Metabolic profiles and biomarkers of Auricularia cornea based on de-oiled camphor leaf substrate

[Display omitted] •De-oiled camphor leaf substrate fostered the accumulation of A. cornea metabolite.•Identified 516 metabolites across 78 categories.•Phenols, alkaloids and flavonoids constitute 26.7 %.•Uncovered 32 metabolite biomarkers linked to 8 vital pathways. This study investigates the metabolic responses of Auricularia cornea when cultured on de-oiled leaves of Cinnamomum longepaniculatum (DeCL), an underutilized waste product. The metabolic profiles of A. cornea cultured with four different quality ratios of DeCL substrate (0 %, 14 %, 28 % and 42 %) were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics. A total of 516 metabolites were identified and classified into 78 categories, with phenols, alkaloids and flavonoids accounting for 26.7 % of the total. In addition, 32 metabolite biomarkers associated with eight major metabolic pathways were identified. This pioneering research provides valuable insights into the utilization of DeCL, and expands our knowledge of the metabolic dynamics underlying the growth of A. cornea on alternative substrates.