Extraction and analysis of indole derivatives from fungal biomass
Journal of Basic Microbiology – January 01, 1994
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Methanol offers the safest chemical extraction for genuine indole derivatives from fungal biomass. Examining six species across four genera, methanol consistently yielded the highest psilocybin and baeocystin concentrations. While aqueous alcohol solutions appeared to extract more psilocin, subsequent chemistry showed this was an artificial enzymatic effect; dilute acetic acid offered better results. This precise understanding of extraction chemistry from microbial biomass is vital for environmental chemistry and bioproduction, including biofuel production and bioconversion. Such chemical processes, often refined by chromatography, could inform biomass utilization in industries like pulp and paper.
Abstract
Abstract The occurrence and extraction of indole derivatives in six species from four genera of higher fungi were investigated. By using pure methanol for extraction of the mushrooms analysis revealed the highest concentrations of psilocybin and baeocystin. The psilocin content of the species was higher by using aqueous solutions of alcohols than with methanol alone but was an artificial phenomenon caused by enzymatic destruction of psilocybin. The extraction with dilute acetic acid yielded better results than with the water containing alcohols. The simple one‐step procedure with methanol for the quantitative extraction is still the safest method to obtain the genuine alkaloids from fungal biomass.