Search Results (260)

We assessed whether consuming UV light-exposed mushrooms (UVMs) would offset the seasonal decline in circulating total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), an index of vitamin D status. During late fall and winter, 41 adults (19 M/22 F, age 43 ± 11 y, BMI 29.8 ± 5.9 kg/m², mean ± SD) were randomized to consume either 84 g of fresh Agaricus bisporus twice/d (produced to contain 400 IU of vitamin D₂/serving; 800 IU/d total) or 1 tsp of breadcrumbs twice/d (Control) while continuing to consume their self-chosen diets. At baseline and week 6, fasting serum 25OHD₂, 25OHD₃, and total 25OHD were measured. Mushrooms were sampled weekly and vitamin D₂ content measured. From the intent-to-treat analysis (Mushroom group, n = 20, and Control group, n = 21), 25OHD₂ increased and 25OHD₃ decreased in the Mushroom group over winter months compared to Control with no differences in the decrease in total 25OHD between groups. Unexpectedly, only 67% of the UVMs contained vitamin D₂. Post hoc subgroup assessment indicated that participants consuming UVMs (n = 11) had increased 25OHD₂ and a greater decline in 25OHD₃ compared to subgroups consuming mushrooms without vitamin D₂ (n = 9) and Control (n = 21), with no differences in the decrease in total 25OHD among subgroups. Consuming UVMs increased serum 25OHD₂ but did not prevent a seasonal decline in vitamin D status due to a greater decrease in 25OHD₃. Full article

Sustainable food processing and zero-waste management of by-products require the search for natural functional ingredients that can be used in finished food products. Edible mushrooms are a rich source of non-volatile bioactive compounds, but their functionality in complex food matrices remains poorly understood. The aim of the study was to compare the profiles of bioactive non-volatile compounds in Pleurotus ostreatus and Agaricus bisporus extracts obtained by the ultrasonic and combined (shaking + ultrasound) methods and to assess the possibility of using the selected extract in zero-waste broths. The content of DNA, polyphenols, nucleosides and nucleotides, and low-molecular-weight metabolites, as well as the antioxidant activity of the extracts and broths, was assessed. Significant species and technological differences in extraction efficiency were demonstrated, with A. bisporus extracts obtained using the combined method characterized by the highest content of compounds with reducing potential. Adding 2% A. bisporus extract to the broth increased the reduction potential (FRAP) and selectively altered the nucleoside and polyphenol profile, without significantly affecting key umami nucleotides. The results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that mushroom extracts could be considered as functional ingredients in zero-waste products, with the potential to enhance their bioactive properties. Full article

Compost supplementation is widely used to improve yield and crop consistency in the cultivation of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), yet practical alternatives to conventional protein-rich supplements and rapid candidate-screening approaches are still needed. In this study, plant- and byproduct-based supplements were first compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to obtain qualitative fingerprints of extractable protein fractions, and were then evaluated in Phase III cultivation under both bag-based screening conditions and in a large-scale pull-mat system. Supplements differed notably in protein banding patterns and cultivation performance. In the bag trials, lupin grist and corn pellet produced the largest yield increases relative to the non-supplemented control, whereas in the commercial pull-mat trials lupin grist was the best-performing supplement, reaching 240.77 kg t⁻¹ compost. Under the present conditions, SDS-PAGE was useful as a qualitative screening aid for prioritizing candidates for cultivation trials, but not as a stand-alone predictor of yield. These results identify lupin grist as a practically relevant supplement candidate for commercial A. bisporus production. Full article

Foodborne pathogens cause hundreds of millions of illnesses annually, underscoring the urgent need for advanced antimicrobial food packaging materials. The objective of this study was to develop a crosslinked cyclodextrin metal–organic framework, loaded with gold nanoparticles (CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF) and integrated into a PLA-Zein composite film with humidity-responsive antimicrobial release, as a sustainable and high-performance packaging solution to address the critical limitations of conventional materials in controlling microbial contamination during food storage. Therefore, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized via a green approach using CD-MOFs as stabilizers and p-coumaric acid as a natural reducing agent, then crosslinked with diphenyl carbonate (DPC) to produce CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF. Crosslinking conditions were optimized to a CD-MOF:DPC ratio of 1:1, 1080 min reaction time, and 80 °C, preserving the cubic morphology and crystalline structure while transforming burst release into sustained antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus over 7 days. Then, the incorporation of CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF into PLA-Zein films yielded a composite packaging material with favorable mechanical and barrier properties, including a water vapor transmission rate of 539.44 g/m²·24 h and an oxygen permeability of 235.90 cm³/m²·24 h·0.1 MPa. Progressive elimination of E. coli, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes over 7 days was confirmed, with antimicrobial efficacy originating exclusively from the CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF component. Application on Agaricus bisporus over 12 days of refrigerated storage demonstrated superior preservation performance: mushrooms inoculated with L. monocytogenes and packaged with CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF/PLA-Zein exhibited a weight loss of only 6.20 ± 2.06%, compared to 17.74 ± 3.15% for PLA-Zein and 41.50 ± 3.01% for PE controls. Color stability was equally improved, with lightness values of 71.46 ± 1.47 retained under CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF/PLA-Zein packaging, versus 58.37 ± 0.86 for PLA-Zein and 23.34 ± 2.34 for PE. Mushrooms inoculated with E. coli and S. aureus followed consistent trends. These results establish CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF/PLA-Zein as a promising multifunctional antimicrobial packaging platform for sustainable food preservation. Full article

