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Characterization of Brown Film Formed by Lentinula edodes

Summary

This research investigated how shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) form a protective brown coating on their surface. Scientists discovered this coating is made of melanin – the same type of pigment that gives human skin its color. Understanding this process is crucial for mushroom cultivation and production. Impacts on everyday life: • Improved cultivation methods for shiitake mushrooms, leading to better quality and quantity of mushroom production • Better understanding of natural protective mechanisms in food crops • Potential applications in developing natural UV protection compounds • Insights into melanin formation that could benefit skincare research • Enhanced knowledge for developing more efficient mushroom farming techniques

Background

Lentinula edodes is a widely-cultivated edible mushroom in Asia known for forming a brown film via pigment accumulation on mature mycelial surfaces. This brown film formation is essential as it helps maintain water content and ensures high-quality fruiting body development. The pigment can protect inner mycelia by absorbing harmful UV radiation and defending against microorganisms.

Objective

To determine the pigment composition of the brown film in L. edodes and analyze the morphological characteristics and subcellular structural changes during brown film formation using various analytical techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, infrared analysis, and electron microscopy.

Results

The analysis predicted that the pigment in the brown film was melanin. Electron microscopy revealed electron-dense materials appearing as granules, vesicles, and polymers. The accumulation process involved plasmolysis, plasma membrane disruption, and gradual accumulation of electron-dense material in the interstitial space and outer cell wall. During browning, dolipore septa degradation and morphogenetic cell death occurred, ultimately leading to the disappearance of dolipore septum and nearly empty cells.

Conclusion

The study provided a detailed cytological foundation for understanding brown film formation in L. edodes, confirming the presence of melanin as the primary pigment and documenting the structural changes occurring during the browning process. This knowledge creates a basis for further investigation into the regulation of brown film formation in this commercially important mushroom species.
  • Published in:Fungal Biology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.funbio.2019.12.008
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