Lentinus Crinitus Research Articles

Jenis-Jenis Basidiomycetes di Kawasan Air Terjun Sando Kota Lubuklinggau

The aim of this research is to determine the types of basidiomycetes in the Sando Waterfall Area, Lubuklinggau City. This type of research is qualitative descriptive research. The research was conducted from September to December 2023 at Sando Waterfall, West Lubuklinggau I District, Lubuklinggau City. The method used in this research is a direct survey in the field by exploring the Sando Waterfall area. Data collection have made a brief description of the species and the habitat in which they were found. Species found are photographed to the identification process and data analysis used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The species found were identified using guidebooks about mushrooms, mushroom identification websites, and journals about mushrooms. Based on the research results, 18 species of macroscopic fungi were found, i.e. Tremidis sp., Polyporus squamosus, Ganoderma lucidum, Trametes lactinea, Armillaria mellea, Ganoderma applanatum, Ceriporus squamosus, Oudemansiella mucida, Microporus xanthopus, Galiella rufa, Trametes ochracea, Trametes gibbosa, Lentinus crinitus, Schizophyllum commune, Auricularia auricula, Phycnosporus sanguineus, Coprinus plicatilis, and Hexagonia tenuis. The habitat of these fungi is most often found in plant litter.

Probiotic growth-stimulating capacity and antimicrobial activities of aqueous extracts of Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr (polyporales, basidiomycota)

Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr is a wild macrofungus that is popular as antimicrobial and various biological activities. This study aims to determine the capacity growth stimulation of Lactobacillus paracasei and antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of L. crinitus obtained from wild basidiomata, mycelial biomass by liquid fermentation and spent mushroom substrate obtained by solid-state fermentation. The antimicrobial activity was investigated against bacterial and fungal pathogens and growth stimulation L. paracasei probiotic bacterium. The total carbohydrate and β-glucan contents of the extracts were determined using colorimetric analysis. The aqueous extracts obtained showed inhibition against Fusarium oxysporum., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The aqueous extract obtained from wild basidiomata, and mycelial biomass showed the highest percentage of stimulation of L. paracasei growth in 48 h. The extracts obtained from L. crinitus have antimicrobial potential and stimulating capacity of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei. Additionally, different biotechnological techniques such as liquid and solid-state fermentation can be used to obtain aqueous extracts.

Growth, laccase activity and role in 2,4-D degradation of Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr. in a liquid medium

This study aimed to evaluate the role of L. crinitus laccase in the biotransformation of 2,4-D pesticide and the adsorption capacity and/or accumulation in the fungal biomass. Preliminary tests were carried out in liquid medium containing L. crinitus to detect the maximum concentration of 2,4-D in which the mycelium developed (5.025 g L−1). The growth and laccase activity for L. crinitus were analyzed using a complete factorial experimental design with variations in concentrations of glucose (16.65–33.35 g L−1), malt extract (0.825–9.175 g L−1), and 2,4-D (0.01–5 gL-1), and the mycelial samples were evaluated by SEM-EDS. The ability of L. crinitus to remove 2,4-D after 28 days was demonstrated by a decrease in concentrations of 2,4-D by up to 15.7% more than control treatments and occurred with both low (<2 g L−1) and high (>10 g L−1) glucose consumption conditions, reaching biomass concentrations below 2 g L−1, and presenting laccase activity between 3 and 6 g L−1. The laccase activity of the fungus depends on the initial amount of glucose and 2,4-D (up to 18 g L−1 and 4 g L−1). Lower concentrations of 2,4-DCP (0.01–2.70 mg L−1) may be an indicative of L. crinitus as its transformation agent. The presence of chlorine in the fungal mycelium (up to 4.0%) may represent its adsorption and/or accumulation by L. crinitus. L. crinitus can be described as a biotransformator of 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP through laccase activity, highlighting its potential for treatment of agricultural effluents.

Light conditions affect the growth, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the white-rot fungus Lentinus crinitus mycelial biomass.

