Exosome-like Particles (ELPs) derived from natural products have already attained great interest in drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Among these, mushroom-derived exosome-like particles (MELPs) remain an unexplored group with immense biomedical potential. Since the medicinal and edible mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic acids, there is a great chance that their ELPs also carry these compounds during their biogenesis. Hence, MELPs with these beneficial compounds, exhibiting favorable conditions such as nano-size, stability, and cellular uptake properties, should be considered a novel potential natural nano-carrier. Here, we detail the current understanding of MELPs in terms of their biological functions, physicochemical characteristics, molecular cargo, and isolation methods. We also highlight their potential applications in cancer therapy, immune modulation, inflammation, and microbiome regulation. Moreover, we outline the challenges and future directions for standardizing the isolation protocol to yield large-scale production and elucidate the mechanistic pathways. As MELP’s research advances, it may emerge as the next generation of nano-carriers in natural therapeutics and green nanomedicine.

Human space exploration increasingly relies on sustainable, self-regenerating biological systems to address challenges such as radiation protection, habitat materials, life-support stability, and food production. In recent years, mushrooms and filamentous fungi have emerged as promising biological platforms because of their metabolic versatility, structural robustness, and adaptability to extreme environmental conditions. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on fungal and mycelium-based technologies pertinent to space missions and assess their potential for application in Lunar and Martian habitats. It also emphasizes recent advancements in fungal radiation shielding, mycelium-based construction materials, bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS), waste recycling, and nutrient-rich food production. The field of fungal synthetic biology has seen significant advancements, particularly in the engineering of melanin pathways, development of self-healing mycelial materials, and integration of bioelectronic functionalities, all of which contribute to pioneering “living material” concepts. Insights from spaceflight and microgravity simulation studies were integrated to evaluate the technological readiness of these innovations and identify persisting challenges. Thus, mycelium-based systems present a versatile and scalable approach for future spacehabitat development. However, challenges remain, including regulating growth in microgravity, ensuring mechanical reliability, maintaining biosafety, and achieving long-term radiation resistance. Consequently, targeted research integrating space biology experiments, genetic engineering, and advanced biomanufacturing is recommended to facilitate the adoption of fungal technologies for sustainable, long-term missions.

This study aimed to select Perenniporia fraxinea isolates that form mycelial mats with excellent texture and ultimately to use them to produce mycelial based leather (MBL). Among 10 P. fraxinea isolates, JK-M0825 had the fastest mycelial growth rate on malt extract-yeast extract glucose medium. Polymorphic DNA of P. fraxinea isolates was detected using ultra-fast photonic polymerase chain reaction, which showed DNA diversity. The ribosomal DNA-internal transcribed spacer sequence of JK-M0825 was 99% identical to that of P. fraxinea isolates registered in GenBank. Four P. fraxinea isolates formed high-quality mycelial mats on sawdust substrates, and JK-M0825 produced the thickest mycelial mat (3.8 mm). JK-M0825 had the highest tensile strength (6.08 N/mm2) and an elongation rate of 32.93±6.31%. In addition, the mycelia of JK-M0825 formed uniformly on a large-scale culture medium (90 cm x 90 cm) and formed a textured mycelial mat. These results suggest that JK-M0825 is appropriate for producing MBL.

This review assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of chemical sterilization methods as alternatives to conventional physical sterilization methods, with a specific focus on mushroom substrate preparation. Physical sterilization methods, such as autoclaving, provides excellent sterilization efficacy, but are resource-intensive and costly, limiting accessibility for small-scale mushroom growers. This review systematically examined recent research on chemical sterilization agents, notably hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2), focusing on sterilization efficacy, biological efficiency (BE), residual toxicity, and environmental sustainability (Life Cycle Sustainability, LCS). The results indicated that H2O2 and ClO2, at relatively low concentrations, achieved significant microbial reduction while maintaining mycelial growth and yields comparable to those obtained with physical sterilization. However, further research is required to address the issues related to species-specific sensitivity and chemical residue safety. The development of biodegradable natural sterilizing agents and establishment of practical field guidelines are recommended to enhance the applicability of chemical sterilization methods in mushroom farming.

Exosome-like particles (ELPs) derived from natural products have attracted considerable interest for drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Mushroom-derived exosome-like particles (MELPs) are an unexplored group with significant biomedical potential. Because medicinal and edible mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic acids, it is likely that their ELPs also carry these compounds during their biogenesis. Hence, MELPs containing these beneficial compounds, which exhibit favorable characteristics such as nanosize, stability, and cellular uptake properties, should be considered a novel potential natural nanocarrier. Here, we have detailed the current understanding of MELPs in terms of their biological functions, physicochemical characteristics, molecular cargo, and isolation methods. We have also highlighted their potential applications in cancer therapy, immune modulation, inflammation, and microbiome regulation. Moreover, we have outlined the challenges and future directions for standardizing the isolation protocol to yield large-scale production and for elucidating the mechanistic pathways. As MELP research advances, it may emerge as a next-generation nanocarrier in natural therapeutics and green nanomedicine.

