From multiple uses of fungi in early historic times, “early biotechnological processes” developed. Fungi were used here already e.g. for production of cheese, bread, wine, beer and other foodstuff. Based on these processes, fungi today have become one of the most important group of organisms in modern technology, where food, fodder and various metabolites such as antibiotics, enzymes, steroids etc. are produced on an industrial scale. An equally important role of fungi in biotechnology is also to be expected for the future where - in addition to existing uses - fungi will be increasingly used employing modern methods such as genetic engineering and will also new applications as in pollution control, biological control of pests, microbial leaching and even biotechnology.
Molitoris H. P. (1995): Fungi in biotechnology. Past, present, future. – Czech Mycology 48(1): 53–65.
