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Use of Zebrafish Embryo Assay to Evaluate Toxicity and Safety of Bioreactor-Grown Exopolysaccharides and Endopolysaccharides from European Ganoderma applanatum Mycelium for Future Aquaculture Applications

Summary

This research tested the safety of compounds extracted from medicinal mushrooms for potential use in fish farming. Using zebrafish embryos as test subjects, scientists found that these mushroom extracts are safe at certain concentrations and could potentially be used to improve fish health in aquaculture. Impact on everyday life: – Could lead to safer and more natural fish feed supplements – May reduce the need for antibiotics in fish farming – Could help make aquaculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly – May lead to healthier farmed fish for human consumption – Could contribute to more affordable fish protein production

Background

Medicinal mushroom exopolysaccharides (EPS) and endopolysaccharides (ENS) have been increasingly exploited for human benefits including clinical trials, neurological protection, biological activities, and cancer treatments. However, their commercial use in aquaculture remains limited. Development of medicinal mushroom products has significant potential to improve farmed fish health through innovative fish feed formulations that could offer safe, affordable and sustainable solutions.

Objective

To evaluate the potential toxicity of bioreactor-grown European Ganoderma applanatum mushroom extracts (EPS and ENS) for aquaculture applications using the Zebrafish Embryo Toxicity (ZFET) assay. The study aimed to determine safe concentration levels and assess any developmental effects on zebrafish embryos.

Results

Both EPS and ENS were found to be relatively non-toxic with LC50 values of 1.41 mg/mL and 0.87 mg/mL respectively. Concentrations below 1.0 mg/mL did not cause hatching delays or teratogenic defects. No significant changes in embryo heart rate were detected at these concentrations (EPS: 176.44 ± 0.77 beats/min; ENS: 148.44 ± 17.75 beats/min) compared to normal rates (120-180 beats/min).

Conclusion

This first toxicology study of bioreactor-cultured European G. applanatum extracts demonstrates that both EPS and ENS are safe at appropriate concentrations, with EPS being relatively harmless and ENS practically non-toxic. The ZFET assay proved to be a fast, affordable and efficient approach for evaluating medicinal fungi extracts for aquaculture applications. These findings will inform future research on immune-priming and disease mitigation innovation for global food security.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Toxicology Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms22041675
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