The mycelial biomass of basidiomycetes is a promising source of compounds and represents an alternative for industrial and biotechnological applications. Fungi use light as information and hold photoresponse mechanisms, in which sensors respond to light wavelengths and regulate various biological processes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of blue, green, and red lights on the growth, chemical composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Lentinus crinitus mycelial biomass. The chemical composition of the mycelial biomass was determined by chromatographic methods, antioxidant activity was analyzed by in vitro assays, and antimicrobial activity was investigated by the microdilution assay. The highest mycelial biomass yield was observed under blue-light cultivation. Many primordia arose under blue or green light, whereas the stroma was formed under red light. The presence of light altered the primary fungal metabolism, increasing the carbohydrate, tocopherol, fatty acid, and soluble sugar contents, mostly mannitol, and reducing the protein and organic acid concentrations. Cultivation under red light increased the phenol concentration. In contrast, cultivation under blue and green lights decreased phenol concentration. Benzoic and gallic acids were the main phenolic acids in the hydroalcoholic extracts, and the latter acids increased in all cultures under light, especially red light. Mycelial biomass cultivated under red light showed the highest antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method showed that all light wavelengths increased the antioxidant activity of mycelial biomass, with the highest value under red light. Moreover, the β-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation (BCLA) assay demonstrated that the antioxidant activity was affected by light cultivation. Mycelial biomass grown under all conditions exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities. Thus, mycelial biomass cultivation of L. crinitus under light conditions may be a promising strategy for controlling the mycelial chemical composition and biomass yield.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Lentinus crinitus: characterization and antimicrobial activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) obtained from biological synthesis can be widely used in industrial and medical fields because of their observed antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was to analyze the biosynthesis of AgNPs by the fungus Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr., and to evaluate the potential of these nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was evaluated by agar diffusion, and broth microdilution methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (CMI) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-Vis spectra of the reaction mixture showed a SPR band with peak absorbance at 423 nm, confirming the presence of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated antagonistic action against C. tropicalis (1.88 µg. mL-1), C. albicans (30.09 µg. mL-1), E. coli and S. aureus (7.52 µg. mL- 1). The AgNPs mediated by L. crinitus are mostly spherical, triangular and rod-shaped (mean diameter 8.82 nm). The concentration of silver in their crystalline structure is 120.37 µg / mL, and protein residues as possible stabilizers. The Lentinus crinitus mushroom isolated from substrates of the Amazon biome is a promising bio-resource for the biological synthesis of AgNPs with relevant antimicrobial properties and demonstrating a great potential for its application in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Mycotechnology to remove of metals from tannery and galvanic effluents - Fungal species from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest show high efficiency

Metals are considered one of the biggest environmental problems, due to their toxicity and the complexity of removal. This study evaluated the bioaccumulation capacity of water contaminating metals by fungal isolates of Lentinus and Panus species, to elucidate the bioremediation processes of metal contaminated effluents. Initially, tests were performed with fungal isolates using a mixture of metals, aluminum, iron, copper, lead, chromium, nickel and zinc. Lentinus crinitus 154L.21 was the most promising fungus for the removal of metals in the mixture. Based on these data, the potential application of this fungus for the treatment of galvanic and tannery effluents was evaluated. For galvanic effluent, no detectable copper, chromium, and nickel was removed; however, for tannery effluents, reductions in aluminum concentrations from 204.1 to 3.7mgL-1 (≅98% removal), chromium from 1199.6 to 20.4mgL-1 (≅98% removal) and iron from 22.6mgL-1 (100% removal) to an amount lower than the detection limit were observed. These data indicated that L. crinitus 154L.21 removes metals from industrial effluents, being an important route for bioremediation processes.

Lithium bioaccumulation in Lentinus crinitus mycelia grown in media with different lithium sources and pH values.

