Sustainable Cultivation of Medicinal Mushrooms

Presenter

Amanda Toledo

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Medicinal mushrooms have demonstrated potential in modulating immune responses and inflammatory pathways; however, conventional cultivation substrates are often costly and environmentally unsustainable. This study investigated a low-cost, sustainable cultivation system for medicinal mushroom growth using recycled materials. Mycelium from selected medicinal mushroom species was propagated in vitro using a sterile 5% honey-water solution and inoculated into a custom substrate composed of shredded recycled cardboard, coconut husk, and barley. Substrate materials were sealed in filter-equipped plastic grow bags and sterilized via autoclaving for three hours prior to inoculation. Mycelial growth was evaluated qualitatively based on colonization rate, density, and contamination resistance. Consistent and robust colonization was observed across the composite substrate, indicating that recycled plant-based materials combined with agricultural byproducts effectively supported medicinal mushroom growth. This project also established cultivation conditions suitable for the future extraction of mycelium, fruiting bodies, and spores for downstream analysis. Overall, the findings support the feasibility of sustainable cultivation systems for medicinal mushrooms and provide a foundation for future bioactive compound research.

Faculty Mentor

Michael Budziszek, Ph.D.

Academic Discipline

College of Arts & Sciences

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