81.82% (p < 0.05), respectively. The AB-WE reduced the bacterial content in renal tissue, enhanced the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, and exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of antioxidant-related factors and inflammatory factors. Through histopathological and immunofluorescence techniques, it was found that AB-WE maintained the integrity of visceral tissues and reduced renal tissue apoptosis and DNA damage. Therefore, AB-WE exhibits immunoprotective activity against A. hydrophila and V. fluvialis infections in fish, and holds promise as an immunotherapeutic agent against major pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture. Full article

Olive Mill Solid Waste (OMSW) presents an environmental challenge due to its toxicity and difficulties in its recycling. Prior studies suggest its potential as a substrate ingredient for cultivating edible mushrooms. Here, we investigate how varying OMSW concentrations in the substrate affect the synthesis pathways of α-glucan and β-glucan polysaccharides, alongside transcriptional and metabolic changes in Pleurotus eryngii. We also assessed the mushroom’s protein and nitrogen content. Our results highlight the critical role of substrate composition, demonstrating that the OMSW concentration significantly influences mushroom growth, yield, protein content, gene expression, and metabolite profiles. These findings establish OMSW not only as a viable recycling resource but also as a modulator of health-promoting compound synthesis in P. eryngii. Full article

Flammulina velutipes is a widely cultivated edible mushroom in East Asia, recognized for its nutritional benefits and distinct morphology characterized by a long stipe and a compact, hemispherical pileus. The pileus not only plays a critical biological role in reproduction through spore formation but also serves as a key commercial trait influencing consumer preference and market value. Despite its economic importance, pileus development in F. velutipes is highly sensitive to environmental factors, among which carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration is particularly influential under indoor cultivation conditions. While previous studies have reported that elevated CO₂ levels can inhibit pileus expansion in other mushroom species, the molecular mechanisms by which CO₂ affects pileus growth in F. velutipes remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of CO₂ concentration on pileus morphology and gene expression in F. velutipes by cultivating fruiting bodies under two controlled atmospheric conditions: low (1000 ppm) and high (10,000 ppm) CO₂. Morphometric analysis revealed that elevated CO₂ levels significantly suppressed pileus expansion, reducing the average diameter by more than 50% compared to the low CO₂ condition. To elucidate the underlying genetic response, we conducted RNA sequencing and identified 102 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 78 being downregulated under elevated CO₂. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of cyclin-dependent protein kinase regulatory pathways in this response. Two cyclin genes were found to be significantly downregulated under elevated CO₂ conditions, and their suppression was validated through quantitative real-time PCR. These genes, possessing conserved cyclin_N domains, are implicated in the regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle, particularly in mitotic growth. These results indicate that CO₂-induced downregulation of cyclin genes may underlie cell cycle arrest, contributing to inhibited pileus development. This study is the first to provide transcriptomic evidence that elevated CO₂ concentrations specifically repress PHO80-like cyclin genes in F. velutipes, revealing a molecular mechanism by which CO₂ stress inhibits pileus development. These findings suggest that elevated CO₂ triggers a morphogenetic checkpoint by repressing PHO80-like cyclins, thereby modulating cell cycle progression during fruiting body development. This study provides the first evidence of such a transcriptional response in edible mushrooms and offers promising molecular targets for breeding CO₂-resilient strains and optimizing commercial cultivation conditions. Full article

The selection of plant-based substrates for mushroom cultivation is a key factor influencing their growth and metabolism. The aim of this study was to demonstrate, in an innovative approach, differences in the content of biologically active compounds, bioelements, and antioxidant properties of Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers. cultivated on various plant-based substrates derived from waste materials, specifically hemp straw and beech sawdust. Another objective was to compare various extraction methods in terms of their impact on the concentration of these compounds. Elemental analysis was performed using the TXRF method, while bioactive constituents were determined using the DAD/UV RP-HPLC technique. The plant-based substrate and extraction method influenced the levels of obtained metabolites. Dual extraction with moderate ethanol concentrations was most effective for isolating key bioactive compounds from H. erinaceus—notably ergothioneine, lovastatin, L-phenylalanine, and ergosterol—while antioxidant activity did not correlate with the concentration of the solvent used. Although dual extracts enhanced certain antioxidants and metabolites, whole fruiting bodies contained higher levels of bioelements. Overall, fruiting bodies grown on beech sawdust had greater amounts of most bioactive compounds compared to those cultivated on hemp straw, emphasizing that both substrate choice and extraction method critically influence the mushroom’s bioactive profile and its potential health benefits. Full article