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation in India is highly seasonal due to strict microclimatic requirements and limited access to controlled environment infrastructure among smallholder farmers. This study evaluates an IoT-controlled microclimate system (Mushroom Kothi) designed to stabilize temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation during late winter to early summer transition periods. Multi-site field evaluations across distinct agro-climatic regions demonstrated improved microclimate stability, enabling extension of the viable cultivation window by approximately 1.5–2 months beyond the conventional seasonal cutoff. The system supported continuity of production, improved water-use efficiency, and reduced manual intervention without reliance on energy-intensive cooling. The findings highlight the potential of low-cost, digitally assisted microclimate stabilization to enhance seasonal resilience, resource efficiency, and ease of cultivation in smallholder mushroom farming systems. Full article

Mushroom farms in the United States continue to face persistent labor shortages, especially during the harvesting of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) which requires selective picking by skilled workers. This study addresses this challenge by developing a depth-guided computer vision framework for automated mushroom detection, segmentation, and tracking to support timely harvest decisions, providing the foundation needed to support selective and timely robotic harvesting. The specific objectives of the study were to (1) develop a novel image-processing algorithm (RD-GuideNet) that integrates RGB and depth images for accurate detection and segmentation of mushrooms; (2) implement a custom depth-guided tracking algorithm to preserve mushroom identities across sequential frames; (3) compare the performance of RD-GuideNet against state-of-the-art deep learning models, YOLOv8 and YOLOv11, focusing on segmentation and tracking accuracies. The proposed RD-GuideNet achieved an F1-score of 0.93 for segmentation, outperforming YOLOv8 (0.88) and YOLOv11 (0.86), and produced sharper, more geometrically consistent boundaries that closely followed true mushroom cap contours. Its tracking consistency reached 92.7%, compared to YOLOv8 (95.3%) and YOLOv11 (94.6%). Although slightly lower, RD-GuideNet maintained high temporal consistency across dense mushroom beds. These results suggest that depth-based geometric reasoning and deep learning approaches exhibit complementary strengths in dense production scenes. Combining the two may further enhance detection reliability and shape fidelity, supporting high-precision perception for autonomous mushroom harvesting. A comprehensive quantitative evaluation of such a hybrid framework will be investigated in future work. Full article

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of the skeleton characterized by a low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue structure, leading to increased fragility and susceptibility to fractures. It is often referred to as the “silent killer of bones” because it progresses without symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. Osteoporosis is a serious health problem, especially in aging societies, leading to fractures, limited mobility, and a decreased quality of life. Osteoporosis prevention through dietary modification should be the first step in protecting bone health before implementing any form of pharmacotherapy. The composition of the diet and nutritional patterns are considered the most important factors influencing the shaping of gut microbiota and its metabolites, which in turn affect the regulation of bone tissue metabolism. Mushrooms, as a source of vitamin D, can play a significant role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Additionally, the application of UV irradiation can rapidly increase the vitamin D₂ content in mushrooms. A review of currently available studies reveals that many mushroom species contain substances (Ca, P, Se) that support bone formation by promoting remineralization. Mushrooms also induce bone regeneration after osteoporosis by balancing their reconstruction. This review systematically integrates the latest research on the use of mushrooms in the prevention of osteoporosis. The most promising species in the prevention of osteoporosis include: Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Pleurotus eryngii, Antrodia camphorata, Auricularia auricula, Agaricus bisporus, and Grifola frondosa. Full article

