Vol. 25, No. 1 (2026), Bio26635 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/Bio26635

Sodium polyacrylate: a component of disposable diapers that delays mycelial growth of edible mushrooms during culture in vitro

 

Authors

G. Arango-Escorcia, F. Rodríguez-Evangelista, G. Valencia del Toro, M. E. Garín-Aguilar, R.M. Espinosa-Valdemar, R. Villanueva-Arce, M. O. Franco-Hernández

Abstract

The use of edible fungi represents a promising strategy for degrading lignocellulosic residues. Due to their cellulose content, disposable diapers are susceptible to degradation by fungi; however, an unknown component of disposable diapers delays or inhibits the growth of mycelia. In this study, we analyze the effect of the different constituents of classic and biodegradable diapers on the mycelial growth of five edible fungi strains (Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus djamor, and Lentinula edodes). Kinetic parameters were used to describe the mycelium extension rate by using primary models. The combination of cellulose within the diaper’s sodium polyacrylate, a type of superabsorbent polymer (SPA), delayed the lag phase (λ = 1.44 days). Cellulose contained in diapers was a factor that enhanced mycelium extension rate (µmax=5.66-8.82 mm/day), while sodium polyacrylate delayed it (µmax =3.20-6.35 mm/day). Based on the findings, a 5% proportion of sodium polyacrylate (superabsorbent polymer) is proposed to guarantee mycelial growth.

Keywords

sodium polyacrylate, edible mushrooms, mycelial growth, disposable diaper, biodegradation.

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