An Optical Measurement Method Employing Voltage-sensitive Dyes for Investigation of the Potential Spread Inside the Fruit Body of Grifola frondosa

Abstract

In previous studies, the optimum farming condition for mushrooms has been investigated using the bio-electric potential of mushrooms as an index. In this study, the electric potential resulting from external stimulation has been examined at the cellular level using optical measurement method, employing the voltage-sensitive dyes in order to investigate the micro dynamics of the generation and spread of the bio-electric potential. The results indicated that the absorbance of the dye was seen to temporarily increase with pulse-current stimulation at a wavelength of 540 nm, whilst it decreased at a wavelength of 700 nm. The absorbance reaction, or 'the reverse wavelength', caused by absorbency characteristics of the dye proved that the measured changes reflected a potential change in the spawn cells. In addition, a spread of the potential reaction over the spawn cells was observed.