Differential Analysis of Pomelo Peel Fermentation by Cordyceps militaris Based on Untargeted Metabolomics

Abstract

The content of differentially abundant metabolites in the fermentation broth of grapefruit peels fermented by Cordyceps militaris at different fermentation times was analyzed via LC–MS/MS. Small molecule metabolites and differential metabolic pathways were analyzed via multivariate analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. A total of 423 metabolites were identified at 0, 2, 6, and 10 days after fermentation. Among them, 169 metabolites showed differential abundance, with significant differences observed between the fermentation liquids of every two experimental groups, and the metabolite composition in the fermentation liquid changed over the fermentation time. In summary, the upregulation and downregulation of metabolites in cancer metabolic pathways collectively promote the remodeling of cancer cell metabolism, facilitating increased glycolysis, alterations in TCA cycle flux, and enhanced biosynthesis of the macromolecules required for rapid proliferation and survival. This study provides new perspectives on the development of high-value-added agricultural and forestry byproducts and the development and research of functional foods.