Mushroom-based vegan meat has thus far been used as a food for humans instead of pets. However, based on its texture and nutritional content, it is considered suitable for processing into pet treats. In the present study, we developed a prototype dog chew with a sweetening coating added to a fungal mycelium mat obtained by culturing the Basidiomycetous fungus Trametes orientalis. The palatable coating applied to the mycelium mat by plasticizing the mat with glycerol improved the taste and aroma of the existing mat, and the dog consumed it without difficulty. Future improvements may include a softening process to reduce the chewiness level and a procedure to reduce the crude fiber content. Mycelium-mat-based dog chews, manufactured using eco-friendly materials and processes that are not harmful to the environment are expected to enter the market as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional pet treats. Controlling their physical properties require further study.

In this review, we examine the latest technological developments in the utilization of truffles, a gourmet ingredient reputed to be one of the "world's three greatest delicacies," considering changing global consumption trends. Global demand for truffles is expected to increase steadily, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9% from 2023 to 2030. As truffles are expensive, the demand for truffles is expected to be concentrated in developed countries such as the United States, European countries, and Japan. In Korea, truffles are utilized in various industries, including food, functional foods, and cosmetics. Korean consumer demand for truffles has consistently remained high since 2019, and truffle products have been performing well in the market. Consequently, there exists substantial potential demand for newly developed truffle-related products and technologies. This review aims to provide objective research information through the systematic analysis of patent applications in Korea and internationally, focusing on technologies involving truffles, and can aid in setting directions for research and development.

The importance of biocomposites has increased owing to the changes in global consumption trends and rapid climate change. Technologies using mushroom mycelium cultivation, and molding methods for mycelial application have gained attention as potential strategies for producing eco-friendly composites. Currently, mushroom mycelia are used as raw materials for food and cosmetics; however, research on their utilization as biocomposite materials is limited. Therefore, the potential for the development of mushroom mycelium-related products and technologies is high. This review analyzes the domestic and international patent application trends related to the technologies for composite (packaging, insulation, adhesives, and leather) and food (substitute for meat) materials using mushroom mycelium, as an eco-friendly biocomposite material, to provide objective patent information that can further research and development (R&D) in this field.

Bio-based alternative leathers may be produced from biomass fiber, protein polymers, bacterial cellulose, and mushroom mycelia. Of these components, mushroom mycelia are of greatest interest. In this study, the potential of Fomes fomentariusas a mushroom mycelial mat was confirmed, and the optimal strain for the development of the mycelial mat was determined. Moreover, the quality of the mycelial mat was improved by identifying an efficient culture method to increase productivity. Mutant strains whose independence was verified were obtained by treatment with gamma irradiation under various conditions. Biofilm formation by the resulting strains was examined in sawdust and liquid media and the characteristics of the biofilms were analyzed. The biofilm of the mutant strains showed results that were similar to or better than the biofilms of longevity and cypress mushrooms. These findings are expected to be utilized in future research aimed at discovering new biomaterials using mushroom mycelia.

Eco-friendly materials, such as alternative vegan materials using various fungal resources, are being actively researched to reduce environmental pollution and facilitate a healthy lifestyle. The fungal mycelium-based mushroom mycelium mat is one such emerging material. In this study, the commonly used mushroom mycelium culture method was modified to reduce the time required to produce the mycelium mat, lower the possibility of contamination, and improve the properties and quality of the mat. Shortening the period required for the previously used primary bag culture and secondary mat production culture. A culture method in which the bag culture was omitted was attempted using a mycelium mutated by gamma irradiation to the mycelium of Trametes orientalis. In addition, various nutrients were added to the fungal solution to observe the change in physical properties of the fungal mat. High-quality mycelium mats were produced in the experimental group containing 1.5% CaCO3 in sawdust medium, and the period was also reduced by more than 10 days compared to the existing production method. In the future, for mass producing mycelium mats, additional selection of medium components and optimization of culture conditions are essential.

버섯 다당류는 면역 조절 기능, 항암 및 항산화 활성을 비롯하여 항바이러스 활성과 방사선 스트레스의 경감 등 인체에 유익한 다양한 생리활성을 나타낸다. 본 연구에서는 분홍느타리버섯 (Pleurotus djamor var. roseus Corner)으 로부터 뜨거운 물과 에탄올 침전을 이용하여 5.6%의 수율로 갈색을 띠는 경화된 다당류(CPs)를 순차적으로 추출하였다. 이렇게 추출된 CP는 Diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAE) 및 sepharose-6B 컬럼 분리를 통해 4개의 분획을 얻었고 각 분획의 총 글루칸 함량은 각각 76.85%, 2.95%, 75.08%, 1.46%로 밝혀졌다. 이중 가장 높은 수율의 분획 (PP)으로부터 300 mg의 백색 분말이 얻어 졌으며, 박층 크로마토그래피(TLC)와 푸리에 변환 적외선 분광법(FTIR) 의 결과로부터 자일로펜토스 유형의 화합물과 함께 다당류 부분의 존재를 확인하였다. PP의 항산화 활성은 1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl(DPPH) 자유라디칼 소거 분석 및 슈퍼옥사이드 라디칼 소거 분석을 통하여 높은 활성을 나타냄을 확인하였다. PP분획에는 페놀, 단백질 및 단순 탄수화물이 없는 정제된 베타글루칸이 주 구성성분으로, 정 제된 다당류가 천연 항산화제로 사용될 수 있음을 알 수 있었다.

