Bioreactor-Based Mycoremediation: Design, Applications, and Advances
摘要
Microbial remediation to sequester environmental pollutants has emerged as a promising biotechnological strategy for a sustainable way to deal with recalcitrant pollutants. While bacteria are commonly used in microbial bioremediation, fungi offer a competitive edge due to their production of powerful extracellular enzymes. Fungi-derived laccases, peroxidases, and cellulases can break down a wide range of persistent pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants, toxic dyes, pesticides, antibiotics, and plastics. Mycoremediation can be performed either directly at the contamination site (in situ) or away from the site (ex situ). However, in situ remediation is mostly slow, and it is not possible to control and optimize the factors affecting the remediation process. To address these bottlenecks, bioreactors are used for optimal growth and pollutant degradation, improving the efficiency of bioremediation. Bioreactors provide controlled conditions, enhancing fungal growth, enzyme production, and degradation rates. Different bioreactor designs, such as stirred tank, packed bed, and fluidized bed reactors, offer specific advantages depending on the type of contaminant and fungal species used. This approach is useful for treating various environmental pollutants. Improvements in bioreactor designs and fungal strains can make mycoremediation even more effective in the future. This chapter discusses the design and applications of different types of bioreactors involved in the mycoremediation process.