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Elemental Content in Pleurotus ostreatus and Cyclocybe cylindracea Mushrooms: Correlations with Concentrations in Cultivation Substrates and Effects on the Production Process

Summary

This research examined how different growing materials affect the mineral content of cultivated mushrooms and their growth performance. The study found that mushrooms can concentrate certain beneficial minerals from their growing substrate, potentially making them good dietary sources of essential elements like magnesium, selenium and zinc. The type of growing material significantly influenced both mineral uptake and mushroom production. Impacts on everyday life: – Mushrooms can be an important dietary source of essential minerals – Growing conditions can be optimized to produce more nutritious mushrooms – Careful substrate selection helps avoid potential heavy metal accumulation – Understanding mineral uptake helps develop better mushroom cultivation methods – Research supports development of more nutritious food products

Background

Mushroom cultivation is a solid-state fermentation process that bioconverts agro-industrial residues into edible biomass with high nutritional value. Mushrooms are known for their high protein and low calorie content, while providing vitamins, antioxidants and bioactive compounds with various health benefits. Few data exist about how substrates’ elemental content affects concentrations in cultivated mushrooms and impacts the degradation of lignocellulosics or production parameters.

Objective

To analyze the concentrations of 16 elements (14 metals and 2 metalloids) in Pleurotus ostreatus and Cyclocybe cylindracea mushrooms and their seven cultivation substrates, and examine correlations between substrate and mushroom elemental content as well as effects on production parameters.

Results

Results revealed high variability in elemental concentration among substrates which led to significant differences in mushroom content. High bioconcentration factors were noted for Cd, Cu, Mg and Zn for both species across all substrates. Substrate pH, composition, and P/K content variously affected element bioconcentration. Significant positive correlations were found between Cu, Fe, Mn and Li concentrations versus cellulose/hemicellulose decrease and biological efficiency in P. ostreatus. For C. cylindracea, Be, Mg and Mn concentrations correlated positively with hemicellulose decrease and mushroom productivity.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that substrate elemental content significantly impacts mushroom mineral composition and production parameters. High bioaccumulation was observed for certain elements, particularly Cd, Cu, Mg and Zn. Substrate composition and properties influenced element bioconcentration. The mushrooms could provide 15-35% of daily dietary needs for Mg, Se and Zn through consumption.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules25092179
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