Fungi naturally produce many compounds that kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review explores how these fungal compounds could replace antibiotics that no longer work due to drug resistance. These natural substances could be used not only as medicines but also in cosmetic products to prevent bacterial growth and improve skin health.
This review explores how fungi produce remarkable chemical compounds that have been transformed into important medicines for over a century. Starting with penicillin in the 1940s, scientists have discovered dozens of fungal-derived drugs used to treat infections, prevent organ rejection, lower cholesterol, and fight cancer. Modern technology now allows researchers to discover and analyze these compounds much faster and with smaller samples than ever before.
Scientists have developed methods to trap bacteria and fungi inside gel structures, similar to tiny capsules. These immobilized microorganisms can produce antibiotics and other useful medicines more efficiently and continuously than free-floating cells. The gel structures protect the cells, allow them to be reused multiple times, and reduce production costs, making medicine manufacturing faster and cheaper.