Fungal Genomics & Biology
Open Access

Biotechnological Applications of Fungi for a Healthier Future

Benedetta Turchetti^{* *}Correspondence: Benedetta Turchetti, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, Email:

Author info »

Description

Fungal biotechnology is the field dedicated to utilizing fungi and their metabolic processes for industrial, medical and agricultural applications. Fungi, a diverse group of organisms including molds, yeasts and mushrooms have unique biological characteristics that make them highly valuable for biotechnology. From producing enzymes and antibiotics to advancing biofuels and sustainable agriculture, fungal biotechnology is unlocking new pathways for innovation and contributing to solutions for global challenges [1].

Applications in industry

Fungi have long been valued in industry for their ability to produce enzymes and other useful compounds:

Enzyme production: Fungi are natural producers of enzymes used in food processing, textiles, paper and detergents. For instance, Aspergillus niger produces pectinases and amylases used in fruit juice clarification and baking, while Trichoderma reesei produces cellulases essential for breaking down plant fibres in biofuel production . The ability of fungi to produce these enzymes at an industrial scale has made fungal enzymes vital to various sectors [2-5].

Antibiotic production: Fungi are the original source of antibiotics, with Penicillium molds producing penicillin, the first antibiotic discovered. Fungal biotechnology has since led to the development of additional antibiotics and antifungal agents that help treat infections. This branch of biotechnology is critical as antibiotic resistance continues to rise, making the discovery of new antimicrobial agents a pressing need.

Organic acids: Fungi produce organic acids like citric acid and gluconic acid, which are widely used as preservatives, flavoring agents and acidifiers in the food and beverage industry. Citric acid production, primarily from Aspergillus niger, is one of the largest applications of fungal biotechnology, supporting a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Fungal biotechnology in agriculture

Agricultural biotechnology has also benefited greatly from fungi, both as agents for plant protection and as tools for enhancing crop productivity:

Biocontrol agents: Certain fungi are effective biocontrol agents, used to combat plant pests and diseases without the need for chemical pesticides. For example, Trichoderma species are used to control soil-borne pathogens and promote plant health. They not only reduce dependency on chemical pesticides but also support sustainable farming practices.

Mycorrhizal fungi: Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving crop resilience to stress. These fungi are increasingly used in biofertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving soil health.

Biodegradable pesticides and herbicides: Fungi can produce natural compounds that act as environmentally friendly pesticides and herbicides. As concerns over chemical residues and environmental degradation grow, fungi-derived biopesticides offer a promising, eco-friendly solution for pest management.

Fungal biotechnology in medicine

Fungi play a vital role in medical biotechnology, contributing to the development of pharmaceuticals and therapeutic compounds:

Anticancer and immunosuppressive drugs: Compounds produced by fungi, such as cyclosporin from Tolypocladium inflatum, are used as immunosuppressive agents in organ transplants. Other fungi-derived compounds have shown anticancer properties, providing new avenues for drug development.

Vaccine development: Certain fungal components are studied for their ability to boost immune responses, which could lead to effective vaccine adjuvants. Additionally, engineered fungal strains are used as expression systems for producing vaccine antigens, especially in low-cost vaccine production [6-10].

Natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories: Edible fungi, particularly certain mushrooms, are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These fungi are increasingly studied for their potential as natural supplements to enhance immune function and protect against oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Fungal biotechnology is a versatile and growing field with broad applications across industry, agriculture and medicine. Fungi’s ability to produce valuable enzymes, medicines, and sustainable agricultural solutions has far-reaching implications for health, food security and environmental sustainability. As science advances, fungal biotechnology will continue to unlock the potential of fungi, offering innovative solutions to global challenges and paving the way for a more sustainable future. Fungal biotechnology involves the use of fungal organisms or their by-products in various technological processes. Fungi possess remarkable abilities to produce enzymes, organic acids and bioactive compounds, which have applications across numerous industries.

References

1. Tominaga Y, Stathopoulos T. CFD simulation of near-field pollutant dispersion in the urban environment: A review of current modeling techniques. Atmos. Environ. 2013; 79:716-730.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

2. Hang J, Luo Z, Wang X, He L, Wang B, Zhu W, et al. The influence of street layouts and viaduct settings on daily carbon monoxide exposure and intake fraction in idealized urban canyons. Environ. Pollut. 2017; 220: 72-86.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

3. Abbas H, Baker DA. Biological evaluation of selenium NP biosynthesized by Fusarium semitectum as antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. 2020; 63(4):1119-1133.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

4. Abbas HS, Baker DA, Ahmed EA. Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficiency of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Spirulina platensis. Arch Microbiol. 2021; 203:523-532.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

5. Albanna M, Fernandes L.Effects of temperature, moisture content, and fertilizer addition on biological methane oxidation in landfill cover soils. J. Hazard Toxic Radioact. 2009; 13(3): 187-195.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

6. Kormi T, Mhadhebi S, Ali NBH, Abichou T, Green R. Estimation of fugitive landfill methane emissions using surface emission monitoring and Genetic Algorithms optimization. Waste Manag.2018;72: 313-328.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

7. Castaing J, Girod M, Zink A. Radiation background due to radioactivity in palaces and museums: influence of TL/OSL dating. J Cult Heritage. 2004; 5(4):393–397.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

8. Magaudda G. The recovery of biodeteriorated books and archive documents through    gamma radiation: some considerations on the results achieved. J Cult Heritage. 2004; 5:113–118.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

9. Hueber FM. Rotted wood-alga-fungus: the history and life of Prototaxites Dawson 1859.       Rev. Palaeobot. Palynol. 2001; 116, 123–158.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

10. Demirhan B, Candogan K. Active packaging of chicken meats with modified atmosphere including oxygen scavengers. Poultry Science. 2017; 96(5):1394–1401.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]