LED Light Spectra Modulate Growth, Morphogenesis, and Bioactive Compound Production in Cordyceps militaris
Gam Thi Do1, Dong Thi Ta2, Nhung Hong Nguyen2
1Center for High Technology Research and Development, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms
|March 31, 2026
Summary
Tailored LED light spectra significantly impact Cordyceps militaris growth and bioactive compound production. Specific light combinations optimize stromata yield and cordycepin synthesis for industrial cultivation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Light is a critical environmental factor influencing fungal development and secondary metabolite biosynthesis.
- Optimizing cultivation conditions for Cordyceps militaris is essential for maximizing its therapeutic potential and industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nine different LED light spectra on the growth, morphogenesis, and production of bioactive compounds in Cordyceps militaris strain DT22.
- To analyze the impact of LED light on gene expression related to key developmental and biosynthetic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of Cordyceps militaris under controlled LED light conditions.
- Evaluation of morphological characteristics, carotenoid, adenosine, and cordycepin content.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of gene expression.
Main Results:
- LED light treatments significantly influenced mycelial color, colony diameter, stromata formation, and biomass accumulation.
- Specific light formulas (RW23, wW) promoted greater stromata yield, while RB and nW treatments maximized carotenoid content at specific stages.
- Cordycepin accumulation was highest under RBW light, and gene expression analysis revealed differential regulation of developmental and biosynthetic genes.
Conclusions:
- Tailored LED light combinations can effectively optimize stromata production and bioactive metabolite synthesis in Cordyceps militaris.
- Understanding light-spectrum-dependent regulation provides insights for enhancing industrial-scale cultivation strategies.
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