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Among the most important sources of β-glucans are edible and medicinal mushrooms. These molecules are components of the cellular wall of basidiomycete fungi (mushrooms) and can be extracted even from the basidiocarp as the mycelium and its cultivation extracts or biomasses. Mushroom β-glucans are recognized by their potential effects as immunostimulants and immunosuppressants. They are highlighted as anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, adjuvant in diabetes mellitus, mycotherapy for cancer treatment, as well as adjuvants for COVID-19 vaccines. Due to their relevance, several techniques of β-glucans extraction, purification, and analysis have already been described. Despite the previous knowledge of β-glucans' benefits for human nutrition and health, the main information about this topic refers to the molecular identification, properties, and benefits, as well as their synthesis and action on cells. Studies on biotechnology industry applications (product development) and the registered products of β-glucans from mushrooms are still limited and more common for feed and healthcare. In this context, this paper reviews the biotechnological production of food products containing β-glucans from basidiomycete fungi, focusing on food enrichment, and presents a new perspective on fungi β-glucans' use as potential immunotherapy agents. KEY POINTS: • Mushrooms' β-glucans for product development in the biotechnology industry • Biotechnological production of food products containing mushrooms' β-glucans • Basidiomycete fungi β-glucans are used as potential immunotherapy agents., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This study aims to analyze the peach palm by-product (shells) bioconversion by culinary-medicinal mushroom Lentinula edodes to obtain a food ingredient for dietary supplementation containing high contents of dietary fiber, protein, and β-glucans. The β-glucans production by L. edodes mycelium was optimized through a solid-state fermentation, checking the influence of the heart of palm shells and supplements (rice bran, manioc flour, and sorghum flour) through an experimental mixing plan. The cultivation treatment that presented the highest tendency for β-glucans production was analyzed by the centesimal composition and in vivo biological activity. Treatments 4 (with shells, rice bran, and manioc flour) and 6 (with shells, sorghum flour, and manioc flour) presented the highest β-glucans content. A flour was obtained with high dietary fiber and protein content, and low lipids and carbohydrates content, and low caloric value. The in vivo biological activity demonstrated high protein quality and promoted a lower elevation of the glycemic curve. Thus, technology for the transformation of peach palm shells into a food ingredient was made feasible. It could generate a gluten-free and lactose-free dietary supplement that is both nutritive and bioactive, enhancing human health and well-being as well as environmental sustainability.

Despite knowledge on the therapeutic properties of fungal bio-compounds, few studies have been reported on their anti-parasitic activities. The anti-parasitic activity (APA) of mycelial extracts from seven medicinal agaricomycetous mushrooms (Polyporus lipsiensis, Ganoderma applanatum, Pleurotus ostreatus, P. flabellatus, Oudemansiella canarii, Lentinula edodes, and Pycnoporus sanguineus) against Giardia duodenalis, and identification of chemical compounds produced by mycelium P. lipsiensis mycelium, have been reported. The extracts of mycelia and fermented culture broths of tested mushroom species were evaluated against G. duodenalis by biological assays. P. lipsiensis showed the highest APA. The chemical analysis of mycelial extract of P. lipsiensis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 73 molecules, including steroids, terpenes, and lipids. According to literature data, among these molecules, 11 possess APA. The present study revealed the diversity of compounds with anti-protozoal potential produced by mycelia of Agaricomycetes mushrooms, particularly P. lipsiensis against G. duodenalis.