ABSTRACT
Thermophilic fungi are a small assemblage of the Eukarya domain that possess the unique ability to grow at elevated temperatures, extending up to 61°C, where most other eukaryotes are unable to survive. Diversity is a hallmark of life on earth. The first thermophilic fungus, Thermomyces lanuginosus, was discovered in 1899 by Tsiklinskaya in a potato inoculated with garden soil. Until 1964, only 13 thermophilic fungi were known. During the last five decades, a number of thermophilic fungi sporulating at 45°C have been reported from various habitats, both natural and man-made. These fungi have been variously exploited for their potential biotechnological applications, such as their ability to degrade organic matter, acting as biodeteriorants and natural scavengers; to produce extracellular as well as intracellular enzymes, amino acids, antibiotics, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and sterols; and to produce nutritionally enriched feeds and SCP. From their historical background to their biotechnological significance, this chapter unveils an overview of thermophilic fungi, including their habitat relationships and various definitions and terminology used in understanding these fungi. Further, an account of various isolation techniques and cultural media used for cultivating these fungi is given.
