therapeutic action: antimicrobial

Towards engineering agaricomycete fungi for terpenoid production

Mushroom-forming fungi, particularly species like shiitake and oyster mushrooms, naturally produce valuable compounds called terpenoids used in medicines, food, and cosmetics. Scientists are learning to genetically engineer these fungi to produce even larger amounts of these beneficial compounds, potentially making them as important to biotechnology as baker’s yeast and mold have been historically. This could create new sustainable sources for medicinal compounds and industrial chemicals.

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Green Myco-Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cortinarius sp.: Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Potential for Biomedical Applications

Scientists created tiny particles called zinc oxide nanoparticles using mushroom extract in an environmentally friendly way. These particles were tested and found to protect the liver from damage, kill harmful bacteria and fungi, and act as powerful antioxidants. This research suggests these mushroom-derived nanoparticles could become useful medicines for treating infections and cancer in the future.

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Harnessing the Nutritional Value, Therapeutic Applications, and Environmental Impact of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are nutritious superfoods packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. They contain special compounds that can fight inflammation, boost immunity, and help prevent serious diseases like cancer and diabetes. Beyond eating them, mushrooms are being used to make medicines, cosmetics, and animal feed, while also helping clean up polluted environments. Regular consumption of mushrooms offers significant health benefits and can be a valuable addition to any healthy diet.

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Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

This research tested six common culinary essential oils to see if they could prevent fungi from growing on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified four types of harmful fungi that cause banana rot and tested how well oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil oils could stop them. The results showed that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils were most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that consumers want to avoid.

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Engineering Strategies for Fungal Cell Disruption in Biotechnological Applications

Fungal cells have tough, protective walls that make it difficult to extract valuable products like proteins, oils, and medicines. This review examines different techniques—from physical methods like grinding with beads to chemical and enzyme-based approaches—to break open fungal cells efficiently. By understanding which method works best for different types of fungi and desired products, researchers can develop better, more sustainable ways to use fungi in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, food products, and other valuable compounds.

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Fatty Acids and Stable Isotope Ratios in Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) Indicate the Origin of the Cultivation Substrate Used: A Preliminary Case Study in Korea

Shiitake mushrooms are commonly grown in Korea using substrates from both Korea and China, but consumers often cannot tell which origin was used. This study compared mushrooms grown on Korean versus Chinese substrates and found that measuring stable isotope ratios (chemical signatures) is more reliable than analyzing fatty acids for determining where the cultivation substrate came from. These results could help improve labeling accuracy in the mushroom market.

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Haplotype-resolved genomes of Phlebopus portentosus reveal nuclear differentiation, TE-mediated variation, and saprotrophic potential

Scientists sequenced the complete genomes of two compatible strains of the king bolete mushroom (Phlebopus portentosus), an important edible and medicinal species. The study found that mobile DNA elements called transposons play a major role in creating genetic differences between the two fungal nuclei and in generating the diversity of compounds that give mushrooms their health benefits. The research shows this mushroom can both partner with trees and break down organic material on its own, making it uniquely adaptable.

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Xenorhabdus spp.: An Overview of the Useful Facets of Mutualistic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Xenorhabdus bacteria are tiny organisms that naturally live inside microscopic worms used for pest control. These bacteria produce powerful substances that can kill harmful insects, fungi, and plant-damaging worms without using toxic chemical pesticides. Scientists are discovering new types of these bacteria and their compounds, which could help create safer products for farming and disease control. This research shows these beneficial microbes could replace harmful chemicals in agriculture.

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Pigment Formation by Monascus pilosus DBM 4361 in Submerged Liquid Culture

Scientists studied how to produce natural yellow, orange, and red pigments from the fungus Monascus pilosus in liquid culture. They found that the type of sugar and nitrogen used in the fermentation significantly affects pigment production. Interestingly, glucose actually reduces pigment formation through a process called carbon catabolite repression. M. pilosus offers a safer alternative to other Monascus species because it does not produce the harmful toxin citrinin, making it suitable for use in food products.

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Mushroom: an emerging source for next generation meat analogues

Mushrooms are emerging as excellent meat substitutes because they have a meaty, chewy texture and savory flavor similar to meat, while being nutritious, low in fat, and sustainable to grow. When added to meat products like sausages, burgers, and nuggets, mushrooms improve texture, extend shelf-life, and reduce spoilage. The growing shift toward plant-based eating combined with environmental concerns makes mushroom-based meat alternatives an attractive option for consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable food choices.

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