Interactions between fungi and other microorganisms for better fungal products: a review

Abstract

Under natural conditions, substrates are occupied by sets of different micro-organisms that interact with one another in synergistic or antagonistic relationships. These interactions can influence the growth, development, and biochemistry of economically important fungi, enhance their beneficial properties, stimulate the growth of fruiting bodies, or accelerate the growth of mycelium used for the production of various products and biotechnology processes where fungi are involved. The paper presents a literature review covering known interactions between fungi and bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, and between different fungi that can be used to promote the production of fungal products or that need to be taken into account in order to avoid production losses. A brief overview of fungi and micro-organism co-culture strategies is provided as well.