Lentinus crinitus bioaccumulates lithium in mycelia, but bioaccumulation may be affected by pH of the culture medium. Lithium is used in clinical practice as a mood stabilizer and antidepressant. This study aimed to assess the effect of culture medium pH and lithium source (LiCl or Li2CO3) on lithium bioaccumulation in vegetative mycelia of L. crinitus grown in malt extract broth. Lentinus crinitus U9-1 was cultured in malt extract broth supplemented with Li2CO3 or LiCl (50mg L-1 lithium) in the pH range of 3.0 to 6.0. The pH was adjusted using HCl solution. The results showed that medium pH affected mycelial biomass production, lithium bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass, and lithium transfer from the culture medium to mycelial biomass. The effect of lithium source on the bioaccumulation capacity of mycelial biomass varied according to pH. At pH 4.0, both lithium sources stimulated mycelial biomass production compared to the control without the addition of lithium. At pH 5.5, Li2CO3 provided the highest lithium bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass. Lithium transfer from the culture medium to mycelia was highest in Li2CO3-supplemented cultures at pH 4.5. LiCl reduced hyphal width compared with Li2CO3 and the control. However, pH and lithium sources did not affect the formation of clamp connections in hyphae. For the first time, the influence of the pH of the culture medium on lithium bioaccumulation by Lentinus crinitus is reported. Finally, we conclude that the culture medium pH affected lithium transfer and bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass differently depending on the lithium source. Additionally, we report the presence of clamp connections in the hyphae of L. crinitus as an indicator of even growth.

Long-term cryopreservation of Lentinus crinitus strains by wheat grain technique

Lentinus crinitus (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) is a saprophytic fungus with biotechnological importance described more than 20 years ago. However, there are few studies on the long-term preservation of this basidiomycete. Cryopreservation is a long-term storage technique that reduces the metabolic activity of microorganisms, but its success depends on the adjustment of the freezing process, the cryoprotectants, and the protective substrates for each species. This study aimed to assess the mycelial viability and genetic stability of L. crinitus strains cryopreserved at −86 °C for two years by the wheat grain technique using different cryoprotectants and freezing methods. Three strains of L. crinitus (U9–1, U13–5, and U15–12) were subjected to different concentrations and types of cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, glucose, and sucrose), freezing methods such as immediate freezing from 25 to −86 °C and progressing freezing from 25 to −86 °C in a freezing container with isopropyl alcohol to control the rate of cell freezing at −1 °C min−1, protective substrate (wheat grain and 2% malt extract agar), and cryopreservation period (1, 6, 12, and 24 months). After thawing, samples were evaluated for mycelial viability, time to mycelial recovery, mycelial stability, and genetic stability of the fungus. All techniques achieved effective cryopreservation at −86 °C, mainly with the wheat grain technique. All cryoprotectants (3.5% glycerol, 1.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 25% sucrose, and 5% glucose), freezing methods (immediate and gradual), and protective substrate (wheat grain and malt extract agar) were effective for cryopreservation of the three L.crinitus strains in an ultra-low temperature freezer for two years. Mycelial viability, mycelial stability, and genetic stability of the fungus were not affected after two-year cryopreservation, evidencing the robustness of the long-term cryopreservation technique and the fungus.

Basidiocarp structures of Lentinus crinitus: an antimicrobial source against foodborne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms.

Lentinus crinitus basidiocarps are an alternative to antimicrobials, but the stipe (24% basidiocarp) is discarded even with potential antimicrobial activity. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of L. crinitus basidiocarp pileus and stipe extracts against foodborne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms. Basidiocarps of L. crinitus were grown in sugarcane bagasse and rice husks and the pileus and stipe methanolic extract was analyzed by broth microdilution method for antimicrobial activity against eight bacteria and eight fungi. The minimum bactericidal concentration values for pileus and stipe ranged from 0.40 to 0.50mg mL- 1, for streptomycin from 0.10 to 0.50mg mL- 1, and for ampicillin from 0.40 to 1.20mg mL- 1. The minimum fungicidal concentration values for pileus and stipe ranged from 0.06 to 0.60mg mL- 1, for bifonazole from 0.20 to 0.25mg mL- 1, and for ketoconazole from 0.30 to 3.50mg mL- 1. Extracts had bacteriostatic, bactericidal, fungistatic and fungicidal activity against all microorganisms, but with greater efficiency and specificity for some microorganisms. Both pileus and stipe are promising and sustainable alternatives for use in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries.

