Fungi in Biotechnology

Major scientific breakthrough in modern biology and in particular the branch which at present goes by the name of biotechnology have centred around fungi bacteria and viruses. The novel use of fungi in biotechnology has brought Fungal Biotechnology on the forefront of all sciences and technology in the service of mankind. Biotechnology has played a major role in large scale production of biomass including edible proteins antibiotics enzymes biochemicals vitamins and many other useful products. Microbial treatment of strains developed recently has brought revolution so far as the use of fungi in biotechnology is concerned. About 85% of earths vasicular plants form mycorrhizae with fungi and derive inaccessible nutrients besides stabilization of soil structure. They are an integral component of food web and network in litter-soil interrelationship. Research programmes are in progress on use of fungi as biocontrol agents and myco-herbicides. Fungal Biotechnology has revolutionized the industrial production of many life-saving drugs also. The versatility of fungi has been directed for a variety of newer industrial applications such as treatment of liquid and solid wastes bioremediation bioleaching and biosorption. Eminent scientists have enriched the present volume by their contributions.