Production of fungal biopolymers and their advanced applications

Besides traditional application of fungi as a source of proteins for food and feed applications, recently their application as a source of biopolymers, namely polysaccharides (PSs), has got increasing attentions. Fungi are fast growing microorganisms that can recycle the nutrients from the low cost/low value waste materials and side streams and convert them to value added biopolymers. Fungal cell wall, that play important roles in the growth and survival of these microorganisms, is composed of fibrous PSs, such as chitin and glucans, as well as cementing biopolymer such as chitosan, proteins, lipids, and polyuronids, among others. Together these biopolymers create a unique dynamic structure which gives plasticity and strength to the fungal cells during their life. At the same time, it opens up opportunities for development of several biomaterials and bio-based products. This chapter discuss the state of the art regarding structure of fungal biopolymers, as well as their production, purification, and potential applications, as bioemulsifiers, biosurfactants, antimicrobial agent, wound healing material, sustainable textiles, and construction materials.