The high cost of mushroom spawn remains a critical constraint to economically viable mushroom cultivation, particularly for small-scale farmers. This study investigated four spawn types, including stick (giant mimosa stalks, GMS), sawdust, sorghum, and liquid culture as inoculum sources for 10 edible mushroom species. The results indicated that GMS stick spawn provides excellent conditions for the mycelial growth of seven species, outperforming other spawn types in terms of colonization rate and pinhead formation. Mushrooms grown on GMS substrate demonstrated rapid development, with full colonization occurring within 11 to 26 days and pinhead initiation between 18 and 47 days, depending on the species. Among the mushroom species tested, Schizophyllum commune exhibited the fastest growth, reaching full colonization in 11 days and forming pinheads after 18 days of inoculation. In comparison, Auricularia polytricha showed the slowest development. Economically, GMS spawn was the most cost-effective at 0.074 USD per unit, significantly lower than sawdust (0.24 USD), sorghum (0.29 USD), and potato dextrose broth (PDB; 2.80 USD). The conversion from PDB with GMS could reduce industrial inoculum costs from 35,000 USD to 600 USD annually. These findings demonstrate the potential of GMS as an effective, low-cost, and sustainable spawn option that can enhance mycelial growth and support eco-friendly farming practices. 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

In the artificial cultivation of Morchella sextelata (Black Morel), exogenous nutrient bags (ENBs) commonly employ wheat grains as the primary substrate raw material. However, this approach is costly and runs counter to the “non-grain” development direction advocated by the edible mushroom industry. Under controlled field conditions, twelve self-made formulations were set up and compared with a conventional market formulation to comprehensively analyze their impacts on the agronomic traits, yield, soil physicochemical properties, and economic benefits of M. sextelata fruiting bodies. The research findings indicate that the nutrient bag formulations have a significant effect on soil available nutrients. Specifically, the contents of alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen (AN) and available potassium (AK) exhibit a significantly negative correlation with M. sextelata yield (r = −0.60, p < 0.05; r = −0.72, p < 0.01, respectively). Among all the treatment groups, the KY1 formulation (comprising 30% wheat grains, 5% rice bran, 60% corncobs, 2% rice husks, 1% lime, and 1% gypsum) achieved the highest yield of 915.13 kg per 667 m², which was 16.1% higher than that of the control group. The net economic benefit per unit area (667 m²) reached CNY 75,282.15, representing a 20.7% increase compared to the traditional wheat grains-based formulation. In conclusion, partially substituting wheat grains with rice bran in ENBs can not only reduce reliance on staple food resources but also enhance yield and economic efficiency. Due to the differences in cultivated strains and environmental conditions, the impact on morel yield is substantial; therefore, the results of this study need further validation through pilot trials. Full article