To prevent and improve various metabolic-related diseases caused by modern high-energy eating habits, alternative meats using mushroom materials are being researched. In this study, high-moisture (HMMA) and low-moisture meat analog (LMMA) were prepared using Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting body (oyster mushroom) powder and isolated soy protein as the raw materials in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Textural characteristics tended to decrease as the oyster mushroom content increased. HMMA exhibited a fibrous structure similar to that of chicken, whereas LMMA did not show a characteristic fibrous structure. The water absorption capacity of substitute meat decreased with increasing mushroom powder content. Radical scavenging activity, a measure of antioxidant activity, increased with increasing mushroom content in the substitute meat because of the influence of antioxidant components such as polyphenols in mushrooms. In terms of the prepared substitute meat's color, it was less vibrant and lacked intensity, which is thought to make it less appealing to customers. To address this issue, more ingredients need to be investigated.

Hair dyeing, hair perming, and daily hair dryer use can substantially damage hair. Consequently, the demand for products containing natural ingredients for the care of damaged hair is growing. Although polyphenols with antioxidant effects are often used for hair conditioning, few studies have focused on hair conditioning, and the potential of Sparassis latifolia mushroom extract for hair improvement has not been evaluated to date. In this study, the antioxidant activity of and polyphenol content in hot water, 70% and 100% ethanol (EtOH), n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and water extracts of S. latifolia were analyzed. A hair treatment containing S. latifolia extract was prepared, and its effect on damaged hair was evaluated. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the hot water and EtOAc extracts. Moreover, polyphenol analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy confirmed that the EtOAc fraction has relatively high contents of specific polyphenols beneficial for hair. Based on these results, a hair treatment containing S. latifolia extract was applied to damaged hair, and hair improvement was evaluated using hair thickness, tensile strength, and scanning electron microscopy. The hair treatment containing 70% EtOH extract effectively improved hair condition. We postulate that this improvement was caused by the high hydrophobic polyphenol content in the 70% EtOH extract.

Mushroom-based vegan meat has thus far been used as a food for humans instead of pets. However, based on its texture and nutritional content, it is considered suitable for processing into pet treats. In the present study, we developed a prototype dog chew with a sweetening coating added to a fungal mycelium mat obtained by culturing the Basidiomycetous fungus Trametes orientalis. The palatable coating applied to the mycelium mat by plasticizing the mat with glycerol improved the taste and aroma of the existing mat, and the dog consumed it without difficulty. Future improvements may include a softening process to reduce the chewiness level and a procedure to reduce the crude fiber content. Mycelium-mat-based dog chews, manufactured using eco-friendly materials and processes that are not harmful to the environment are expected to enter the market as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional pet treats. Controlling their physical properties require further study.

In this review, we examine the latest technological developments in the utilization of truffles, a gourmet ingredient reputed to be one of the "world's three greatest delicacies," considering changing global consumption trends. Global demand for truffles is expected to increase steadily, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9% from 2023 to 2030. As truffles are expensive, the demand for truffles is expected to be concentrated in developed countries such as the United States, European countries, and Japan. In Korea, truffles are utilized in various industries, including food, functional foods, and cosmetics. Korean consumer demand for truffles has consistently remained high since 2019, and truffle products have been performing well in the market. Consequently, there exists substantial potential demand for newly developed truffle-related products and technologies. This review aims to provide objective research information through the systematic analysis of patent applications in Korea and internationally, focusing on technologies involving truffles, and can aid in setting directions for research and development.

The importance of biocomposites has increased owing to the changes in global consumption trends and rapid climate change. Technologies using mushroom mycelium cultivation, and molding methods for mycelial application have gained attention as potential strategies for producing eco-friendly composites. Currently, mushroom mycelia are used as raw materials for food and cosmetics; however, research on their utilization as biocomposite materials is limited. Therefore, the potential for the development of mushroom mycelium-related products and technologies is high. This review analyzes the domestic and international patent application trends related to the technologies for composite (packaging, insulation, adhesives, and leather) and food (substitute for meat) materials using mushroom mycelium, as an eco-friendly biocomposite material, to provide objective patent information that can further research and development (R&D) in this field.