Activity of the Lentinus edodes intracellular lectins at different stages in fungal development during submerged and solid-phase cultivation

This work was undertaken to examine the hemagglutinating activity of the intracellular lectins from the basidial fungus Lentinus edodes (shiitake), strains F-249 and 2-T, at different morphogenetic stages, depending on the method of culturing, the growth medium, and the degree of lectin purification. The activity of the fungal lectins was more dependent on the cultures morphogenetic stage than on the nutrient-medium composition. During solid-phase cultivation, lectin activity was several orders higher than it was during submerged cultivation. Activity increased as greater purification of the intracellular lectins of shiitake was achieved. Pure lectin preparations had a positive effect on the formation of a brown mycelial film.