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the poorest prognoses among malignant tumors, mainly due to the difficulty of early diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify reliable blood markers for a highly sensitive diagnostic system. We previously developed a highly sensitive extracellular vesicle (EV)-counting system, which can quantify the absolute number of specific EVs in serum. In this study, a multiplex assay using lectins that recognize specific glycans on EVs in the serum of PDAC patients was performed to select the optimal lectin combination. Methods: The glycan alteration signature of serum EVs from patients with PDAC was analyzed using a lectin-based multiplex assay combined with the EV-counting system. The optimal lectin combination that recognizes PDAC-specific changes was selected using machine learning analyses (support vector machine) for high diagnostic performance across independent patient cohorts. Results: An optimal lectin combination, Jacalin and Agaricus bisporus agglutinin (ABA), for PDAC detection was identified using machine learning analysis. This lectin-based system, reflecting changes in Jacalin/ABA binding, showed significantly higher diagnostic performance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.890 and 0.971) than that of the conventional diagnostic marker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19.9; AUC = 0.752). Notably, the system achieved an AUC of 0.870 in patients with the stage I disease. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of a serum EV-based diagnostic system leveraging Jacalin and ABA glycan recognition for the early detection of PDAC. Full article

Floccularia luteovirens is a rare and edible fungus endemic to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Traditional viewpoints have inferred it to be a mycorrhizal fungus based on its spatial association with Kobresia, yet direct morphological evidence (e.g., Hartig net) and molecular evidence is lacking. Through a systematic review of the existing literature, this study found that all current evidence supporting a mycorrhizal relationship is merely indirect inference. In contrast, experiments conducted by our research team demonstrated that this fungus colonizes well on sawdust-based substrates, which is compatible with saprobic growth capacity and does not exclude the possibility of conditional mycorrhizal symbiosis in natural environments. Based on these findings, we propose that F. luteovirens may adopt a facultative nutritional mode to adapt to the alpine environment. Genomic analysis revealed that the CAZyme repertoire of F. luteovirens (including key enzyme families such as GH6, GH7, and AA1) shows high similarity to that of the saprobic fungus Agaricus bisporus and appears to be more comprehensive than that of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Boletus edulis, based on current annotation data. This pattern suggests its potential capacity for lignocellulose degradation. The successful cultivation of its closely related species Lepista sordida on various lignocellulosic substrates further supports this functional potential. This study proposes that F. luteovirens employs a ‘facultative nutrition’ strategy, which presents an alternative perspective to the traditional view of obligate dependence on mycorrhizal symbiosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of fungal adaptation in alpine environments and may inform strategies for artificial domestication of this valuable species. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of multiple A. bisporus strains, applying both in vitro and in vivo murine models and aiming to identify specific strains with immune modulatory properties. Methods: Sixteen A. bisporus strains were screened in a dendritic cell (DC)–CD4⁺ T cell co-culture system, using cells from female C57BL/6 mice, for their capacity to induce Th1- and Th17-associated cytokine production. Based on these cytokine profiles, three potent strains (MES01856, MES01706, MES01637), one non-responder strain (MES01515), and the commercially available A15 strain were selected for investigation in a murine model, an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic food allergy. In these sensitized female C3H/HeOuJ mice, ear swelling, anaphylactic shock scores, OVA-specific IgE, and serum mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) were measured following an allergen challenge. Additionally, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α secretion from bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) was measured after stimulation with these A. bisporus fresh ground extracts (FGEs). Results: In vitro, increases in cytokine production were obtained, with MES01856, MES01706, and MES01637 identified as the most potent inducers. In vivo, OVA sensitization elicited significant ear swelling and elevated shock scores in the mice. Dietary supplementation with MES01706 or MES01515 significantly reduced ear swelling, while the other strains resulted in non-significant changes. No significant changes were observed in shock scores, OVA-specific IgE, or mMCP-1. Conclusions: Multiple different A. bisporus strains elicit specific immunomodulating effects both in vitro and in in vivo murine models, identifying the MES01706 strain as one with the highest potential to beneficially affect immune function. Full article

