Solid-state fermentation requires the development of more efficient cultivation systems for its industrial application. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of aeration regime on the production of biomass and several lignocellulolytic enzymes (laccase, manganese peroxidase, endoxylanase, β-glucosidase, and total cellulases) by Trametes versicolor in a novel fixed-bed solid-state pilot-scale bioreactor. Three regimes were assessed: natural convection, low aeration level (10 min every 6 h at 10 L/h air flowrate), and high aeration level (1 h every 6 h at 10 L/h air flowrate). The mushroom was grown on a medium based on lignocellulosic residues. The design of the bioreactor, as well as the control of aeration, humidity, and temperature of the beds, allowed T. versicolor to grow properly on the medium, reaching a maximum biomass production of 204.7 mg/g dry solid (ds). The influence that aeration regime had on the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes was determined. Low level of forced aeration favored obtaining the highest titers of laccase (6.37 U/g ds) compared to natural convection and high aeration level. The greatest lignin degradation was also verified for low aeration regime. For the first time, pilot scale cultivation of T. versicolor was reported in a fixed-bed bioreactor.

Research Highlights: For the first time, a model was developed and applied for polysaccharide production from Trametes versicolor grown in agro-industrial and woody residues under solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions. Background and Objectives: Fungal biomass is an important biological resource for biotechnological applications. Basidiomycetes fungi can be grown and developed on lignocellulosic materials such as forestry, wood, and agro-industrial residues in order to produce value-added products like bioactive polysaccharides. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of the C/N ratio and copper concentration on biomass and polysaccharide production during solid state fermentation (SSF), as well as on the consumption of cellulose and hemicellulose, and lignin degradation, and to propose and validate a mathematical model to describe the overall SSF process. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out by growing three Basidiomycetes species (T. versicolor, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus) on twelve formulations of solid substrates using mixtures of different inexpensive lignocellulosic residues such as oak sawdust, coconut fiber (hairs), coffee husks, and corn bran plus soybean oil, calcium carbonate, and two levels of copper(II) sulfate. Results: The three fungal species grew well on all substrate formulations. The statistical analysis of experimental data showed no significant effects on polysaccharide production, in the range of C/N and copper concentrations evaluated. Taking into account that the best polysaccharide production was obtained with T. versicolor (96.09 mg/g solid substrate), a mathematical model was proposed for this fungus to describe the behavior of the fermentation system from the obtained data of all the resulting combinations to reach the highest polysaccharide production by the fungus. Conclusions: The mathematical model disclosed in this work enabled to describe the growth and development of a higher basidiomycete under solid-state fermentation conditions on lignocellulosic substrates as well as the production of value-added products like polysaccharides with medicinal properties.

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives, utilizing fungal mycelium as a natural binder for agro-industrial residues. This study focuses on developing an MBC based on abundant waste in Colombia, pith Arboloco (A) (Montanoa quadrangularis), a plant endemic to the Colombian–Venezuelan Andes with outstanding insulating properties, and natural fiber of Kikuyu grass (G) (Cenchrus clandestinus), utilizing Ganoderma lucidum as an agent to form a mycelium network in the MBC. Three formulations, T (100% A), F1 (70% A/30% G), and F2 (30% A/70% G), were evaluated under two different Arboloco particle size ranges (1.0 to 5.6 mm) for their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The Arboloco particle sizes did not show significant differences in the MBC properties. An increase in Kikuyu grass proportion (F2) demonstrated superior density (60.4 ± 4.5 kg/m³), lower water absorption (56.6 ± 18.4%), and better compressive strength (0.1686 MPa at 50% deformation). Both mixing formulations (F1–F2) achieved promising average thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity values of 0.047 ± 0.002 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ and 1714 ± 105 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹, comparable to commercial insulation materials. However, significant shrinkage (up to 53.6%) and high water absorption limit their scalability for broader applications. These findings enhance the understanding of MBC’s potential for non-structural building materials made of regional lignocellulosic waste, promoting a circular economy in waste management for developing countries.

Ganoderma lucidum es un hongo macromiceto reconocido por sus propiedades medicinales y su contenido de compuestos bioactivos que incluyen polisacáridos, triterpenoides, proteínas inmunomoduladoras, entre otros, lo que ha generado un incremento notable en su producción. La mayoría de especies de hongos responden y se adaptan a diversas señales ambientales incluida la luz, que favorece su productividad, tanto en calidad como en cantidad al estar estrechamente relacionada con la formación de cuerpos fructíferos. Por tal razón, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficiencia biológica (EB) y la tasa de producción (TP) como parámetros de productividad del cultivo sólido de Ganoderma lucidum bajo irradiación de los sustratos con luz emitida por diodos azules (LED) con dos periodos de foto-estímulo de 12 y 24 h durante todas las fases de cultivo para inducir el crecimiento micelial y la formación de los cuerpos fructíferos. Se aplicaron parámetros convencionales para el crecimiento y desarrollo del hongo en las etapas de producción. Para la formulación de los sustratos, se emplearon residuos agroindustriales y materiales lignocelulósicos. El diámetro de los cuerpos fructíferos sometidos a tratamientos con luz azul fue mayor que los exhibidos a luz blanca fluorescente (Testigo). Los resultados muestran que el cultivo de Ganoderma lucidum con exposición a la luz azul es útil para la inducción de cuerpos fructíferos de alta calidad, logrando una disminución del periodo de fermentación en 16 días para el foto-estímulo de 24 h con EB de 28,04% y TP de 0,64.