Filamentous fungi in biotechnology

The fungal kingdom is of utmost importance to the biosphere. Fungi are the most important decomposers of organic materials, and in that way, they contribute to the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and important minerals. Fungi are also extremely important as symbionts of plants (including forest trees), algae, and cyanobacteria. It has been estimated that 90% of terrestrial plant species are dependent on the mycorrhizal relationships with fungi, and 50,000 fungal species and 340,000 plant species are known to be involved in these symbiotic interactions. Humankind has used fungi as food, for medicinal purposes, and as sources of psychoactive agents since ancient times. During the last century, more and more useful applications for filamentous fungi have been invented, and fungi have taken their place as one of the most important microbial groups in biotechnology. Niego et al. have estimated that the global monetary value of the whole fungal kingdom, including yeasts, is about 54.57 trillion USD. This review will concentrate on the role of filamentous fungi in different industrial sectors.