식용버섯은 1-3일의 제한된 유효 섭취기간을 가진 가장 부패하기 쉬운 재료 중 하나로서 바실러스 세레우스(Bacillus cereus), 장(관)출혈성 대장균(enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli), 리스테리아 모노사이토제넨스(Listeria monocytogenes) 및 황색포도상구균(Staphylococcus aureus) 등의 병원성 세 균에 오염될 수 있으며, 특히 팽이버섯은 포장 및 소비 전 에 추가적인 세척이나 가공 단계를 거치지 않기 때문에 이를 그대로 섭취 시 소비자의 식품안전에 문제를 미칠 수 있다. 무엇보다 팽이버섯은 소비자들이 자연스럽고 영 양가 있는 식단을 선호하는 이유로 종종 날 것으로, 즉 샐 러드와 샌드위치 등의 형태로 섭취된다는 점에 유의할 필 요가 있다. 따라서 본 연구는 팽이버섯(Flammulina velutipes)에 접종한 병원성 대장균 O157:H7(pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7) 및 리스테리아 모노사이토제넨 스를 제어하기 위하여 초음파(ultrasound, US)와 유기산 (organic acids, OAAs) 및/또는 식물성 에센셜(essential) 오 일의 병행 처리에 따른 저감 효과를 조사하고자 수행되었다. 팽이버섯에 105-6 CFU/g의 수준에 상응하는 각 병원성 세균을 접종하고 다양한 농도의 유기산, 최소저해농도 (minimal inhibitory concentrations, MICs)의 티몰(thymol) 및/또는 20 kHz 초음파를 상온에서 15분 동안 개별적으 로 또는 병행하여 처리하였다. 그 결과로써, 상온에서 15 분 동안 3% 유기산, 2×MIC 티몰 또는 20 kHz 초음파를 개별적으로 처리한 후 병원성 대장균 O157:H7과 리스테 리아 모노사이토제넨스의 균 밀도가 약 1.7 로그 이하로 감소한 반면, 3% 젖산과 2×MIC 티몰의 혼합액에 20 kHz 초음파를 상온에서 15분간 병행처리한 경우 팽이버섯에 접종한 병원성 대장균 O157:H7과 리스테리아 모노사이토 제넨스의 균 밀도가 대략 3.0 로그 이상으로 감소함에 따 라 additive 효과가 관찰되었다. 특히 3% 젖산(lactic acid, LA)+2×MIC 티몰+20 kHz 초음파의 병행처리를 하기 전∙ 후에 팽이버섯의 색상 변화에 유의미한(P<0.05) 차이가 관 찰되지 않았다. 결론적으로 팽이버섯에 접종한 병원성 대장균 O157:H7 및 리스테리아 모노사이토제넨스의 제어에 단일 처리로서 3% 젖산이 가장 효과적이었던 반면, 초음파의 단일 처리 로서는 이러한 병원성 세균에 대한 저감 효과를 관찰할 수 없었다. 특히 유기산(즉 젖산) 및 초음파를 단일 처리 하였을 때보다 젖산과 티몰의 혼합액(mixture)에 20 kHz 초음파를 동시에 병행 처리하였을 때 유의적으로(P<0.05) 가장 높은 저감 효과를 관찰할 수 있었다. 이에 따라 초 음파는 유기산과 티몰의 혼합용액이 병원성 대장균 O157:H7 의 세포에 더 수월하게 접근을 가능케 하여 결국 세포막 파괴를 수반하는 것으로 확인되었다.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition of various edible and medicinal mushrooms and assess their potential as alternative food sources in response to increased meat consumption, which poses environmental and health risks. The crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and vitamin C contents of 17 edible and medicinal mushroom species, including Flammulina velutipes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, and Wolfiporia extensa, were systematically analyzed. Pleurotus ostreatus‘Suhan 2’ and P. eryngii‘No. 2’ showed high crude protein and carbohydrate contents, suggesting excellent potential as alternative protein and energy sources. Flammulina velutipesvarieties ‘TO22’ and ‘Aram’ exhibited relatively high crude fat contents, whereas P. eryngii‘No. 2’ and P. ostreatus‘Suhan 2’ had high vitamin C levels, suggesting a beneficial role in immune enhancement. In contrast, the medicinal mushroom W. extensa had relatively low protein and dietary fiber contents, limiting its potential as an alternative protein source compared to the other edible mushrooms. Nonetheless, it may provide other health benefits. The present study provides foundational data for the utilization of mushrooms as sustainable alternative food resources, supporting efforts to mitigate environmental impacts of meat production and improve dietary health.

