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Conservation of the Mycelia of the Medicinal Mushroom Humphreya coffeata in Sterile Distilled Water

Summary

This research presents a simple and cost-effective method for preserving medicinal mushroom cultures in laboratories. The technique involves storing mushroom tissue on paper disks in sterile water, keeping them viable for extended periods without expensive equipment or complicated procedures. This matters to everyday life in several ways: • Makes it easier and cheaper for laboratories to maintain stocks of medicinal mushrooms for research • Helps preserve mushroom species that could be used to develop new medicines • Enables more consistent production of mushroom-based compounds for medical treatments • Reduces the cost and complexity of maintaining fungal cultures in research settings • Supports ongoing research into mushrooms’ potential health benefits

Background

There is growing interest in obtaining and studying biologically active compounds from higher basidiomycetes like Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinus edodes and Inonotus obliquus. However, current long-term storage techniques are time-consuming, susceptible to contamination, and do not prevent genetic and physiological changes. While submerged cultures offer a strategy for obtaining active compounds, obtaining spores under laboratory conditions is difficult, making mycelium storage a more appropriate approach.

Objective

To develop and evaluate a modified version of Castellani’s method for long-term storage of higher basidiomycetes mycelia, specifically using Humphreya coffeata as a model organism.

Results

The H. coffeata mycelia stored on filter paper disks in sterile distilled water remained viable for up to 18 months when stored at 4°C. No visible morphological alterations or contamination by bacteria or other fungi were observed throughout the storage period. The method proved to be effective for long-term preservation of the fungal culture.

Conclusion

The modified Castellani’s method using sterile distilled water storage proved to be a simple, economical, and effective approach for preserving H. coffeata mycelia for extended periods. The technique maintained culture viability for at least 18 months without morphological changes or contamination, suggesting its suitability for conservation of higher basidiomycetes.
  • Published in:MethodsX,
  • Study Type:Methods Development Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.mex.2014.04.002
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