Innovative research of xian-Ling-Gu-bao herbal residue in regulating soluble carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to promote the growth and nutritional quality of Pleurotus ostreatus: A metabolomics and gut microbiota perspective.

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Citation abstract

This study evaluated the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus on a composite substrate consisting of Xin-Ling-Gu-Bao herbal residue (XLGB) and sauce-flavor Baijiu lees (SFL), both agro-industrial by-products rich in lignocellulose and bioactive compounds. The soluble carbon-to‑nitrogen ratio (SC/N) of the substrate showed a strong positive correlation with fungal growth ( r = 0.89, p < 0.001). A formulation containing 50 % XLGB and 50 % SFL significantly enhanced lignocellulolytic enzyme activity, producing 520.28 g of mushrooms across three flushes, resulting in a biological efficiency of 148.65 %. This was 14.12 % and 43.78 % higher than the efficiency achieved with the control and traditional substrates, respectively. This substrate also facilitated the transfer of flavonoids and phenolics into the fruiting bodies and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria during in vitro fermentation. Overall, these findings demonstrate an efficient, low-cost cultivation strategy for Pleurotus ostreatus and highlight the high-value, eco-friendly utilization of agro-industrial residues.