This study analyzed patent trends for technologies that convert horticultural crop residues into mushroom substrates and developed mycelium-based utilization technologies. Environmental pollution caused by disposable plastics and Styrofoam has increased. Therefore, the demand for innovative and eco-friendly solutions has substantially increased. Agricultural residues such as fruit pruning residues and citrus waste provide economically and environmentally viable alternatives to imported raw materials because of their rich cellulose and lignin contents. Recent studies have shown that substrates containing these residues can produce mushrooms of equivalent quality as conventional sawdust-based media, thereby reducing production costs and improving resource independence. In addition, mushroom mycelia have been developed as sustainable materials for non-animal leather, packaging, building, and insulation. A patent analysis of ECOVATIVE confirmed important innovations in processing, material mixing, and product applications. The results provide the foundation for building an integrated system for utilizing horticultural residue resources with mycelium-based materials, as well as offers strategic insights and future directions for the research and development of sustainable industrial materials. The results also demonstrate the potential of agricultural byproducts to reduce dependence on imported substrates, lower cultivation costs, and mitigate environmental impacts, ultimately contributing to a circular economy for the development of sustainable materials.

Phellinus linteus, a medicinal mushroom with potent antioxidant properties, contains bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. To optimize the extraction of skin-whitening compounds, ultrasound-assisted extraction combined with statistically based optimization was used to simultaneously extract total polyphenol content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), and tyrosinase activity inhibition (TAI). Extraction variables, including extraction time (X1:4.8 ~ 55.2 min), extraction temperature (X2:26.4 ~ 93.6oC), and ethanol concentration (X3:13.0 ~ 97.0%), were varied in 17 experimental cycles based on a central composite design. Quadratic regression models for TPC, RSA, and TAI had coefficients of determination (R2) greater than 0.92, demonstrating well-fitted models and statistical significance. Analysis of variance revealed that all three variables significantly influenced extraction efficiency (p < 0.0041), with ethanol concentration (X3) having the most pronounced effect. The optimal extraction conditions were 80.0 min, 82.5oC, and 64.8% ethanol, yielding predicted values of 6.42 mg GAE/g DM for TPC, 73.71% for RSA, and 85.04% for TAI. These results suggest that a moderate ethanol concentration combined with adequate thermal input maximizes the extraction of antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities specifically associated with skin-whitening effects.

Sanghuang mushroom is highly valued for its medicinal potential, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, and has recently gained significant economic and pharmacological importance. Despite considerable taxonomic revisions within the genus Sanghuangporus, confusion persists in Korea due to the continued use of outdated names such as Phellinus linteus, P. baumii, and Inonotus baumii, as well as inconsistencies in common names. This study aimed to clarify the species diversity of Sanghuangporus in Korea through integrative approaches combining phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological analyses. Using four genetic markers (ITS, nLSU, RPB2, and TEF1), we analyzed 11 dried specimens preserved at the Seoul National University Fungus Collection and 74 fungal strains maintained by the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection. As a result, we identified eight Sanghuangporus species in Korea: S. baumii, S. mongolicus, S. quercicola, S. sanghuang, S. subbaumii, S. vaninii, S. weigelae, and a novel candidate species, Sanghuangporus sp. 1. Among these, S. mongolicus and S. quercicola were newly recorded species for Korea. By providing diagnostic traits and ITS barcode sequences, this study offers a reliable taxonomic framework for the accurate identification of Sanghuangporus species. It also supports future taxonomic studies, cultivar development, and applied research in pharmaceutical and functional bioactive materials.

The rapid increase in global meat consumption, driven by population growth and economic development, has intensified concerns about the sustainability of protein supply. Moreover, conventional livestock production significantly affects the environment and human health, further underscoring the need for alternative protein sources. Alternative proteins, including those derived from plants, mycelium, and insects, as well as cultured meat, offer sustainable and nutritionally viable substitutes for traditional animal-based proteins. Among these, mushroom-based alternative proteins demonstrate exceptional environmental, nutritional, and functional advantages. In particular, mushroom-derived proteins can closely replicate meatlike tastes and textures, positioning them as promising candidates in the rapidly growing alternative protein market. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the production of mushroom-based alternative protein, focusing specifically on mycelium cultivation techniques, edible mushroom applications, and production process innovations. Furthermore, we evaluate the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and associated health benefits, along with economic feasibility and consumer acceptance, all supported by empirical evidence. We extensively discuss technological innovations aimed at optimizing texture and reducing production costs. Finally, we propose concrete policy recommendations for fostering sustainable growth in the alternative protein industry, emphasizing regulatory frameworks, research investments, and consumer education strategies.

