The recent surge in recognition of the physiological activity of dietary proteins and their potential to yield bioactive peptides (BPs) has triggered substantial growth in research and commercial interest in this field. While traditional animal-based sources have been extensively studied, recent attention has turned to plant-based sources, driven by ethical and environmental considerations. Nowadays, fungal-based proteins are gaining focus on research because of their high-quality protein content and their potential environmentally friendly credentials as well as their applications in biotechnology, and/or pharmaceuticals.
Fungi offer a diverse range of species, some of which remain underexplored, and they have demonstrated the ability to synthesize complex peptides with unique and potent bioactivities. While some recent reviews have focused on fungal protein sources and BPs, there remains a knowledge gap in the technologies and methods used in the production, extraction, isolation, and identification of BPs from various fungal species. This study critically evaluates the strengths, challenges, and future directions of the recent methods and technologies employed in fungal BP research, addressing the limitations of traditional peptide isolation and identification methods.
Controlled fermentation conditions, co-cultivation strategies, and genetic modification of fungal strains have opened new avenues for increasing yields and engineering novel peptides with desired bioactivities. Additionally, a growing commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices is evidenced by the adoption of green extraction methods and intensified extraction processes. In terms of BP discovery from fungi, genomic approaches, high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, multi-omics approaches, data mining tools, functional characterization, and in silico prediction methods have emerged as indispensable tools, promoting a holistic understanding of BP properties and their potential applications. In conclusion, research on fungal-derived BPs is still in the developmental stage. These trends reflect a collective effort to maximize the potential of BPs, with a focus not only on identifying new compounds but also on understanding their diverse biological activities. This progress not only enriches our knowledge of fungal BPs but also holds great promise for their wide-ranging applications.