Advanced recovery of ergosterol- and vitamin D2-rich fractions from mushrooms: process intensification and scale-up challenges
- 1Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- 2LAQV-REQUIMTE, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
- 3Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abstract
Vitamin D insufficiency remains widespread, intensifying interest in mushrooms as non-animal sources of vitamin D₂ and in their processing side streams as sustainable reservoirs of its precursor, ergosterol. This review evaluates the advanced recovery of ergosterol- and vitamin D₂-rich fractions from edible mushrooms, integrating feedstock preparation, extraction, UV photoconversion, process intensification, scale-up, environmental and economic performance, and patent activity. Although these approaches can improve recovery, selectivity, and processing efficiency, most evidence remains laboratory-based. Matrix properties, solvent use, energy delivery, light penetration, reactor design, and fractionation jointly determine product yield, stability, and scalability. The limited environmental and economic assessments currently available identify drying, electricity demand, solvent recovery, and purification as major feasibility constraints. Patent trends reveal a shift from simple mushroom irradiation toward integrated extraction–photoconversion–purification platforms, yet pilot-scale validation remains limited. Future research should prioritize complete process chains, specific solvent circularity, and integrated techno-economic and life-cycle assessment. Bridging these gaps is essential for translating mushroom-derived ergosterol and vitamin D₂ into scalable, nutritionally relevant, and sustainable food ingredients.
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BibTeX
@article{pastor2026advanced,
title = {{Advanced recovery of ergosterol- and vitamin D2-rich fractions from mushrooms: process intensification and scale-up challenges}},
author = {Kristian Pastor and Jelena Vladic and Nataša Nastić},
journal = {Frontiers in Nutrition},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fnut.2026.1987834},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1987834},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Advanced recovery of ergosterol- and vitamin D2-rich fractions from mushrooms: process intensification and scale-up challenges
AU - Kristian Pastor
AU - Jelena Vladic
AU - Nataša Nastić
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Frontiers in Nutrition
DO - 10.3389/fnut.2026.1987834
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1987834
AB - Vitamin D insufficiency remains widespread, intensifying interest in mushrooms as non-animal sources of vitamin D₂ and in their processing side streams as sustainable reservoirs of its precursor, ergosterol. This review evaluates the advanced recovery of ergosterol- and vitamin D₂-rich fractions from edible mushrooms, integrating feedstock preparation, extraction, UV photoconversion, process intensification, scale-up, environmental and economic performance, and patent activity. Although these approaches can improve recovery, selectivity, and processing efficiency, most evidence remains laboratory-based. Matrix properties, solvent use, energy delivery, light penetration, reactor design, and fractionation jointly determine product yield, stability, and scalability. The limited environmental and economic assessments currently available identify drying, electricity demand, solvent recovery, and purification as major feasibility constraints. Patent trends reveal a shift from simple mushroom irradiation toward integrated extraction–photoconversion–purification platforms, yet pilot-scale validation remains limited. Future research should prioritize complete process chains, specific solvent circularity, and integrated techno-economic and life-cycle assessment. Bridging these gaps is essential for translating mushroom-derived ergosterol and vitamin D₂ into scalable, nutritionally relevant, and sustainable food ingredients.
SN - 2296-861X
ER -