Laetiporus sulphureus, commonly known as ”chicken of the woods”, due to its chicken-like flavor, texture, and aroma, is a species of mushroom with high potential as an alternative to meat, given its reported protein content of 11% to 21%. This study was conducted to determine the optimal substrate composition for efficient mycelial production of L. sulphureus for use as an alternative to meat. Two types of sawdust, Populus deltoides and Quercus acutissima, and eight nutrient sources were applied in single and mixed compositions. Analysis of mycelial growth revealed that the media containing P. deltodies and Q. acutissima, only supplemented with beet pulp, had the highest mycelial extension, of 106.7 mm and 101.3 mm, respectively. In addition, protein content analysis revealed that the combinations with the highest protein content in mycelia were cultivated on P. deltodies sawdust supplemented with a mixture of beet pulp and corn (21.3%), and on Q. acutissima sawdust supplemented with cottonseed hull (22.0%). The optimal substrate compositions identified in this study will serve as fundamental data for the large-scale production of L. sulphureus mycelia as an alternative to meat.

This study proposes the establishment of a producer-centered export organization model, the “Mushroom Korea Export Cooperative Marketing Board,” as a solution to stagnating domestic consumption and sluggish exports in the Korean mushroom industry. The research draws on a literature review, statistical analysis, government policy review, and comparative case studies of overseas models such as Zespri, Enza, and The Greenery. The cancellation of K-MUSH’s designation in 2024 revealed the limitations of government-led models, while successful cases emphasized autonomous producer governance, strict quality control, sustained R&D investment, and strategic government support. Based on these findings, this study proposes a phased strategy to establish a cooperative model grounded in democratic governance, legal reform, levy-based self-financing, and collaborative branding and marketing. If implemented effectively, the model is expected to stabilize export prices, enhance quality, increase farm income, and foster sustainable development in the mushroom sector.

Wood ear mushroom (Auricularia heimuer) is one of the most popular mushrooms in Korea. Bacteria in the air can act as contaminants of mushroom media, mushroom pathogens, and sources of food poisoning in the indoor environment of mushroom cultivation houses. Therefore, cultivation houses require proper management to maintain mushroom production, quality and hygiene. This study was conducted to evaluate the properties of airborne bacterial species isolated from wood ear mushroom cultivation. Nine species of indoor-airborne bacteria were tested against wood ear mushroom cultivars using confrontation assay on PDA. Among 9 species, Bacillus subtilis DUCC18238 showed the strongest inhibition effect on the mycelial growth of nine wood ear mushroom cultivars and the inhibition rate for 7 of them was more than 30%. In addition, B. subtilis DUCC18238 inhibited the mycelial growth of 11 out of 18 wild mushroom species, 7 out of 8 phytopathogenic fungi, and 5 out of 5 Trichoderma species, respectively. The results of this study show that the management of airborne bacteria in the indoor environment of wood ear mushroom cultivation houses is necessary.

This study analyzes research trends in mushrooms using social network analysis (SNA) and Word2Vec analysis based on 654 papers published in the journal of mushrooms. By tracking changes in research trends through centrality indices of key keywords and temporal keyword associations, it was found that in the early period (2011–2015), research primarily focused on optimizing growth conditions. During the mid-period (2016–2020), studies on strain characteristics and disease resistance became more prominent. In the recent period (2021–2024), research on molecular biology and functional components has expanded significantly, with molecular biology research, substrate and cultivation environment studies, and quality and functional food research emerging as new research areas. Meanwhile, research on Pleurotus ostreatus has been the most active, whereas studies on other mushroom species remain relatively limited, indicating the need for a broader scope in future research. This study provides an in-depth review of the research trends and transformations in the journal of mushrooms, contributing to the discussion on its balanced development and future research directions.

한반도 애호랑밑빠진버섯벌레속(Baeocera Erichson, 1845)에 대하여 논의하고 검색표를 제공하였다. 참애호랑밑빠진버섯벌레(Baeocera choi Hoshina and Park, 2011)는 배애호랑밑빠진버섯벌레[Baeocera ventralis (Löbl, 1973)]의 동물이명 임이 밝혀졌다. 이들의 수컷생식기 형질 을 도해하고 근연종과 함께 동정에 유용한 형태형질을 제시한다.

