Immobilization of Mycelial Pellets from Liquid Spawn of Oyster Mushroom Based on Carrier Adsorption.

We investigated a practical method for immobilizing liquid spawn of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) to prolong the storage time and provide convenient transportation of liquid spawn of edible mushrooms. The method was based on the mycelial pellets of liquid spawn adsorbed in carriers. Selected carriers were similar to cultivation substrates, and the best carrier was a mixture of cottonseed hull, corn core, and wheat bran with a ratio of 4.5:4.5:1 by weight. Immobilized spawn were prepared by mixing the pellets from liquid spawn with carriers using a ratio of 1:8 by weight. Within the first 15 days of storage at 20-25 °C, the immobilized spawn grew strongly, respiration intensity and cellulase activities rose rapidly, and the count and brightness of the isozyme bands ofesterase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase increased remarkably as well. From days 30 to 60, the cellulase activities fell and the brightness of the peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase bands gradually decreased, whereas the respiration intensity and the band count of esterase and peroxidase remained constant. After 60 days, the cultivated characteristics of the immobilized spawn were same as the fresh conventional solid cottonseed hull spawn. The results showed that immobilized spawn on the basis of the mycelial pellets of liquid spawn adsorbed in carrier can be used to extend the storage time and simplify transportation of liquid spawn of edible mushroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]