Mycoproteins and Beyond: Biotechnological Advances in Filamentous Fungal Biomass

The rapid growth of the global population has increased the demand for animal-based proteins, placing considerable pressure on land, feed resources, and space, ultimately making their production costly and environmentally taxing. Filamentous fungi present a promising alternative, serving as a source of mycoprotein and pharmaceutical products. They are rich in high-quality proteins with favorable amino acid profiles, positioning them as an eco-friendly replacement for conventional animal- and plant-derived proteins. In addition, these fungi produce a wide array of secondary metabolites with antibacterial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties, highlighting their value in drug discovery. This review discusses recent progress in fungal biomass production through solid-state and submerged fermentation, along with their nutritional relevance and applications in food technology. Importantly, filamentous fungi can grow on inexpensive agricultural byproducts, improving both economic feasibility and environmental sustainability. Their bioactive metabolites also hold strong potential for tackling pressing health issues, establishing filamentous fungi as a versatile biotechnological tool for advancing sustainable food systems and pharmaceutical innovation. The present study contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting SDG 2 (zero hunger) through sustainable fungal proteins that enhance food security and nutrition, and SDG 3 (good health and well-being) via bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential. It advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through innovations in fermentation, genetic engineering, and bioprocessing, while supporting SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) by utilizing agro-industrial waste within a circular bioeconomy. Moreover, SDG 13 (climate action) is addressed, as mycoprotein production significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to livestock.