발효 느타리버섯재배부산물을 급이한 흰점박이꽃무지 유충의 영양성과 안전성을 검증하고자 참나무 발효톱밥으로 사육한 유충의 영양성분 과 유해물질을 비교분석하였다. 조단백질 함량은 발효 느타리버섯재배부산물을 급이한 유충(OMCB)에서 54.0%로 참나무 발효톱밥을 급이한 유 충(FOS) 47.2%보다 1.1배 많았다. 필수아미노산 중 류신은 OMCB에서 2.8%로 가장 높았고, FOS에서는 2.7%로 비슷한 수치였다. 비필수아미 노산은 OMCB에서 프롤린의 함량이 7.2%로 가장 높았고 FOS (5.6%)보다 1.3배 더 높았다. 무기질 중 칼륨은 OMCB (2771.2 mg/100 g)와 FOS (2765.0 mg/100 g)에서 비슷한 수치였고, 불포화지방산 중 올레산은 OMCB (58.2%)와 FOS (59.6%)에서 가장 높은 함량을 나타냈다. 유 해물질 분석 결과, OMCB와 FOS에서 납, 카드뮴, 비소 모두 식용곤충 중금속 기준에 적합하였고, 식중독균에 속하는 대장균과 살모넬라균은 모두 불검출되었다. 위 연구 결과에 따르면, 발효 느타리버섯재배부산물 급이 흰점박이꽃무지 유충은 단백질과 불포화지방산뿐만 아니라 다양한 영양성 분을 포함하고 있으며, 안전성 또한 검증되었으므로 식용으로 활용하기에 적합할 것으로 판단된다.

Oyster mushrooms were analyzed to confirm the effect of installing a convection fan on the uniformity of the environment inside the cultivation house, the quantity of fruiting bodies, and marketability for stable production. When using a convection fan, it was confirmed that the temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration were maintained more uniformly than when not used.As for the characteristics of the fruiting bodies, the quantity per bottle was 177.3 g when using a convection fan, which was 17% higher than when not used, and the individual weight was 49% higher. In addition, the cap diameter, cap thickness, and stem thickness increased slightly in the convection fan treatment, and the stem length was shorter.

This study examined domestic consumption trends in the development of mushroom-based alternative food products. It found that 85.5% of consumers were aware of alternative foods, with a higher recognition rate among younger age groups and variations based on household composition and monthly income. Additionally, 70% of consumers familiar with alternative foods had tried them. Among those who had not, taste (16%) and purchasing challenges (15%) were the primary barriers. Minced meat was the most commonly consumed alternative (25%), while dumplings (7%) and burgers (1%) were less popular. Notably, dumplings and burgers showed the highest potential for development using mushroom-based ingredients. These findings provide valuable foundational data for advancing mushroom-based alternative food products.

In order to develop a stable production and delicious unique cultivar of beech mushrooms, we generated hybrids using wild resources collected domestically, and we developed excellent strains by identifying the mycelial cultivability of the hybrid strains. The developed strains were cultivated according to the type of spawn and incubation time, and strains with excellent yield and shape were first selected, and second strains with less bitterness and excellent taste were selected through quantitative descriptive analysis. This was verified in farms, and ‘HM6-6’, which had a good reputation in the field, was directly developed cultivars as ‘Maruking’. In addition, the yield was high overall in the 90-day culture of the growth substrate inoculated with solid spawn, and the ‘Maruking’ cultivar, was also best in the 90-day culture. The yield was high overall in the 75-day culture of the liquid spawn, but ‘Maruking’ showed excellent yield when cultured for 70 days.

