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Bulk Isolation of Basidiospores from Wild Mushrooms by Electrostatic Attraction with Low Risk of Microbial Contaminations

Summary

This research developed a new method for collecting mushroom spores using static electricity, similar to how a balloon rubbed on hair attracts small pieces of paper. The technique allows scientists to collect clean samples of spores from wild mushrooms without the usual contamination from bacteria and other microorganisms. This has important implications for both research and practical applications. Impacts on everyday life: – Improved methods for mushroom cultivation and breeding – Better quality control for edible and medicinal mushroom production – More efficient ways to study beneficial and harmful fungi – Potential applications in controlling fungal growth in buildings and food storage – Enhanced understanding of how fungal spores spread in nature

Background

The basidiospores of most Agaricomycetes are ballistospores that are propelled off from their basidia at maturity when Buller’s drop develops at high humidity. Spores are normally catapulted into the free air space between hymenia and fall out of the mushroom’s cap by gravity. Traditional spore collection methods often result in contamination with other microorganisms.

Objective

To develop and validate a novel method for collecting clean basidiospore samples from wild mushrooms using electrostatic attraction to plastic surfaces, avoiding common contamination issues.

Results

The method successfully collected large numbers of spores (104 to >107) from nearly all tested species, with significantly lower contamination rates compared to traditional collection methods. Spore collection was found to depend on both electrostatic charges of the plastic lids and innate charges of the spores themselves. Early harvests (2-4 hours) provided sufficient spore numbers with minimal contamination risk.

Conclusion

The technique of spore collection through electrostatic attraction in plastic lids provides a reliable method for obtaining clean basidiospore samples from wild mushrooms. The method works with fresh and older fruiting bodies, including animal-infested specimens. The approach offers advantages over traditional spore collection methods in terms of reduced contamination and selective spore harvesting.
  • Published in:AMB Express,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1186/s13568-017-0326-0
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