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Polysorbate 80 Differentially Impacts Erinacine Production Profiles in Submerged Cultures of Hericium

Summary

Lion’s mane mushroom and related Hericium species produce beneficial compounds called erinacines that may protect the brain and help with neurological conditions. This study tested how adding glucose and a substance called polysorbate 80 to mushroom cultures affects erinacine production. Interestingly, while polysorbate 80 helped mushrooms grow more, it reduced erinacine levels in most strains, though effects varied by species. The findings could help cultivators choose conditions to grow mushrooms enriched with specific beneficial compounds.

Background

Hericium erinaceus mushroom mycelia contain neuroprotective cyathane diterpenoids called erinacines, particularly erinacine A. Previous research shows that surfactants like polysorbate 80 increase glucose uptake and biomass in fungal cultures, but effects on erinacine production remain unknown.

Objective

To determine the impact of glucose supplementation with and without polysorbate 80 on erinacine A, C, and P production profiles in submerged cultures of five Hericium strains, including H. erinaceus, H. americanum, and H. coralloides.

Results

All five strains produced erinacines A, C, and P both within mycelia and secreted into culture medium. Co-supplementation with glucose and polysorbate 80 reduced mycelial erinacine concentrations by 83-100% in most strains, though effects on secreted erinacines were variable and strain-specific. H. coralloides produced the greatest concentrations of erinacines A and P.

Conclusion

Polysorbate 80 differentially impacts erinacine production across Hericium strains, with strain-specific effects on both mycelial and secreted metabolites. The findings provide feasible strategies to produce mycelia with unique erinacine profiles, including those enriched in erinacine P.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40649339
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