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 (Δ^9,12C18:2) 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. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical burden and require multimodal treatment strategies targeting inflammation, infection, moisture balance, and tissue remodeling, as defined by the TIME framework. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of innovative hydrogel dressings enriched with fungal biomass, designed to exploit natural bioactive compounds—such as antimicrobial peptides and proteolytic enzymes—to enhance wound healing while maintaining high biocompatibility. Methods: Hydrogel dressings incorporating selected fungal biomasses were fabricated and characterized for physicochemical and biological performance. Key material properties relevant to wound care, including hydrophilicity and porosity, were analyzed to assess exudate management capacity and maintenance of a moist wound environment. Antimicrobial activity was tested against common wound pathogens, and species–pathogen interactions were evaluated using generalized linear modeling. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using human keratinocytes and compared with conventional silver nanoparticle–based dressings. Results: The developed hydrogels demonstrated properties suitable for clinical application, including superhydrophilicity and high porosity, supporting effective exudate control and moisture retention. Significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was observed, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with effects dependent on fungal species. Statistical modeling revealed highly significant interactions between fungal species and pathogens in inhibition zones (p < 0.001). Hydrogels containing Pleurotus ostreatus and Agaricus bisporus showed broad activity against Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, whereas Enterococcus faecalis exhibited resistance. Fungal biomass–based dressings displayed superior keratinocyte biocompatibility compared to silver nanoparticle controls. Conclusions: Fungal biomass–reinforced hydrogels offer a promising, safer, multifunctional alternative for infected chronic wound management, supporting both antimicrobial action and tissue regeneration. Full article

This study aimed to design a new composite with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties by a simple modification process of natural bentonite (B) with polysaccharide chitosan isolated from edible mushrooms Agaricus bisporus—ChM (sample B–ChM) and subsequently with a cationic surfactant—hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide—HB (sample B–ChM–HB) for effective removal of mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN). Characterization confirmed the presence of ChM in B–ChM and both ChM and HB in B–ChM–HB. Compared to non- or slightly inhibitory activity of B and B–ChM, B–ChM–HB showed fungicidal activity against yeast Candida albicans and mycotoxigenic mold Aspergillus flavus, with a reduction of 6.00 log10 (CFU/mL) and 5.32 log10 (CFU/mL), respectively. B–ChM–HB showed a very high neutralization ability on •DPPH (89.03%–95.99%) in the concentration range of 0.625–5.0 mg/mL, the highest ferrous ion chelating ability (80.25%) at a concentration of 0.625 mg/mL, and did not induce lipid peroxidation in the linoleic acid model system. While B and B–ChM exhibited low adsorption of ZEN, its adsorption by B–ChM–HB was significantly higher. The equilibrium results of B–ChM–HB for ZEN were in accordance with the linear isotherm model at pH 3 and 7, pointing out that hydrophobic interactions (partitioning process) were relevant for toxin adsorption by the composite. Similar maximum ZEN adsorbed amounts under the applied experimental conditions (14.4 mg/g) at both pH values suggested that its adsorption was independent of the pH. This study reported for the first time that a novel composite of B with ChM and HB showed promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and was an efficient adsorbent for mycotoxin ZEN. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical properties of free and immobilized mushroom tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) entrapped in calcium alginate beads for phenol oxidation in a batch system. Tyrosinase activity was determined spectrophotometrically at 400 nm under optimal conditions. The effects of key operational parameters on phenol oxidation kinetics were evaluated for both enzyme systems. The Michaelis–Menten constant (K_M) of the immobilized enzyme (0.94 ± 0.2 mM) was approximately twice that of the free enzyme (0.56 ± 0.04 mM), while its maximum reaction velocity (V_Max = 101.4 ± 2.2 µmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹) decreased by nearly 30-fold (V_Max(App) = 3.63 ± 0.3 µmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹). Immobilization also shifted the optimal pH of the enzyme to pH 6.0. The optimum temperature and activation energy for phenol oxidation were determined as 55 °C and 52.48 kJ/mol for immobilized tyrosinase, whereas they were 45 °C and 39.58 kJ/mol for the free enzyme. The highest level of activity was obtained with alginate beads of 2.6 mm diameter, and the immobilized preparation exhibited enhanced operational stability, completely retaining its initial activity after five reuse cycles. Overall, these findings suggest that mushroom tyrosinase immobilized in alginate beads is a promising system for phenol removal from wastewater. Full article

The paper describes a predatory Gram-negative bacterium from the genus Bdellovibrio, which was isolated from water of the Lyubozhikha River. As revealed by electron microscopy, the bacterium is an intracellular predator of Gram-negative microorganisms. Its prey range includes Pseudomonas tolaasii, the phytopathogen responsible for brown spot disease in the cultivated button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). Based on the results of a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterium was identified as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus strain LR3. We characterized the predator–prey dynamics between B. bacteriovorus LR3 and P. tolaasii, determining the optimal temperature and pH conditions for this interaction. Our results demonstrate the potential of B. bacteriovorus LR3 as a biocontrol agent against P. tolaasii in mushroom cultivation. The possibility of using B. bacteriovorus LR3 against clinical cases Salmonella and Escherichia infections is also addressed. Full article