Mushroom Nanobiotechnology: Concepts, Developments and Potentials

TLDR: In this article, the concept and development of mushroom nanotechnology will be directed towards utility of mushrooms in biosynthesis of nanoparticles and future role in addressing medical and industrial problems will also be explored.

Abstract: In nanobiotechnological research, mushrooms are of great interest. The high nutritional and medicinal value, phytochemicals, polysaccharide, protein, enzymes, glucan and other bioactive compounds present in mushrooms have made them sources of good precursors for nanoparticles synthesis. Mushrooms-mediated nanoparticles biosynthesis is an interesting research field, as these macrofungi act as eco-friendly biofactories that secrete enzymes and phytochemicals essential for metal ions reduction to zerovalent or nano-form. Nanotechnology provides a unique pathway of technological deliveries through biological entities’ revolution and exploration as found in mushrooms. The synthesis of nanomaterials physically or chemically raises concerns regarding toxic by-products. Biological synthesis of nanoparticles is now of great interest in the world as it provides safer environmental-friendly technique and biocompatible applications in contrast to the conventional methods of physical and chemical strategies. Several species of mushrooms such as Agaricus, Calocybe, Pleurotus, Ganoderma, Lentinula and Volvariella among others have been used for metallic nanoparticles synthesis and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and other medicinal importance have been explored. Synthesized nanoparticles from mushroom enzymes such as α-amylase, laccase and other metabolites like polysaccharide and glucan may have their importance in bioremediation, bioleaching, biocatalysis, water purification and other industrial processes. Mushrooms are favoured in nanobiotechnology due to their relatively safe nature and ease of production, high stability and longer shelf life, enhanced biological activities of metabolites and enzymes coupled with ease of extraction. They exhibit higher stability, longer shelf life and enhanced biological activities. On this note, the concept and development of mushroom nanotechnology will be directed towards utility of mushrooms in biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the importance of mushroom-mediated nanoparticles and future role in addressing medical and industrial problems will also be explored.