Melanin is a complex natural pigment that imparts a variety of colors to the fruiting bodies of edible fungi, influencing both their nutritional quality and commercial value. Stropharia rugosoannulata is an emerging type of edible fungus that has been widely cultivated in recent years. It can be categorized into red and yellow varieties based on cap color, while its pigment characteristics remain unclear. In this study, the melanins from the two varieties were obtained using an alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method, followed by comprehensive characterization of their chemical properties and ultrastructural features. Both melanins displayed distinct absorption maxima at approximately 211 nm. The melanin extracted from the red variety consisted of 55.63% carbon (C), 7.40% hydrogen (H), 30.23% oxygen (O), 5.99% nitrogen (N), and 0.64% sulfur (S), whereas the yellow variety comprised 52.22% C, 6.74% H, 29.70% O, 5.91% N, and 0.99% S. Both types of melanin included eumelanin and phaeomelanin forms, with eumelanin being the predominant type. Variations in the quantities and relative proportions of eumelanin and phaeomelanin contributed to the observed color differences in the mushroom caps. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed the melanins were primarily localized in the cell wall, consistent with findings in other fungal species. These findings contribute valuable insights into fundamental knowledge and potential applications of mushroom pigments. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus is a mushroom species renowned for its abundant nutritional and medicinal properties. Nevertheless, the yield of its fruiting bodies has long remained at a standstill, making it arduous to achieve substantial improvements. Because the traditional composting approach for enhancing the yield of Pleurotus ostreatus has drawbacks such as a long duration and a high susceptibility to mold contamination, incorporating nutritional supplements into the culture medium of P. ostreatus has emerged as a relatively straightforward yet effective approach to enhancing its yield. This study was predicated on the roles of nucleotides and nucleosides in cellular metabolism and signal transduction. These substances were applied during the cultivation process of P. ostreatus to investigate their impact on the growth and nutritional composition of this mushroom. The findings of this study demonstrate that the supplementation of nucleotides and nucleosides not only improved the yield and biological efficiency of P. ostreatus but also increased its dietary fiber content and amino acids. Furthermore, this research has disclosed that nucleotides and nucleosides exert a notable influence on the lignocellulolytic enzyme system. This investigation provides a scientific foundation for the development of novel yields—enhancing agents for P. ostreatus and offering new insights into cultivation techniques for the progress of P. ostreatus cultivation techniques in both academic and practical arenas. Full article

The integration of forestry and agriculture has promoted edible fungi cultivation in forest understory spaces. However, the impact of spent mushroom substrates on forest soils remains unclear. This study explored the use of seafood mushroom spent substrates (SMS) and grass substrates to cultivate Dictyophora indusiata. After cultivation, soil pH stabilized, organic carbon increased by 34.02–62.24%, total nitrogen rose 1.1–1.9-fold, while soil catalase activity increased by 43.78–100.41% and laccase activity surged 3.3–11.2-fold. The 49% Cenchrus fungigraminus and 49% SMS treatment yielded the highest 4-coumaric acid levels in the soil, while all treatments reduced maslinic and pantothenic acid content. SMS as padding material with C. fungigraminus enhanced soil bacterial diversity in the first and following years. Environmental factors and organic acids influenced the recruitment of genus of Latescibacterota, Acidothermus, Rokubacteriales, Candidatus solibacter, and Bacillus, altering organic acid composition. In conclusion, cultivating D. indusiata understory enhanced environmental characteristics, microbial dynamics, and organic acid profiles in forests’ soil in short time. Full article

This study investigated mealworm frass as a sustainable substrate for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation while valorizing mushroom stems as aquaculture feed. Mushrooms were grown on substrates containing 0–15% frass, and nutritional analyses were conducted on both fruiting bodies (for human consumption) and stems (for fish feed). Increasing frass levels significantly enhanced protein content, rising from 7.78% to 22.31% in stems and 24.74% to 30.99% in fruiting bodies. Lipid concentrations showed minor fluctuations while, in contrast, β-glucan content declined with high frass inclusion percentages. Essential amino acid levels peaked at 7.37% in stems (15% frass) and 8.08% in fruiting bodies (12.5% frass). Polyunsaturated fatty acids dominated the fatty acid profile, increasing with high frass levels. Mushroom bodies and stems were additionally investigated for their antimicrobial activity to determine whether they could offer protection against common fish and human pathogens. Antimicrobial assays revealed that dichloromethane extracts from stems grown on 12.5% and 15% frass exhibited inhibitory activity (inhibition zones of 10–11 mm) against Tenacibaculum maritimum, a microorganism that poses a significant threat to aquaculture. These findings highlight mealworm frass as a promising substrate for enhancing mushroom nutritional value while providing a sustainable, protein-rich feed ingredient for aquaculture. Full article