ABSTRACT
Mushrooms are those macrofungi that have been described millennia ago in traditional food and medicine. They are a source of nutrients and many bioactive compounds. However, current crises arising from the need for alternatives or to serve as supporters to cover scarcity in resources has pointed out the need to investigate the natural sources and reconsider biodegradable substances to fight environment pollutants. Mushrooms secrete strong enzymes which are useful in many industries; some mushrooms can act as microbial fuel cell generator and as alternatives to many environment-contaminating plastics. In this chapter, some of the infrequent current and potential applications of these magnificent macrofungi are highlighted, with focus on usage of mushrooms as microbial fuel cell generators, their contributions as wearable products, use as natural substitutes to some environment-polluting plastics, contributions as insulation material and in the field of construction. Understanding the various potentials of mushrooms not only as generous sources of food and medicine, but also in different biotechnological approaches will contribute in deriving some valuable benefits.