The Grifola frondosa cultivar KMCC03118 was used to isolate monokaryotic strains via spore separation, resulting in the successful crossbreeding of strains KMCC03118-11 and KMCC03118-23, which produced F1 hybrids. These F1 hybrids were then further crossed with various monokaryotic strains to generate F2 progeny. In evaluating the effects of different medium compositions on fruit body development, it was found that a substrate consisting of wheat bran and dried sawdust, with a carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 66-68, provided the most favorable conditions for mycelial growth. Among the strains tested, KMCC03137 and GF-18-50 demonstrated superior characteristics, including a larger fruit body diameter, thicker pileus, and greater stipe thickness, with the highest productivity observed at 143.6 ± 13.3 g and 144.7 ± 15.2 g, respectively. Furthermore, the color of the caps (L: 29.7 ± 7.1, a: 2.6 ± 0.7, b: 8.2 ± 1.8) remained consistent, indicating stable high-quality production. Based on these results, the optimal substrate composition for enhancing both the quality and productivity of the fruit bodies was determined to be 42% Quercus sp. sawdust, 42% Quercus sp. fermented sawdust, 6% wheat bran, and 10% dried tofu residue. This study provides a crucial foundation for the commercial cultivation and breeding improvement of Grifola frondosa, offering valuable insights into its genetic enhancement, and providing essential data for future research aimed at increasing the species' genetic diversity and productivity.

This study evaluated the quality characteristics of Flammulina velutipesduring storage using modified atmosphere films of different thicknesses (20, 40, and 60 μm). The films included high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). F. velutipeswere stored at 1°C for six weeks, and quality was assessed based on weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, color parameters, β-glucan content, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] radical scavenging activities). All HDPE and LDPE films were more effective than the conventional film (polypropylene) at maintaining mushroom quality, particularly in the later stages of storage. In particular, LDPE films with thicknesses of 20 and 40 μm showed superior performance at reducing respiration rates and weight loss, while mushrooms packaged with these films retained higher TPC and antioxidant activities. The β-glucan content also remained more stable in mushrooms stored using HDPE and LDPE films. Although we did not evaluate changes in sensory properties or nutritional components, such as vitamins, our results suggest that the type and thickness of packaging films significantly influence the preservation of the quality of F. velutipesduring storage. Additionally, LDPE films with thicknesses of 20 and 40 μm were found to be the most suitable packaging materials for the distribution and storage of F. velutipes. Furthermore, these findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the selection of optimal packaging materials to extend the shelf life and maintain freshness during the postharvest handlingof F. velutipes.

In this study, Pleurotus ostreatus were grown in bottles at temperatures set to 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C inside the cultivation room. Changes in temperature, CO2 concentration, and humidity inside the bottles were measured, and growth characteristics according to the temperature conditions were evaluated. CO2 concentration increased overall as the temperature increased and was particularly stable at 20°C, suggesting that 20°C is the optimal condition for the physiological respiration of P. ostreatus . While humidity was relatively constant at 15°C, it decreased over time at 20°C and was maintained at a stable level at 25°C, suggesting that water retention capacity may occur at high temperatures. As a result of the growth investigation, the yield per bottle and individual weight were the highest at 20°C, confirming that 20°C is the most suitable temperature condition for the growth of oyster mushrooms. At 25°C, the yield per bottle was maintained but the individual weight decreased and the color tended to change. These results suggest that the interaction between CO2 concentration, humidity, and temperature has a significant effect on the growth and quality of oyster mushrooms, and that it is effective to control the cultivation room temperature to 20°C for optimal growth.

Processing of medicinal plants and mushrooms plays a crucial role in oriental medicine. This study investigated the antioxidant potency and chemical composition of antler-shaped Ganoderma lucidumprocessed under different heating temperatures (120 to 180 °C) and times (10 to 20 minutes). Processed samples were analyzed for their antioxidant activities, including total phenol content, DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging capacity, NO assay, ROS scavenging capacity, and chemical composition changes. Antioxidant potency was highest with processing at 180 °C for 10 min and at 210 °C for 10 min. This enhanced activity is likely attributed to changes in compound functional groups due to heat processing, which in turn influences antioxidant activity. In contrast to antioxidant potency, chemical components, including ganoderic acid D, ganodermanonitriol, and ergosterol, showed decreasing trends with increasing temperature and time.

Flammulina velutipesis highly valued and widely consumed because of its nutritional and functional benefits, and its global demand is steadily increasing. However, rapid quality deterioration and short shelf life create an urgent need for effective preservation and advanced quality assessment of Flammulina velutipes. The aim of this review was to identify methods that reduce postharvest quality loss, extend shelf life, and optimize storage and distribution practices for Flammulina velutipes. Chemical treatments (including antioxidants, 1-methylcyclopropene, and edible coatings), low-temperature plasma, and innovative nanocomposite-based packaging have been effective in maintaining Flammulina velutipesquality after harvest. Nevertheless, further discussions on the economic feasibility, safety, and sustainability of these technologies are essential for their practical and industrial applications in Flammulina velutipespreservation.