Fungal biomineralization
1Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK; State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Beijing Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Pollution Control, College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, China University of Petroleum, Changping District, Beijing 102249, China.
Current Biology : CB
|December 21, 2021
Summary
Fungi play crucial roles in ecosystems through decomposition and symbioses. Their biomineralization activities transform metals and minerals, with significant applications in geomycology and nanobiotechnology.
Area of Science:
- Geomycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Fungi are ubiquitous, playing vital roles in decomposition, element cycling, and symbioses.
- Their metabolic diversity includes chemoorganotrophy, lithotrophy, and photoheterotrophy, enabling survival in extreme environments.
- Fungal symbioses, like lichens and mycorrhizas, are critical for plant nutrition and ecosystem processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight fungal biomineralization as a key aspect of geomycology.
- To explore the occurrence and significance of fungal biominerals in diverse environments.
- To discuss the applied potential of fungal biomineralization in nanobiotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fungal roles in geochemical and geophysical processes.
- Analysis of fungal biomineralization in natural and synthetic settings.
- Exploration of nanobiotechnological applications of fungal biominerals.
Main Results:
- Fungi significantly transform metals and minerals through biomineralization.
- Fungal biominerals are crucial in soil processes, including metal immobilization and nutrient solubilization.
- Fungal biomineralization has demonstrated potential in bioremediation and the development of novel nanomaterials.
Conclusions:
- Fungal biomineralization is a fundamental process with broad ecological significance.
- Understanding fungal biomineralization is key to advancing geomycology and environmental science.
- Fungal biomineralization offers promising avenues for technological innovation in nanobiotechnology.
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