LC-MS/MS-based metabolomic of pink Auricularia cornea grown on Lycium barbarum sawdust substrate

Driven by the need for sustainable agriculture, using Lycium barbarum (goji) sawdust as a substrate for mushroom cultivation increases productivity while reducing environmental impact. This study evaluates the effects of different proportions of goji sawdust on the growth, yield, and metabolic profiles of pink A. cornea . Six substrate formulations were tested, with 16 % goji sawdust supporting optimal yield and quality. LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics identified 1335 metabolites, mainly organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organoheterocyclic compounds, and benzenoids. Biomarker analysis revealed twenty to thirty-five metabolites associated with substrate variations. KEGG enrichment highlighted key metabolic pathways, including ABC transporters, amino acid biosynthesis, D-amino acid metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, contributing to substrate adaptation. While this study offers insights into the metabolic responses of pink A. cornea to goji sawdust, future research should incorporate absolute biomarkers quantification to further validate these results and optimize substrate compositions.