Optimization of submerged culture conditions for mycelial biomass production of fourteen Lentinus isolates from Luzon Island, Philippines

This paper is the first report on the mycelial biomass production of 14 Lentinus native isolates from Luzon Island, Philippines by submerged fermentation using the one-factor-at-time optimization technique. Coconut water (CW) was the most suitable liquid culture medium for the maximum mycelial biomass production of all studied Lentinus. The optimum initial pH of CW for most of the isolates tested was found at pH 4.0 to 7.0. In terms of physical parameters, all Lentinus isolates preferred 30 degrees C as the optimum temperature, indicating that they are tropical mushroom species. Lighted condition was found to be more favorable than dark condition for most Lentinus isolates tested. Some isolates preferred static-flask culture condition, while some isolates showed comparable yields in both culture conditions. The mycelial biomass production of 14 Lentinus isolates was significantly increased by 1.2-1.7-fold when grown in the optimized submerged culture condition. Among Lentinus isolates, L. swartzii BIL4618 consistently recorded the highest biomass yield in all optimization parameters. Therefore, the mycelial biomass productivity of 14 Lentinus may vary depending on the species and isolates and this can be enhanced by growing them in their optimized submerged culture conditions. The chemical constituents and biological activities of extracts of mass-produced mycelia are currently under investigation.