Performance of mycelium composites of Lentinus crinitus under two compression protocols

Considering the current environmental problems that has been generated by the excessive production of synthetic plastics, more sustainable alternatives have been proposed. One of these recently studied materials are the mycelium composites, a product obtained with lignocellulosic particles agglomerated together by the myceliar growth of a filamentous fungus. This novel type of materials could represent an option to replace non-biodegradable materials. In this work, mycelium composites with characteristics comparable to expanded polystyrene (EPS) and potentially suitable for fabrication of insulation panels were developed using a Lentinus crinitus strain previously selected after mycelial phases tests. Mechanical variables in bending, compression strength and stiffness were measured following ASTM D143 standard. Two protocols for composite fabrication were followed using different compression loads. Flexural strength reached 0.48 MPa and compression strength 0.235 MPa. Results obtained were compared with data of balsa wood (Ochroma pyramidale) for the similarity of possible applications, expanded polystyrene as its possible substitute and early published data on mycelium composites. Mechanical performance in flexural and compressive strength of the obtained materials revealed their potential use as biodegradable alternatives to some applications of synthetic plastics as insulation panels and packing materials.

Food production potential of Favolus brasiliensis (Basidiomycota: Polyporaceae), an indigenous food

Abstract The Amazon region has shown commercial potential for native mushroom species, such as mushrooms produced by the Yanomami people, who already sell more than 10 Amazon species. Among the species collected and consumed by the Yanomami people is Favolus brasiliensis (Fr.) Fr. (Basidiomycota: Polyporaceae), which occurs naturally in tropical areas of Central and South America. Thus, the objective of this work is to carry out the bromatological characterization of F. brasiliensis, contributing to a better understanding of the nutritional and food potential, as well as registering the natural occurrence of the species in the Cerrado biome and in the state of Goias. The F. brasiliensis mushrooms collected in the present study showed an average of 7.4% humidity, 27% crude protein, 1.5% ether extract, 17% crude fiber, and 1.7% mineral matter. Compared with other species of edible mushrooms, both wild and cultivated, the moisture content of F. brasiliensis (93.60%) is low for species of the genus Pleurotus. For example, the humidity varies from 87% to more than 90%, similar to that found in Lentinus crinitus, another mushroom native to Brazil and also consumed by the Yanomami people. Thus, F. brasiliensis has the potential to be used in human foods.

Correction to: Lentinus crinitus basidiocarp stipe and pileus: chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity

Correction to: Lentinus crinitus basidiocarp stipe and pileus: chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity

Lentinus crinitus basidiocarp stipe and pileus: chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity

Lentinus crinitus is a wild fungus, which produces mushrooms consumed by some Amazonian Indians. Besides, it is recognized for its diverse biological activities and biotechnological applications. However, there are few reports with limited information on basidiocarp chemical composition and cytotoxicity. Our study determined and evaluated the chemical composition, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant activity of L. crinitus pileus and stipe separately. Chromatographic methods were used to evaluate basidiocarp chemical composition. Cytotoxicity was verified using a cell culture from porcine liver and against a panel of human tumor cells from different models. Antioxidant activity was assessed by different in vitro methods. The pileus had higher levels of protein, ash, tocopherols, and organic acids, mainly malic acid, than the stipe. The stipe revealed higher contents of carbohydrates, energy, soluble sugars, and phenolic acids, mostly p-hydroxybenzoic acid. L. crinitus basidiocarp has mainly trehalose as soluble sugar, and less than 1% fat being ~60% polyunsaturated fatty acids (mostly linoleic and oleic acids), and ~13% saturated fatty acids (mostly palmitic acid). L. crinitus revealed high antioxidant activity for most methods and no cytotoxic activity against tumor and non-tumor cells. L. crinitus basidiocarp can be considered a functional food with applicability in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Iron Bioaccumulation in Lentinus crinitus Mycelia Cultivated in Agroindustrial Byproducts

