Metabolic Profiling and Substrate Utilization of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Mycelia Isolate Using Biolog Phenotype Microarray

Hericium erinaceus , has long been recognized in traditional Chinese medicine for its extensive health benefits. H. erinaceus is notable for its production of various bioactive compounds. Among these, the terpenoid compounds hericenones and erinacines, derived from fruiting bodies and cultured mycelia respectively, have been particularly highlighted for their ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, contributing to the mushroom's neuroprotective properties. This study focuses on the metabolic characterization of H. erinaceus mycelium using the Biolog Phenotype MicroArray (PM) technology, a high-throughput method for analyzing microbial growth phenotypes. For the first time, Biolog PMs were applied to elucidate a comprehensive nutritional utilization profile of H. erinaceus . The study involved testing 950 different conditions, including 190 carbon sources, 380 nitrogen sources, 94 biosynthetic pathways, 59 phosphorus sources, 35 sulfur sources, 96 osmotic pressures, and 96 pH conditions. The results revealed that H. erinaceus has a relatively restricted carbon utilization profile, efficiently utilizing only 23 out of 190 carbon sources, mainly simple sugars and certain complex carbohydrates like D-Cellobiose, D-Xylose, and Arbutin. The mycelium also demonstrated effective growth on various nitrogen sources, particularly Urea and D-glucosamine, and was capable of growing on all sulfur sources and most phosphorus sources with few exceptions. Additionally, H. erinaceus exhibited growth under 94 biosynthetic pathways, 65 osmotic pressures, and 56 pH conditions tested. This detailed metabolic characterization not only enhances our understanding of H. erinaceus ' nutritional requirements and metabolic capabilities but also provides valuable insights into its potential applications in the development of functional foods and alternative medicines.