Production of Myco-Nanomaterial Products from Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes) Mushroom via Pyrolysis.

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to develop a sustainable method for producing myco-nanomaterials, particularly fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs), from freeze-dried Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes) mushroom powder via pyrolysis. The goal was to investigate how pyrolysis conditions affect CND characteristics and their potential antimicrobial properties. Mushroom powder was pyrolyzed at temperatures ranging from 150 to 240 °C. The resulting products were analyzed for yield, molecular weight, fluorescence intensity, and estimated CND concentration in relation to the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. Antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Product yield decreased from 13.20% at 150 °C to 0.80% at 240 °C. Molecular weight peaked at 200 °C (623.20 kDa), while maximum fluorescence intensity (739.40 A.U.) was observed at 210 °C. A strong positive correlation (R² = 0.72) was found between the C/N ratio and estimated CND concentration. Antimicrobial testing revealed notable inhibition of E. coli, associated with higher fluorescence intensity and CND content. Pyrolyzed P. ostreatus mushroom powder offers a promising, eco-friendly platform for producing luminescent, carbonaceous nanomaterials with antibacterial potential. These non-purified, myco-derived nanomaterials may contribute to green nanotechnology development and antimicrobial strategies.