Iron deficiency anemia is a challenge to global public health, and the development of iron-enriched foods are an opportunity to reduce this problem. Lentinus crinitus is a basidiomycete with high metal bioaccumulation capacity that is consumed by Amazonian Indians. This study aimed to evaluate iron bioaccumulation in the mycelial biomass of L. crinitus cultivated in agroindustrial byproducts. First, the fungus grew in a liquid medium with iron addition from 0.116 (control) to 100 mg L−1. The addition of 90 mg L−1 iron to the culture medium resulted in 15.07 ± 1.44 dg kg−1 of iron mycelial bioaccumulation, a 9000-fold increase compared with the control. Then, the fungus grew in agroindustrial byproducts sugarcane (SCM) or soybean (SBM) molasses added with 90 mg L−1 iron and 0.9 mg L−1 manganese, a new element in the assay. The iron concentrations in the mycelial biomass cultivated in SCM or SBM were 20.78 ± 2.28 or 34.71 ± 4.31 dg kg−1, respectively, at 21 cultivation days. The cultivation time and the presence of iron and manganese in the culture media were important variables for iron bioaccumulation in the mycelial biomass. Our study evidenced that agroindustrial byproducts, mainly SCM, can be used to successfully produce mycelial biomass enriched with iron - as an alternative functional food - to add value to the food production chain. Also, the iron-enriched biomass can be an alternative for non-living animal protein supply.

Antimicrobial activity, chemical composition and cytotoxicity of Lentinus crinitus basidiocarp.

Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr. (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) is a wild mushroom with several biotechnological applications; however, there are few studies on its chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the chemical composition, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity of L. crinitus basidiocarp. For that, its nutritional value (AOAC procedures) and its composition in some hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds (chromatographic techniques) were assessed. Moreover, the potential hepatotoxic effects were evaluated using a primary cell culture obtained from porcine liver, and its growth inhibitory capacity was also evaluated against four human tumour cell lines (spectrophotometric assays). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by microdilution against eight bacteria and fungi. The basidiocarp has a high content of carbohydrates and, therefore, a relatively high energetic value. It is also rich in soluble sugars, β-tocopherol, phenolic acids, mainly p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and organic acids, mainly malic acid. L. crinitus did not show cytotoxicity in non-tumour cells, but it did not inhibit the growth of human tumour cell lines either. The basidiocarp has a wide antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of different species of bacteria and fungi. It showed minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration values similar to or lower than those verified by commercial antibiotics or food additives used as preservatives. The antimicrobial activity was more evident against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Penicillium ochrochloron, followed by Aspergillus ochraceus and Trichoderma viride, when compared to the controls. The results obtained in this study showed that L. crinitus basidiocarp has great potential to be used by the industry without toxicity risks.

The lignocellulolytic effect from newly wild white rot fungi isolated from Colombia

Lignocellulose is the most abundant natural polymer on earth. It is the main agro-industrial waste component, it has no added value, and in some cases is the main cause of environmental problems. The fungi can be used in the transformation of residues and different biotechnological processes. In the present research, seven strains of white rot fungi collected in Ibague (Colombia) were isolated. The production of ligninolytic and cellulolytic enzymes as well as their capacity to transform lignocellulose from banana peel, rice husk and cocoa pod husk were evaluated. Strains of Pycnoporus sanguineus, Hexagonia glabra and Lentinus crinitus were selected from the enzymatic screening and showed high production of ligninolytic enzymes. The evaluation of agricultural waste degradation was carried out by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and the results showed the ability of the tested fungi to, preferentially, degrade lignin or cellulose in each substrate. Based on the results, different biotechnological potentialities for each strain were proposed.

Bromatological aspects of Lentinus crinitus mushroom (Basidiomycota: Polyporaceae) in agroforestry in the Cerrado

Abstract Much of the diversity of mushrooms is still unknown to science. In the search for new edible mushrooms, we began to look at the traditions of Amazonian forest peoples in order to learn about the potential for edible mushrooms among other species. In particular, the Yanomami people launched the encyclopedia of food (Sanoma) in 2016 to preserve their knowledge of their own food. They demonstrated how food production can be balanced with the forest and present dozens of mushrooms that are consumed by their communities. In view of the above information, the objective of this work is to present bromatological aspects of the Lentinus crinitus mushroom from an agroforestry homegarden in the Cerrado. The specimen was collected from an agroforestry homegarden with biome forest species and agronomic species, located in the Brazilian Cerrado, in the city of Goiânia, Goias. L. crinitus mushrooms presented 61% humidity, containing 14% crude protein, 1.5% ether extract, 26% crude fiber, and 3.4% mineral matter. Its bromatological characteristics are similar to others of commercial fungi. There is great potential for the use of the Lentinus crinitus mushroom in agroforestry yards in the Brazilian Cerrado, reconciling environmental conservation with the diversification of the production of agroextractive products.