버섯의 섭취는 버섯의 유용 성분에 의해 면역체계 및 장내미생물균총의 변화를 유발한다. 그중 많이 알려진 β- glucan 구조 기반 물질들은 염증매개물질의 분비는 억제 하고 대식세포의 활성은 유발하여 면역력의 증진을 도와 인체의 면역기능을 증진시킨다. 직접적인 유용 성분 이외의 다른 물질은 장내 미생물균총에 의해 단쇄지방산으로 변화되며, 변화된 단쇄지방산은 면역 및 다양한 질병의 완화를 유발하게 된다. 버섯이 포함하고 있는 성분은 β- glucan 외에도 장내미생물균총을 변화하게 유도하는 prebiotic로써의 역할을 수행하게 된다. 변화된 장내미생물 균총은 외부로부터 들어오는 다양한 감염성 균의 감염을 막으며, 면역체계의 균형 유지를 도우며, 질병을 예방하게 된다. 국내 섭취 빈도가 높은 새송이, 표고, 느타리, 팽이, 목이, 양송이 버섯의 유용 성분의 탐색, 장내미생물균총의 변화 및 섭취 시 인체의 단쇄지방산 변화 연구는 추후 버섯의 유용 성분, 장내미생물 및 질병과의 인과관계를 풀어내는데 기여할 것으로 여겨진다.

Mycelium composites and leathers have versatile material properties based on their composition and manufacturing process. To prepare mycelium mat for the production of mushroom leather, several strains were mutated by gamma rays. Some mutant strains, including Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidium, and Schizophyllum commune showed good hyphae growth rate and density on saw-dust media. Irradiation power (Gy), time, and height from the radiation source to the sample were examined. Based on the preliminary data obtained in this study, comprehensive research should be conducted to explore the optimal strains and culture conditions for mycelium-based leather production.

Sparassis latifolia is a fungus abundant in β-glucan and amino acids and is highly valued as a medicinal mushroom. Among amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a free amino acid and has biological effects, such as increase/decrease of hypertension, improvement of cerebral blood flow, and prevention of dementia. In this study, biological elicitors were used to increase bioactive substances as a biofortification method. Sodium alginate extracted from seaweed (Sargassum horneri, Sargassum fulvellum, Sargassum fusiforme) were used as the elicitor. The levels of β-glucan and GABA in the mycelium and fruiting body grown by adding the elicitor to the medium were investigated. Addition of sodium alginate positively affected GABA production and negatively affected the β-glucan production in these fungi. Sodium alginates extracted from S. fulvellum induced the highest increase in GABA in the mycelium and fruiting bodies. Moreover, we investigated the effects of the extracts from mycelium and fruiting bodies on dendrite development in primary cortical neurons. We found that the extract from the fruiting bodies of sodium alginate treated fungi with increased levels of GABA inhibited the dendrite outgrowth of excitatory neurons, but not inhibitory neurons.

본 논문에서는 꽃송이버섯을 4종의 유산균(Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. helveticus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus)을 사용해 발효를 하였다. 발효된 꽃송이버섯 발효물을 항산화 활성(DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, Hydroxy radical scavenging activity), SOD activity, 총 폴리페놀 함량(TPC), HPLC 분석, protease 활성을 동해 발효 전 후 생리활성 변화를 확인하였다. 꽃송이버섯 발효물의 항산화 활성은 IC50 28.09-64.46 μg/ mL, SOD 활성은 IC50 15.75-39.42 μg/mL, TPC 는 57.66-100.43 GAE μg/mL 와 85.25-110.68 μg/mL 로 확인되었다. 꽃송이버섯 추출물의 항산화 활성보다 약 8배 이상 증가된 결과로 확인되었다. 또한 꽃송이버섯 발효물의 HPLC 분석 결과는 ascorbic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid의 함량이 높게 확인되었으며, protease 활성 또한 발효물의 활성이 높은 것으로 확인되었다. Lactobacillus 균주들의 작용에 의하여 꽃송이버섯이 발효 되면서 폴리페놀류가 증가하여 생리활성이 꽃송이버섯 추출물에 비해 증가한 것으로 추측된다. Lactobacillus 균 중에서 L. helveticus 균주로 발효된 꽃송이버섯 발효물은 가장 높은 활성을 나타냈으며, 꽃송이버섯을 발효하는데 있어 L. helveticus 균주가 가장 적합한 균주로 확인되었다.

