Mushrooms as Next-Generation Biofactories for Nanoparticle Synthesis: Unlocking their Potential in Biomedical Applications: A Review

The comparative analysis of green chemistry interventions alongside conventional methods using edible mushrooms in nanoparticle (NP) synthesis has revealed substantial biomedical (79%) and industrial (21%) applicability. In this context, various types of metallic nanoparticles (meta-NPs) synthesized by mushrooms, such as silver (Ag-NP), gold (Au-NP), selenium (Se-NP), iron (Fe-NP), cadmium sulfide (CdS-NP), and zinc (Zn-NP) nanoparticles, are gaining prominence. The use of mushroom-derived biomaterials to fabricate these metallic NPs emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly approaches. The key biomaterials used include crude extracts (53%), mycelial or cell-free extracts (28%), proteins or enzymes (7%), and polysaccharide-protein complexes (3%). Notably, around 84% of mushroom-based nanoparticles are synthesized extracellularly, while 16% are intracellular, residing within the mushroom hyphae. Over the past decade, there has been significant progress in developing meta-NPs from edible mushrooms, with Agaricus bisporus being one of the earliest used species in food-related applications. These meta-NPs are typically spherical, with sizes ranging from 0.4 nm to 300 nm, with the majority being under 75 nm. The highest percentage of utilization (38%) in NP fabrication within mushrooms is attributed to the Pleurotus species. Among the different types of nanoparticles, Ag-NPs hold a dominant position, accounting for 64% of mushroom NP synthesis. The formulation of Ag-NPs within the fungal kingdom has proven effective in combating human pathogenic bacteria, often enhancing the efficacy of antibiotic treatments. Moreover, myco-synthesized meta-NPs, particularly Ag-NPs, Au-NPs, and Se-NPs, exhibit potent anticancer properties, showing potential against various cancer cell lines. This has opened up new avenues for the application of mushroom-derived nanoparticles in pharmaceuticals. In addition to medicinal applications, mushroom meta-NPs have shown potential in waste management and environmental remediation, particularly in the adsorption of toxic metals. The green synthesis of these nanoparticles aligns with ecological sustainability, offering an innovative approach to reducing harmful emissions. This review delves into the differentiation of myco-nanotechnology, focusing on the role of edible mushrooms in synthesizing metal nanoparticles and exploring their biomedical uses.

Dergi

BIONANOSCIENCE

Yıl

2026

Cilt

16

Sayı

2

ISSN

2191-1630

eISSN

2191-1649

DOI

10.1007/s12668-025-02300-y

WoS UID

WOS:001663673600050