EFFECT OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON THE FORMATION OF ERGOCALCIFEROL (VITAMIN D2) IN Pleurotus ostreatus
ABSTRACT: Naturally the
content of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) in mushrooms is small, but mushrooms are
rich in ergosterol which is known as a precursor of ergocalciferal. Ergosterol
is converted to ergocalciferal by UV light irradiation following a heat
reaction. The aim of the study is to observe formation of ergocalciferol from
its precursor in the Pleurotus ostreatus using UV radiation at 254 and 366 nm.
Crude samples were irradiated for 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. The samples
were then extracted using a reflux for one hour. The ergocalciferol content was
determined using spectrophotodensitometer. The results showed that the contents
of ergocalciferol after 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 mins radiation under UV 254 nm were
24.12 ± 3.46; 28.15 ± 1.43; 38.22 ± 2.11; 48.19 ± 3.68; and 14.81 ± 3.41 µg/g
respectively, whereas under UV 366 nm in similar duration the content were 9.59
± 5.35; 20.6 ± 5.58; 27.67 ± 4.5; 10.62 ± 2.81; 8.76 ± 0.32 µg/g, respectively.
No ergocalciferol was found in the control. It is concluded that the
ergocalciferol was formed in mushroom after irradiating with ultraviolet light. The highest ergocalciferol
content was found in the sample irradiated under UV light 254 nm for 90
minutes.
Key words: Ergocalciferol, ergosterol, Pleurotus ostreatus,
spectrophotodensitometer, ultraviolet light
Penulis: Ruslan, K., Reza,
R.A., and Damayanti, S
Journal Code: jpbiologigg110006
