Penicillium species as chassis for biomanufacturing and environmental sustainability in the modern era: Progress, challenges, and future perspective

In modern research, biomanufacturing and environmental sustainability are widely explored areas considering their roles in the production of chemicals, materials and en-ergy, as well as practices that underpin societal growth and well-being. Penicillium is one of the most diverse microbial groups found in the natural environment. Occurring in several habitats including soil, air, endophytic tissues of plants, insect guts, animal intes-tines and the extremophiles, the Penicillium genus is considered as a versatile microbial group comprising species that synthesize a wide array of bioactive secondary metabolites with wide range of environmental applications. The in-depth explorations of the biosyn-thetic and/or degradative machinery of Penicillium species offer excellent opportunities to augment the synthesis of desirable products that facilitate the removal of soilewater pol-lutants and improve the overall health of the environment (i.e., plant, soil, animal and hu-man health) at low costs. This review discusses the current state of knowledge and challenges relating to the biotechnological application of Penicillium species in bioremedia-tion, biofuel production and food fermentation, as well as some recommendations for future research directions.& COPY; 2023 British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In modern research, the roles of biomanufacturing and environmental sustainability in chemical and energy production, as well as societal growth and well-being, are widely explored. Penicillium, a diverse microbial group found in various habitats, has the potential for synthesizing bioactive secondary metabolites with environmental applications. Studying the biosynthetic and degradative machinery of Penicillium species offers opportunities for the synthesis of useful products to remove soil and water pollutants and improve environmental health at low costs. This review discusses the current state of biotechnological applications of Penicillium species in bioremediation, biofuel production, and food fermentation, as well as future research directions.