Mycelial biomass cultivation of Lentinus crinitus

Lentinus crinitus is a medicinal basidiomycete, little studied regarding the basic cultivation conditions, which is used in bioremediation and consumed by native Indians from the Brazilian Amazon. Also, it produces a fungal secondary metabolite panepoxydone that has been described as an essential regulator of the inflammatory and immune response. This study aimed to evaluate basic conditions of temperature, pH, and nitrogen concentration and source in the cultivation of L. crinitus mycelial biomass. In order to evaluate fungal growth temperature, 2% malt extract agar (MEA) medium, pH 5.5, was utilized from 19 to 40 °C. For pH, MEA had pH adjusted from 2 to 11 and cultivated at 28 °C. Urea or soybean meal was added to MEA to obtain final concentration from 0.5 and 16 g/L of nitrogen, pH of 5.5, cultivated at 28 °C. The best temperature growth varies from 31 to 34 ºC and the optimal one is 32.7º C, and the best pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.5 and the optimal one is 6.1. Protein or non-protein nitrogen concentration is inversely proportional to the mycelial biomass growth. Nitrogen concentrations of 2.0 g/L soybean meal and urea inhibit mycelial biomass growth in 11% and 12%, respectively, but high concentrations of 16.0 g/L nitrogen inhibit the growth in 46% and 95%, respectively. The fungus is robust and grows under extreme conditions of temperature and pH, but smaller adaptation with increasing nitrogen concentrations in the cultivation medium, mainly non-protein nitrogen.

Biotechnological production, characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of polysaccharides from a native strain of Lentinus crinitus

This work deals with the submerged cultivation, extraction and antitumor activity of polysaccharides from Lentinus crinitus. The fungus was isolated from a tropical forest (Antioquia, Colombia), cultivated in laboratory conditions, and classified by classical and molecular taxonomy. Then, it was cultivated in a bioreactor of 5 L using a ligninolytic residue as substrate. The fermentation conditions were 30 ± 1 °C, pH 4.5, 300 rpm and 1.5 vvm for 4 days. The yields of fermentation were 20 g/L of biomass. After extraction, 0.65 g/L of water-soluble exopolysaccharide (LEPS) and 3.3 mg/100 g of water-soluble intrapolysaccharide (LIPS) were obtained. In each extract total carbohydrate, glucans and protein contents were determined. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), high performance liquid chromatography with refraction index detection (HPLC-RI) and high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) analysis for characterization were performed. The antitumor activity was evaluated and polysaccharides not only showed anti-proliferative activity in breast cancer cells but also they activate J774 macrophages as evidenced by the increase of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α (inducers of tumor cell apoptosis). Our findings suggest that polysaccharides can activate macrophages to release nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which directly blocks cancer cell growth. These findings enhance our knowledge about new sources of fungal metabolites that serve as coadjuvant, cheap and less harmful alternatives to cancer treatment.

Five-year cryopreservation at −80 °C of edible and medicinal basidiomycetes by wheat grain technique

This research has focused on basidiomycete cryopreservation at −80 °C and developed a cryopreservation method based on the use of hard or medium-hard endosperm wheat grains as a mycelial carrier for cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mycelial viability of edible and medicinal basidiomycetes, using 13 strains of Agaricus spp. and eight strains of non-Agaricus spp., cryopreserved at −80 °C on hard endosperm wheat grain, with or without cryoprotectant agent (4% glucose), for two and five years. Two groups of basidiomycetes, Agaricus genus and other non-Agaricus genera, were cryopreserved at −80 °C by wheat grain technique for two and five years. The cryopreservation technique with hard endosperm wheat grain without cryoprotectant (preservation substrate), settled previously for A. subrufescens is efficient to cryopreserve other basidiomycetes such as Lentinus crinitus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Schizophyllum commune, and Lentinula edodes, besides A. subrufescens strains.