Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Microbial decomposition of persistent natural compounds such as phenolic lignin and polysaccharides in plant cell walls plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and underpins diverse biotechnological applications. Among microbial decomposers, fungi from the <i>Ascomycota</i> and &...

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Main Authors: Rafael Icaro Matos Vieira, Alencar da Silva Peixoto, Antonielle Vieira Monclaro, Carlos André Ornelas Ricart, Edivaldo Ximenes Ferreira Filho, Robert Neil Gerard Miller, Taísa Godoy Gomes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/6/458
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author Rafael Icaro Matos Vieira
Alencar da Silva Peixoto
Antonielle Vieira Monclaro
Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
Edivaldo Ximenes Ferreira Filho
Robert Neil Gerard Miller
Taísa Godoy Gomes
author_facet Rafael Icaro Matos Vieira
Alencar da Silva Peixoto
Antonielle Vieira Monclaro
Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
Edivaldo Ximenes Ferreira Filho
Robert Neil Gerard Miller
Taísa Godoy Gomes
author_sort Rafael Icaro Matos Vieira
collection DOAJ
description Microbial decomposition of persistent natural compounds such as phenolic lignin and polysaccharides in plant cell walls plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and underpins diverse biotechnological applications. Among microbial decomposers, fungi from the <i>Ascomycota</i> and <i>Basidiomycota</i> phyla have evolved specialized mechanisms for efficient lignocellulosic biomass degradation, employing extracellular enzymes and synergistic fungal consortia. Fungal coculture, defined as the controlled, axenic cultivation of multiple fungal species or strains in a single culture medium, is a promising strategy for industrial processes. This approach to biomass conversion offers potential for enhancing production of enzymes, biofuels, and other high-value bioproducts, while enabling investigation of ecological dynamics and metabolic pathways relevant to biorefinery operations. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion into fuels, energy, and biochemicals is central to the bioeconomy, integrating advanced biotechnology with sustainable resource use. Recent advancements in -omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have facilitated detailed analysis of fungal metabolism, uncovering novel secondary metabolites and enzymatic pathways activated under specific growth conditions. This review highlights the potential of fungal coculture systems to advance sustainable biomass conversion in alignment with circular bioeconomy goals.
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spelling doaj-art-c586f33a8fb644c58fed4f0d28d040a82025-08-20T03:27:22ZengMDPI AGJournal of Fungi2309-608X2025-06-0111645810.3390/jof11060458Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic BiomassRafael Icaro Matos Vieira0Alencar da Silva Peixoto1Antonielle Vieira Monclaro2Carlos André Ornelas Ricart3Edivaldo Ximenes Ferreira Filho4Robert Neil Gerard Miller5Taísa Godoy Gomes6Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, BrazilLaboratory of Microbiology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, BrazilCenter for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumLaboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, BrazilLaboratory of Enzymology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, BrazilLaboratory of Microbiology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, BrazilLaboratory of Microbiology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, BrazilMicrobial decomposition of persistent natural compounds such as phenolic lignin and polysaccharides in plant cell walls plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and underpins diverse biotechnological applications. Among microbial decomposers, fungi from the <i>Ascomycota</i> and <i>Basidiomycota</i> phyla have evolved specialized mechanisms for efficient lignocellulosic biomass degradation, employing extracellular enzymes and synergistic fungal consortia. Fungal coculture, defined as the controlled, axenic cultivation of multiple fungal species or strains in a single culture medium, is a promising strategy for industrial processes. This approach to biomass conversion offers potential for enhancing production of enzymes, biofuels, and other high-value bioproducts, while enabling investigation of ecological dynamics and metabolic pathways relevant to biorefinery operations. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion into fuels, energy, and biochemicals is central to the bioeconomy, integrating advanced biotechnology with sustainable resource use. Recent advancements in -omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have facilitated detailed analysis of fungal metabolism, uncovering novel secondary metabolites and enzymatic pathways activated under specific growth conditions. This review highlights the potential of fungal coculture systems to advance sustainable biomass conversion in alignment with circular bioeconomy goals.https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/6/458cocultureenzyme productionCAZYmesmetabolitesomics technologies
spellingShingle Rafael Icaro Matos Vieira
Alencar da Silva Peixoto
Antonielle Vieira Monclaro
Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
Edivaldo Ximenes Ferreira Filho
Robert Neil Gerard Miller
Taísa Godoy Gomes
Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass
Journal of Fungi
coculture
enzyme production
CAZYmes
metabolites
omics technologies
title Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass
title_full Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass
title_fullStr Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass
title_full_unstemmed Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass
title_short Fungal Coculture: Unlocking the Potential for Efficient Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass
title_sort fungal coculture unlocking the potential for efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass
topic coculture
enzyme production
CAZYmes
metabolites
omics technologies
url https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/6/458
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