Mushrooms and their extracts including purified ingredients, are currently used as foods, functional foods (and/or nutraceuticals), and medicines. These products have numerous bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (mainly β–glucans), glycoproteins, nucleotide analogs, terpenoids, and polyphenols, which have exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. In this review, we discuss the current information on the biactivities of 10 popular mushrooms in Korea. We also summarize the information on mushrooms and the active compounds derived from them, as well as mushroom-based products such as foods, functional foods, and medicines. We believe this review could provide useful information for scientists and consumers who seek to develop new products and promote healthy food habits and lifestyle.

Mushrooms have antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities, so they and their extracts including purified ingredients are being used as a great source of functional food, drugs and especially nutraceuticals. They have many bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (mainly β-glucans), glycoproteins, nucleotide analogs, terpenoids and polyphenols. These compounds have biological activities such as anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-obesity, immunomodulating activity and etc. In this review, we discussed the current bioactivity information related to 10 famous mushrooms in Korea. Mushrooms and active compounds derived from mushrooms were summarized as well as mushroom products such as foods, functional foods, and medicines. It can provide good information for scientists and customers who want to develop a new product and to promote health and life quality.

The fungal mycelium-based composite is a new biomaterial to replace the existing composite material. To compete with lightweight, high-performance composites represented by fiber-reinforced plastic, various physical and chemical properties and functionality must be secured. Especially, the composite material made by using mushroom mycelium (or fruting bodies) is called mushroom plastic. Currently, Ecovative, Mycoworks, and Muskin in USA and Europe are launching new products including structural materials and leathers. Products utilizing mushroom mycelium can be launched in the market for construction materials, automobile interior materials and artificial leather substitutes. In spite of this high possibility, mass production using FMBC has not yet been reported. This presentation introduces the mycelium-based materials, a material that can replace existing plastics, inorganic building materials and animal skins in an environmentally and economically viable way, and looks at the possibility of future biomaterials by summarizing recent research contents.

Sparassis latifolia (formerly S. crispa) is used in food and nutraceuticals or dietary supplements, as rich in flavor compounds and β-glucan. Some previous studies have reported the effects of mushroom on brain function, including its neuroprotective effect. Thus, for this mushroom to be used as an effective nutraceutical for brain function, it would be desirable for it to contain other compounds such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in addition to β-glucan. In this study, the enhancement of growth and GABA production in the mycelium of medicinal and edible mushroom S. latifolia was investigated. Amino acids were added externally as the main source of nutrition, and the effects of amino acids were investigated using liquid medium, specifically amino acid-free potato dextrose broth (PDB). The amino acids added were L-glutamic acid (named PDBG medium) and L-ornithine (named PDBO medium). The growth of mycelia was determined to be 0.9 ± 0.00 g/L, 2.2 ± 0.16 g/L, and 1.93 ± 0.34 g/L PDBG respectively. The GABA content was 21.3 ± 0.9 mg/100 g in PDB medium, and it in PDBG 1.4% medium, at 115.4 ± 30.2 mg/100 g. However, the PDBO medium was not effective in increasing the GABA content of mycelia. Amino acids had little effect on the β-glucan content of mycelia. The β-glucan content was 39.7 ± 1.4 mg/100 mg, 34.4 ± 0.2 mg/100 mg, and 35.2 ± 9.2 mg/100 mg in PDB, PDBG 1.8% and PDBO 1.4% media, respectively. Addition of glutamic acid and ornithine positively affected the growth of S. latifolia mycelia, and glutamic acid positively affected GABA production; no degradation of GABA was observed with addition of glutamic acid.

Hydrophobins are surface active proteins that are produced by filamentous fungi including mushrooms. Their ability to self-assemble into an amphipathic membrane at any hydrophilic–hydrophobic interface is most intriguing. These small secreted proteins comprise of eight conserved cysteine residues which form four disulfide bridges and an extraordinary hydrophobic patch. Hydrophobins play critical roles in fungal (and/or mushrooms) growth as structural components and in the interaction of fungi and mushrooms with the environment. The biophysical and biochemical properties of the isolated proteins are remarkable, such as strong adhesion, high surface activity and the formation of various self-assembled structures. With the increasing demands of hydrophobins from fungi and mushroom sources, production and purification in large scale is under challenge. Various applications, ranging from food industries, cosmetics, nanotechnology, biosensors and electrodes, to biomaterials and pharmaceuticals are emerging and a bright future is foreseen.