Title:Technological, Biochemical and Microbiological Evaluation of Dehydrated
Pleurotus ostreatus Powder for Nutraceutical Applications
Volume: 18
Issue: 5
Author(s): Daily Arias-Ramos, Idelsy Chil-Núñez, Humberto J. Morris*, Miladis Camacho-Pozo, Yamila Lebeque-Pérez, Gabriel Llauradó-Maury, Paul Cos and Chris Vervaet
Affiliation:
- Center for Studies on Industrial Biotechnology (CEBI), Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Keywords:
Biopharmaceutical, dehydrated powder, microbiological analysis, mushrooms, nutraceuticals, Pleurotus ostreatus, rheological properties.
Abstract:
Background: Mushroom-based products can serve as superior nutraceuticals in both
preventing and alleviating human diseases. Dehydrated powder of Pleurotus ostreatus grown in
Cuba has a rich nutritional composition and a large number of therapeutic properties. However,
technological parameters (e.g. rheological), as well as biochemical and microbiological quality
control standards for its use as a raw material in the manufacture of solid dosage forms with
nutraceutical and biopharmaceutical applications have not been established yet.
Objective: The study aims to determine the technological, biochemical and microbiological quality
parameters of dehydrated Pleurotus ostreatus powder.
Methods: Rheological properties (Carr´s index, Hausner´s ratio, angle of repose and flow rate)
were determined in seven batches of mushroom powder. Biochemical and microbiological analyses
were performed using standard methods. Other physicochemical properties (mean particle
size, pH and moisture) were also determined.
Results: Technical parameters showed a mean particle size of 224.08±7.96 μm, Carr´s compressibility
index (23.08-26.58%), Hausner´s ratio (1.30-1.36), angle of repose (36.6-41.90°) and flow
rate (3.69-6.93 g cm-2 s-1), typical of materials with poor flowability. Biochemical analyses indicated
significant nutraceutical composition: protein (25.0-30.4%), carbohydrate (45-60%), ash
(6.1-9.8%), fiber (5-9%), β-D-Glucans (1.47-1.61%), iron (21-50 mg/100 g), zinc (3.8-8.0
mg/100 g), and polyphenols (123-160 mg/100 g). Moisture content was ≤3.50% and microbiological
analyses were in agreement with ISO standards.
Conclusion: Dehydrated P. ostreatus powder exhibits good nutraceutical composition and microbiological
quality. Technological parameters evidenced poor flow properties, suggesting the
need to include excipients to improve the rheological properties for applications as an active ingredient
in solid dosage forms for health benefits.