Enhancing environmental decontamination and sustainable production through synergistic and complementary interactions of actinobacteria and fungi

SAEZ, JULIANA M.; RAIMONDO, ENZO E.; COSTA-GUTIERREZ, STEFANIE B.; APARICIO, JUAN D.; MOSCA ANGELUCCI, DOMENICA; DONATI, ENRICA; POLTI, MARTA A.; TOMEI, MARIA C.; BENIMELI, CLAUDIA S.

Heliyon

Elsevier

Año: 2025 vol. 11

2405-8440

Actinobacteria and fungi are renowned for their metabolic diversity and adaptability to variousenvironments, thus exhibiting significant potential for environmental decontamination and sustainableproduction. Both actinobacteria and fungi excel in producing diverse secondary metabolitesand enzymes, offering valuable tools for industrial and environmental applications.Their ability to detoxify metals and degrade a wide range of organic pollutants, such as pesticides,hydrocarbons, and dyes, positions them as promising candidates for bioremediation.Recent shifts in microbiological sciences emphasize research on mixed microbial populations.Microbial interactions in mixed communities emulate natural processes and yield emergentproperties such as stability, robustness, and enhanced metabolism. Co-cultures of actinobacteriaand fungi harness a broader range of genes and metabolic capabilities through their distinctiveinteractions, opening new avenues for developing novel products and/or technologies. This reviewprovides a critical analysis of the present status of knowledge regarding the potential ofactinobacteria-fungi co-cultures with a particular focus on novel functionalities and heightenedproduction efficiency. These consortia are promising in several fields, from environmental applicationsto the biosynthesis of industrially relevant metabolites and enzymes, and enhancementsin agricultural production. Although challenges still exist, their potential to address complexproblems has been demonstrated and deserves further investigation.