Fascinating Fungi: Industrial Uses of Mushrooms

There are many different types of fungi that are often referred to as “mushrooms” because of their resemblance to umbrella-shaped mushrooms. Even though they may not be the most appealing plants, mushrooms can be very useful. These organisms have been used for various applications over the centuries, and their usage has seen a spike in recent years with the invention of new ways to use them.

Here is a list of uses of mushrooms that you may not have previously known about:

Food and nutrition

Mushrooms are edible organisms that are consumed in many parts of the world. They are a great source of protein, fibre, and vitamins. They also contain trace amounts of various minerals, including potassium, iron, selenium, and manganese. There are many different species of mushrooms that are cultivated for food purposes, such as the common white button mushroom, portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms. In addition to being a healthy food, mushrooms are also a sustainable option as they grow quickly, require very little water, and do not require a lot of land area to be cultivated.

Mushrooms can be cultivated in many different ways, including being grown indoors, indoors in hydroponic systems, or outside in fields.

Cosmetics

As well as being healthy, mushrooms have also been used for various cosmetic applications. The most common use of mushrooms in the cosmetics industry is for their ability to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Mushrooms contain large amounts of an antioxidant called “fulvic acid” which allows them to shield the skin from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. They are often used in sun creams and lotions to provide an added layer of protection.

Mushrooms are also used in many skincare creams such as anti-aging and moisturizing creams. They are added to these creams because they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants that can help keep the skin looking young.

Environment

Beyond their use in food and cosmetics, mushrooms can also be used to help protect the environment. One common use of mushrooms in the environment is for their ability to break down harmful toxins and pollutants. This makes them very useful in areas such as oil spills and contamination. They are often used in wastewater treatment plants and bioreactors to break down harmful waste products. Mushrooms can also be used in the removal of heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper. They can also be used in the removal of pesticides and herbicides.

Mushrooms are often used in the production of paper, as they can help to reduce the amount of chemicals used in the process. As fungi, mushrooms naturally secrete paper-degrading enzymes, which can be used to break down synthetic materials such as paper pulp. This process can reduce the amount of chemicals used in this process, as well as the overall cost of operation.

Animal nutrition

Mushrooms are used in animal feed, often as a replacement for soybeans. Soybeans are a good source of protein, but they can be difficult to produce and they are not always very suitable for the animals that consume them because they are high in phytic acid, which is an anti-nutrient. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are a great source of protein and have no anti-nutrient properties, meaning that they are easier to digest and are a better alternative for animals that are being fed soybean-based feed.

Biofuel

The cellulose found in mushrooms can be extracted and processed into a type of biofuel. Cellulose is a carbohydrate that is found in many plants and is an important part of the cell walls of many organisms, including fungi. When extracted from the mushrooms, the cellulose can be broken down into simple sugars that can be converted into ethanol or other types of biofuels.

Biodegradable products

As fungi, mushrooms are able to degrade things such as wood chips, which can make them ideal for use in things such as packaging. The cellulose found in mushrooms can be extracted and used to make paper, which can be converted into packaging materials. This can be a much more environmentally friendly option compared to other types of packaging, such as plastic, which takes a long time to degrade.

Pharmaceuticals

Many species of mushrooms have been shown to have medicinal properties. For example, shiitake mushrooms have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. This has led to research being done on how mushrooms can be used to treat diseases in humans.

Other industrial applications

Mushrooms are being used in various other industrial applications, including the production of enzymes, biopolymers, and biofertilizers.

Enzymes are substances produced by organisms that have a specific function and can be used for a variety of purposes. Traditionally, enzymes have been made from animal parts, but many are now being made from fungi, including mushrooms. Biopolymers are large, complex molecules that can be made from the sugars found in mushrooms. These can be used for a variety of industrial purposes, such as in biodegradable materials.

Biofertilizers are made from the mycelium of some species of mushrooms. This is the network of thread-like filaments that are found in the substrate where the mushrooms are cultivated. They can be used to help plants grow more quickly.

Concluding remarks

Mushrooms are an important organism, which can be used in a variety of different ways. They can be used as food and in the production of many different products, including paper and packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. They can also be used in the production of biofuels, as well as in biodegradable products and industrial enzymes. Despite not being very appealing, mushrooms are a useful organism for humans.