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.
Researchers reviewed patents from 2009-2018 on using fungal mycelium to create eco-friendly materials. Instead of petroleum-based plastics, scientists grow fungi on agricultural waste like corn stalks and wood chips, where fungal threads bind the materials together into strong, biodegradable products. These fungal materials are being developed for packaging, car interiors, textiles, and insulation, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
Researchers investigated using corncob, a corn industry byproduct, as a growing medium for Auricularia heimuer mushrooms instead of expensive sawdust. By analyzing which genes the mushroom activates at different growth stages, they identified key enzymes responsible for breaking down corncob’s tough cellulose structure. The findings show the mushroom can effectively adapt to use corncob as a substrate, offering a sustainable and economical alternative for mushroom farming while reducing agricultural waste.
Scientists developed a genetic engineering technique to modify king stropharia (a cultivated edible mushroom) by inserting foreign genes into its cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the mushroom grows and produces beneficial compounds. The technique uses a bacterium called Agrobacterium tumefaciens to naturally deliver genes into mushroom cells, similar to how it infects plants. This advancement could lead to improved cultivation practices and enhanced nutritional or medicinal properties.
King oyster mushrooms are susceptible to green mold caused by various Trichoderma fungi, which significantly reduces crop yields. Researchers developed a quick DNA test that can detect these harmful fungi in mushroom farms before they cause major damage. The test is sensitive enough to identify the fungus even when present in very small amounts mixed with mushroom tissue. This new detection tool will help mushroom farmers monitor their crops and prevent costly contamination losses.
Sulphur shelf fungus, known as ‘chicken of the woods,’ is a bright yellow mushroom that grows on tree trunks and has remarkable health benefits. Research shows it contains compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, making it valuable for both food and medicine. The fungus can be cultivated relatively quickly and easily, and some countries already recognize it as safe for food use, potentially opening new applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
This research study examined how Lyophyllum decastes mushrooms develop and accumulate their valuable nutrients and flavor compounds. Scientists found that amino acids and polysaccharides reach their highest levels when the mushroom is mature, ready for harvesting. By analyzing the genes and chemical changes during mushroom growth, researchers identified the specific pathways responsible for producing these beneficial compounds. This knowledge helps improve mushroom cultivation and confirms its value as a healthy functional food.
Mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods containing compounds that protect our bodies from damage and reduce inflammation. When mushrooms are processed into powders, extracts, or specially designed capsules, they can be added to ordinary foods like bread, pasta, and yogurt to make them healthier. This review shows that these mushroom-enriched foods successfully boost the antioxidant power of products, though the best results depend on how the mushrooms are prepared and which type of food they’re added to.
Mushroom mycelium grown in liquid fermentation produces many beneficial compounds like polysaccharides and proteins that support immune function and may help fight cancer and oxidative stress. These fermented mushroom products can be added to foods, beverages, and health supplements to boost their nutritional value and health benefits. Studies show that fermented mushroom mycelium sometimes contains higher levels of beneficial compounds compared to whole mushroom fruiting bodies, making it a promising ingredient for functional foods and health products.
This study compared white and brown varieties of beech mushrooms, which are popular edible mushrooms in South Korea. Brown beech mushrooms were found to have higher levels of beneficial compounds called phenolics, which give them a more bitter taste and brown color. The research showed that brown mushrooms have stronger health-promoting properties, including better abilities to fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress, making them potentially more valuable as functional foods for health and nutrition.