Enzymatic activities and analysis of a mycelium-based composite formation using peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) residues on Lentinula edodes

Abstract

By seeding fungus on top of industry residues, a mycelium can grow and form a compacted network structure, producing a material whose properties can be quite similar to polystyrene. However, depending on the source used, it may not develop due to lack of optimal fungal nutrients. In such case, peach palm residues can be a potential alternative. To test this hypothesis, this work evaluated the effect of using peach palm sheaths for mycelium growth of Lentinula edodes. They were also supplemented with cassava bran and varied sources of nitrogen – ammonium sulphate, potassium nitrate and soy flour – in order to analyse its effects to their properties, enzymatic activities and mycelium growth; at 12 and 20 days of cultivation. A well-formed composite occurred for pure soy flour, whose properties were tested as a compressed and non-compressed material, exhibiting acceptable values and demonstrates that this residue can be a potential alternative.