Fungal Species:  Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Enhanced biodegradation of fluorinated pharmaceutical by Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans biofilms: kinetics and mechanisms

Two types of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans, can effectively break down pharmaceutical pollutants commonly found in wastewater, such as antidepressants and antibiotics. When grown as biofilms on foam carriers, these fungi removed over 90% of the target pharmaceuticals very quickly. The fungi accomplish this primarily through enzymatic breakdown rather than absorption, making them promising candidates for cleaning wastewater at treatment plants.

Read More »

Purification and biochemical characterization of a novel thermostable protease from the oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju strain CTM10057 with industrial interest

Scientists discovered a special protein-cutting enzyme from oyster mushrooms that works exceptionally well at high temperatures and in harsh cleaning conditions. This enzyme, called SPPS, cuts through protein stains similar to how detergent enzymes work in laundry. The enzyme is more stable and efficient than commonly used commercial enzymes and can withstand organic solvents. This discovery makes it a promising candidate for improving detergent formulations and other industrial applications.

Read More »

Saprotrophic Wood Decay Ability and Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzyme System of the White Rot Fungus Crucibulum laeve: Secretome, Metabolome and Genome Investigations

This study investigates how a forest fungus called Crucibulum laeve breaks down wood and plant material. Using specialized laboratory techniques, researchers found that this fungus uses a unique set of enzymes that work through oxidation (chemical breakdown using oxygen) rather than simple digestion. The fungus is particularly good at degrading birch wood and produces numerous copies of genes for these special enzymes, giving it an advantage in decomposing partially rotted plant material on the forest floor.

Read More »

Enhanced biodegradation of fluorinated pharmaceutical by Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans biofilms: kinetics and mechanisms

Researchers discovered that two types of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans, can effectively break down common prescription drugs like fluoxetine, ciprofloxacin, and atorvastatin in wastewater. When grown as biofilms on foam carriers, these fungi removed over 90% of the pharmaceuticals in just a few days. This is an important finding because conventional wastewater treatment doesn’t effectively remove these medications, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

Read More »

Exploring fungal pathogens to control the plant invasive Rubus niveus on Galapagos Island San Cristobal

Hill raspberry is a highly invasive plant that has taken over approximately 30,000 hectares of the Galapagos Islands, threatening native plant species. Traditional control methods like manual removal and herbicide spraying are expensive and ineffective. Researchers identified five species of fungal pathogens that naturally occur on infected Hill raspberry plants and can cause disease on healthy plants, offering promise as biological control agents to suppress this invasive species.

Read More »

Fermentation of cocoa pod husks with Pleurotus salmoneo-stramineus for food applications

Researchers found a way to transform cocoa pod husks, a major waste product from cocoa production, into a nutritious food ingredient by fermenting them with a special mushroom fungus. The fermented product had nearly triple the protein content of the original husks and maintained high fiber levels, making it comparable to meat in protein quality. This innovation could help cocoa farmers create additional income while reducing waste and supporting more sustainable cocoa production.

Read More »

A high-quality genome assembly of Lactarius hatsudake strain JH5

Scientists have completed a detailed genetic blueprint of the red milk mushroom (Lactarius hatsudake), an edible and medicinal fungus that grows in pine forests. This mushroom is nutritious and has been shown to help with diabetes, boost immunity, and fight harmful bacteria. The new genetic map is much more complete and detailed than previous versions, which will help farmers grow these valuable mushrooms more reliably and sustainably, and could lead to developing better varieties.

Read More »

Exploring Fungal Communication Mechanisms in the Rhizosphere Microbiome for a Sustainable Green Agriculture

Fungi in soil communicate with each other and plants through chemical signals, forming protective layers called biofilms that help them cooperate and survive. These fungal communication networks can be either beneficial, helping plants grow and fight diseases, or harmful, causing crop infections and producing toxins. By better understanding how fungi talk to each other, scientists can develop natural ways to improve agriculture and clean up polluted soils without using harmful chemicals.

Read More »

Biodegradation of ramie stalk by Flammulina velutipes: mushroom production and substrate utilization

This study shows that mushroom farmers can use ramie plant stalks, which are normally considered waste from textile production, as a growing substrate for golden needle mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes). By mixing ramie stalk with other common ingredients like wheat bran and cottonseed hulls in the right proportions, researchers achieved mushroom yields higher than using traditional substrates alone. This discovery helps reduce farming costs while solving an environmental waste disposal problem.

Read More »

You Are What You Eat: How Fungal Adaptation Can Be Leveraged toward Myco-Material Properties

Fungi can be grown to create eco-friendly materials that could replace plastics and petroleum-based products. By controlling what fungi eat and where they grow, scientists can engineer the properties of these materials to be stronger, more flexible, or water-resistant. This approach leverages the natural ability of fungi to break down organic matter and adapt to their environment. Companies like IKEA and Dell are already using these fungal materials in product packaging.

Read More »
Scroll to Top