Industrially Important Fungi for Sustainable Development: Volume 1: Biodiversity and Ecological Perspectives

Fungi are a diverse and understudied group of organisms with numerous beneficial impacts, including food and industrial production. They have economic value estimated at trillions of US dollars and are a potential resource for novel products. Volume 1 of "Industrially Important Fungi for Sustainable Development" provides an overview of fungal diversity and their industrial applications.

Format: Hardback
Length: 589 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Fungi, a diverse and understudied group of organisms, hold immense biotechnological value. Their extensive range of habitats and the fierce competition they face have led to the development of remarkable survival mechanisms. Beyond their fundamental role in mineral cycling, organic matter decomposition, and mobilizing insoluble nutrients, fungi offer numerous beneficial impacts. They are considered excellent sources of food and active agents in various industrial processes, such as fermentation in the bread, wine, and beer industries. Additionally, fungi produce biologically significant metabolites like enzymes, vitamins, antibiotics, and pharmaceutical products. The economic value of these positive activities is estimated to be in trillions of US dollars.

Fungi's unique characteristics make them highly promising for applications in biotechnology and industry. Since ancient times, people have recognized the medicinal properties of certain fungi, with examples like the use of green molds for wound healing. The ease of cultivation and scalability of fungal production make it feasible to produce these valuable compounds on a large scale. The search for fungal biodiversity and the establishment of living fungi collections hold immense economic potential in identifying organisms with novel industrial uses, leading to the development of innovative products.

Fungi have already contributed significantly to the world by providing medicines like penicillin, lovastatin, and others. They remain an untapped resource with enormous industrial potential, offering solutions for various industries, including agriculture, medicine, and environmental remediation.

Industrially Important Fungi for Sustainable Development, Volume 1, serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding fungal diversity and its industrial applications. It provides insights into the taxonomy, physiology, and biochemistry of fungi, as well as their diverse roles in nature and society. By exploring the potential of fungi, we can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and create a brighter future for all.

Weight: 1081g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030675608
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021