Effect of different substrates on Pleurotus spp. cultivation in Brazil - Ergothioneine and lovastatin

Pleurotus spp is one of the most widely consumed mushroom genera in the world. But how the culture medium affects the synthesis of bioactive compounds by this fungus is still unclear. This study evaluated nine strains of Pleurotus spp. from Brazil, grown in Pinus sp. sawdust (SCM-PSW), organic grape waste (OGW), or coffee grounds (CG) on productivity, nutritional composition, ergothioneine, and lovastatin synthesis. Strains cultivated in SCM-PSW presented similar values of yield, biological efficiency, and productivity, while those cultivated in OGW or CG presented superior results. Strains cultivated in CG presented higher protein content (41D; 46.60 +/- 0.09 g/100 g). Maltose was the most abundant sugar detected in the SCM-PSW medium (PS-2001; 17.51 +/- 0.12 g/100 g). Strains grown in SCM-PSW also presented higher dietary fiber content compared to CG and OGW. Basidiome of 41D strain, grown in SCM-PSW and CG, showed the highest ergothioneine content. For mycelium grown in Petri dish, the highest ergothioneine content was in 122H.5 strain, whereas, for those from submerged cultivation, it was obtained in PS-2001. Higher content of lovastatin was detected in the 41D strain. Results suggest that Pleurotus spp. can expand its content of ergothioneine and lovastatin using OGW as substrate.