ABSTRACT
Biotechnological applications of thermophilic fungi stem from their ability to produce an array of biocatalysts, such as thermostable enzymes and proteins. These fungi are particularly valuable for use in bioconversion technologies, as they reduce the need for cooling during the entire cultivation period in a fermenter. An additional advantage of working at high temperatures is that the end product is virtually free of contamination by mesophiles. Studies have revealed that industrial processes involving thermophiles can offer potential for lower capital and operating costs in some fermentations. Thermophilic fungi play a role in the human economy because of their ability to efficiently degrade organic matter; to produce extracellular as well as intracellular enzymes, amino acids, antibiotics, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and sterols of biotechnological importance; and to produce nutritionally enriched feeds and SCPs, as well as their suitability as agents of bioconversion, for example, their role in the preparation of mushroom compost. These and many more potential biotechnological applications of thermophilic fungi in various industries are discussed in this chapter. Finally, their detrimental activities are mentioned at the end of the chapter.
