Fungal Species:  Penicillium chrysogenum

Biotechnological production of natural pigments for textile dyeing

Scientists have successfully produced natural pigments from a fungus called Penicillium brevicompactum using leftover materials from food and agriculture industries, like cheese whey and corn byproducts. These pigments were used to dye cotton and linen fabrics, creating colors comparable to those from synthetic dyes but without the environmental and health concerns. This sustainable approach could help the textile industry move away from artificial dyes while reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.

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Effect of AgNPs on PLA-Based Biocomposites with Polysaccharides: Biodegradability, Antibacterial Activity and Features

Scientists created new eco-friendly plastic films made from corn-based PLA combined with natural starches and tiny silver particles. These films can break down in soil while also killing harmful bacteria, making them ideal for food packaging. The materials maintained good antibacterial properties even as they slowly degraded in the environment, showing promise as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.

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Production of fungal hypocrellin photosensitizers: Exploiting bambusicolous fungi and elicitation strategies in mycelium cultures

Hypocrellins are powerful compounds from fungi that can treat cancers and infections through light-activated therapy. Since wild sources are limited, scientists are growing these fungi in laboratory cultures and using special techniques to boost production. This review summarizes the best methods for producing hypocrellins, from choosing the right fungal strains to optimizing growing conditions and using natural stimulants to increase yields.

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Identification of novel polyethylene-degrading fungi from South African landfill soils: Arthrographis kalrae, Lecanicillium coprophilum, and Didymosphaeria variabile

Researchers in South Africa discovered three previously unknown fungi that can break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene used in shopping bags. These fungi were isolated from landfill soils and showed the ability to degrade plastic strips through oxidative processes, with chemical changes detectable using advanced analysis techniques. This discovery offers hope for developing local, biologically-based solutions to South Africa’s serious plastic waste problem.

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Edible mycelium as proliferation and differentiation support for anchorage-dependent animal cells in cultivated meat production

Scientists developed a new technology using edible mushroom mycelium (the root-like structure of fungi) as a scaffold to grow animal muscle cells for cultivated meat production. They tested different fungal species and found that mycelium from koji mold (Aspergillus oryzae) worked best for supporting cell growth and maturation. Unlike current plastic microcarriers that must be removed from the final product, these edible carriers can be incorporated directly into the meat, adding nutritional value and reducing waste.

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Marine Fungal Metabolites: A Promising Source for Antibiofilm Compounds

Bacteria can form protective layers called biofilms that resist antibiotics, causing serious infections. Scientists are discovering that fungi living in seaweed and marine environments produce natural compounds that can break down these biofilm barriers. This review shows that marine fungi offer promising new alternatives to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, though more research is needed to fully explore their potential.

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Innovative applications and therapeutic potential of oilseeds and their by-products: An eco-friendly and sustainable approach

This review explains how leftover materials from oilseed processing, which are usually discarded as waste, contain valuable nutrients and healing compounds. These by-products can be used to make healthier foods like bread, burgers, and drinks, or turned into supplements and medicines. By using these materials instead of wasting them, we can reduce environmental problems, provide better nutrition, and create sustainable food products that help prevent diseases like diabetes and heart problems.

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The Biocontrol and Growth-Promoting Potential of Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. in Sustainable Agriculture

This review explores how two common fungi, Penicillium and Trichoderma, can help crops grow better and resist diseases naturally. These beneficial fungi live in plant roots and soil, providing nutrients, protecting against harmful pathogens, and helping plants cope with environmental stress. They offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making them valuable for sustainable agriculture.

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Identification of novel polyethylene-degrading fungi from South African landfill soils: Arthrographis kalrae, Lecanicillium coprophilum, and Didymosphaeria variabile

Researchers in South Africa discovered three new types of fungi that can break down plastic waste in landfills. These fungi, along with two previously known species, were found in soil from two landfill sites and were shown to degrade polyethylene plastic. The scientists used multiple testing methods to confirm the fungi actually decompose the plastic by breaking down its chemical structure. This discovery offers hope for a biological solution to South Africa’s serious plastic waste problem.

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Filamentous fungal pellets as versatile platforms for cell immobilization: developments to date and future perspectives

Filamentous fungi, commonly known as molds, can be grown into small spherical structures called pellets that act as excellent platforms for attaching and growing various types of cells. These fungal pellets are sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials and can support different cell types for applications ranging from producing cultivated meat to treating wastewater. The porous structure of fungal pellets allows cells to attach and grow while maintaining the ability to transfer nutrients and oxygen efficiently.

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