Optimization of ergosterol extraction from Pleurotus mushrooms using response surface methodology

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Ergosterol is a vital sterol found in fungi with numerous health benefits.
• Pleurotus mushrooms are a potential source of ergosterol, but efficient extraction methods are needed.
• Optimizing extraction parameters is crucial for maximizing ergosterol yield and purity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize heat-assisted extraction (HAE) for ergosterol recovery from Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Pleurotus eryngii (PE).
• To investigate the influence of temperature and time on extraction yield, ergosterol purity, and content.
• To determine the optimal HAE conditions for both mushroom species.

Main Methods:

• Response surface methodology (RSM) with a circumscribed central composite design was employed.
• Extraction variables including temperature (T) and time (t) were systematically varied.
• Second-order polynomial models were used to predict and optimize extraction responses.

Main Results:

• Optimal HAE conditions were determined for both PO (54.3 °C, 150 min) and PE (61.8 °C, 150 min).
• These conditions yielded high extraction efficiency: 7.25% for PO and 8.02% for PE.
• High ergosterol purity and content were achieved, with PE showing higher concentrations.

Conclusions:

• HAE is an effective method for maximizing ergosterol extraction from Pleurotus mushrooms.
• The study provides optimal parameters for industrial-scale ergosterol production from PO and PE.
• Pleurotus mushrooms represent a valuable and sustainable source for ergosterol-enriched extracts.