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Mushroom By-Products as a Source of Growth Stimulation and Biochemical Composition Added-Value of Pleurotus ostreatus, Cyclocybe cylindracea, and Lentinula edodes

Summary

Researchers discovered that leftover mushroom materials from commercial cultivation can be recycled to boost the growth of edible mushroom mycelium. When mushroom waste extracts were added to growing media, they enhanced mycelial growth by up to 89.5% and increased beneficial compounds like chitin and proteins. This finding suggests a promising way to reduce mushroom farming waste while simultaneously improving the nutritional quality of cultivated mushrooms.

Background

Spent mushroom substrates (SMS) and mushroom basal bodies (MBBs) are significant by-products from edible mushroom cultivation that retain considerable nutrient content after harvesting. With global mushroom production generating approximately 5 kg of wet by-product per kg of fresh mushrooms, exploring new applications for these materials has substantial environmental and economic implications.

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of SMS and MBB by-products derived from Agaricus bisporus and Cyclocybe cylindracea cultivation as potential growth enhancers and nutraceutical value improvers for three edible mushroom species: Pleurotus ostreatus, C. cylindracea, and Lentinula edodes.

Results

MBB substrates from both A. bisporus and C. cylindracea significantly increased mycelial weight in P. ostreatus (89.5% increase), C. cylindracea (more than double compared to control), and L. edodes. FT-IR analysis revealed increased bands associated with proteins and chitin in L. edodes grown on MBB substrates, with particularly enhanced beta-glucan indicators on MBB C. cylindracea.

Conclusion

Mushroom by-products, particularly MBBs, effectively enhance mycelial growth and confer enrichment of bioactive compounds including proteins, chitin, and glucans that could increase mycelial resistance to pathogens and provide nutraceutical improvements. Further research through small-scale cultivation trials is needed to determine effects on fruiting body production.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/foods13172789, PMID: 39272554
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