Work

Submerged Agitated Cultures of Edible Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes Grown on Carbon-Rich Waste Streams: Mycelial Mass Production and Volatile Compound Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The present study explores the treatment and valorization of carbon-rich, low-cost waste streams—sugar beet molasses, expired rice, and wheat cereal hydrolysates—as substrates for submerged shake-flask cultures of edible ascomycetes (Morchella elata AMRL 63, Tuber aestivum AMRL 364) and basidiomycetes (Lentinula edodes AMRL 126, Agaricus bisporus AMRL 209) within a circular bioeconomy framework. Cultures were conducted under different C/N ratios (20 and 50) with or without the addition of olive oil or its emulsion. Among the tested species, the ascomycetes M. elata AMRL 63 and T. aestivum AMRL 364 outperformed the basidiomycetes in biomass production and substrate utilization. Supplementation with olive oil or its emulsion enhanced mycelial growth and lipid accumulation, while a higher C/N ratio (50) favored exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis. Lipid profiles were dominated by oleic (Δ9C18:1) and linoleic (Δ9,12C18:2) acids, with greater unsaturation observed in C/N = 20 cultures. Volatile analysis revealed species-specific aroma signatures, including characteristic truffle and morel compounds. The results underscore the feasibility of using waste streams for sustainable mushroom cultivation.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16031615

Authors: Dimitris Sarris, Konstantinos Gkatzionis, Antonios Philippoussis, Athanasios Mallouchos, Danai Ioanna Koukoumaki, Panagiota Diamantopoulou

Institutions: Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DIMITRA, University of the Aegean, Agricultural University of Athens

Language: English

Topic: Fungal Biology and Applications

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896