Out of 181 billion tons of wood used each year, we only use about 2 billion tons. This shows we need better plans to use our wood resources [1-6]. A type of fungus called Myceliophthora thermophila can turn corncob into 52.8 g/L of ethanol without extra enzymes, helping us to use plants better and make things in a way that's good for Earth [7-12]. These new steps help make ethanol easier and help fight climate change. Fungi play an essential function in the degradation of those complex compounds with their particular systems as shown in Figure 1.

Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a white rot fungus that has been reported to have the ability to synthesize ligninolytic enzymes like LiP, MnP, and laccases. This fungus, when applied on agricultural residues such as wheat straw or sugarcane bagasse, starts a chain like process of decomposition by breaking organic polymers. However, it has been ascertained that the growth and enzyme production of Phanerochaete chrysosporium is optimum at temperatures of 25 to 30 degree centigrade which in turn increases the efficiencies of lignin degradation and consequently bioethanol production [13]. Suryadi et al. [13] have indicated that the enzyme lignin peroxidase activity of the fungus was forty percent higher when cultured at this optimum temperature as opposed to a suboptimum temperature range. Thus, enzymatic treatment time of bioethanol is reduced by 15% in the production process and along with this cost eligible to this treatment is also saved. In the research on the moisture content, it was shown that the moisture level of the substrate of 50-70% provided the highest bioethanol yield through fermentation of the lignocellulosic biomass by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Literature review by Hoekman et al., [14] demonstrated that if the level of moisture is optimum, then the bioethanol yield can increase by 25%. This change is equal to about $50 per ton feedstock decrease in the cost of processing; for this reason, moisture management is vital in the bioethanol chain. Moreover, pH control is another factor that has an effect in the extent of enzymatic activity managed by Phanerochaete chrysosporium [15]. As specified in the study by González-Rodríguez et al. [16], it was noted that there was an improvement of the activity by 30% in the condition of degrading lignin at the pH of 5.5 to pH 7.0, it should be noted that the pH must be slightly acidic for the process of degrading the lignin in order to produce bioethanol. It has also been estimated that through the management of pH values, the use of 20% enzymes can be further reduced implying many cuts in the total processes of bioethanol conversion. In addition, Buši? et al., [17] found that transitioning to Phanerochaete chrysosporium based bioethanol production processes would reduce cost by up to 20%. More specifically, the reduced enzyme usage and the lower energy needed for the fungal decay process that is much more effective than the chemical treatment contributed to cost savings. Furthermore, microbial consortia aspects of real bioreactor systems were studied by Cuebas-Irizarry & Grunden in 2024 [18], showed how Phanerochaete chrysosporium interacts with other microbes and suggested that to improve the bioethanol yield from agricultural residues, the microbial ecosystem has to be better understood.

Thus, through the inclusion of such indicative data as the cited economic analysis, the very description of the procedure for using Phanerochaete chrysosporium to produce bioethanol from the agricultural waste gains not only the everlasting charm of authenticity but also underlines the pronounced scientific credibility and potential cost-efficacy of the demonstrated biotechnological perspective for sustainable resources conversion.

The transformation of definition by fungi’s metabolic possibilities to recycle wastes into constructive products is now a potential method of waste minimization and approaching environment and industrial problems. Various types of fungi have been found to have very high potential for transforming virtually all forms of waste into useful products in the management of resources. For instance, Pleurotus ostreatus – oyster mushroom has helped in converting agricultural residues like wheat straw and corn cobs to high protein foods hence the concept of waste management. Similarly, the use of Aspergillus niger to bioconvert organic waste to enzymes and organic acids proved that they are feasible to be presented in the industries. It is worth mentioning that waste valorization is one of the focal areas where fungi can play an important role in solving the challenges of the environment. Few fungi like Trametes versicolor or Turkey tail fungi was studied for the ability to degrade pollutants and contaminants in the soil and water hence should be used for bioremediation. This process depends on certain conditions such as the temperature, pH level, and the nature of the substrate [19]. For instance, the Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom grows best at a temperature of 20-30°C and the best pH to grow it is 5-6. Moreover, there are brilliant biomimics, and fungi have something to suggest solutions to industrial problems like biofuels and biodegradable plastics. There is Ganoderma lucidum belonging to the lingzhi group of fungi, which may harbor capabilities to produce biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass, which owes the ability of mushroom alchemy in the realm of sustainable energy. Also, more specific fungal strains like Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus oligosporus have been utilized for bio- plastic production. These fungi have exhibited the possibility in the biosynthesis of biodegradable polymers that would further demonstrate the ability of such fungi in the generation of more green plastics. As the environment is being subject to consumer scrutiny by the world’s populace, one can isolate fungal strains for the potential development of biodegradable plastics [20]. Thus, in view of the versatile application of fungal alchemy for the recycling of wastes, bioremediation of environment, and sustainable production of materials, it can well be said that fungi have several more ways to go green. Therefore, if one attempts to link fungi, waste, and sustainability together, there exists tangibility for a faintly brighter and more efficient utilization of resources for the earth.

Thus, when talking about waste, valorization, sustainability, and circular economy, it is important to emphasize the role of fungal degradation, research, and circular economy. The majority of these components are not only set for sustainability and circular economy, but also innovation and other objectives. One actor in this industry is Ecovative Design, an organization that has come up with the ingenious use of fungal mycelium in their products. Hence, its use of the mycelium-based material puts it at the forefront of companies concentrating on providing excellent services in various fields such as packaging, construction, consumer products etc. Based on the use of the sustainable adhesive and the sustainable material – fungal mycelium, Ecovative Design come up with various green products that includes, packing material, insulation panels, and furniture. For example, in Ecovative Design mycelium is set on agricultural waste substrates like corn stalks or saw dust in order to produce products which have high strength complemented by their eco-friendly nature. This is also beneficial in lessening the use of standardized plastics and non-renewable material which is not necessary to dispose of since the used material is biodegradable. Specifically, the solutions offered by Ecovative Design include circular economy solutions with refinanced and pure products. One good example is the Ecovative Design which involves closed-loop waste management; wastes are recycled and transformed into useful products through the use of fungal based technologies in the innovation of new materials and products. Thus, when developing concepts for environmentally friendly products, it is possible to refer to the example of the company Ecovative Design, which uses fungi to create product designs with increased ecological responsibility; it will be important to stress the reliability of fungal degradation research, the need to promote their valorization, and the necessity of conducting circular economy studies. The case of Ecovative Design shows new technologies and sustainable processes in the value stream of waste management, sustainability, and circular economy and thus direct directions for a more cyclic and sustainable materials supply chain in different industries [21].

This dissection on the biodegradable plastic production has the ability to completely eliminate the plastic menace and adopt a better waste management system through the exploration of agricultural waste with the help of fungal species like Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus oligosporus, where good economic prospects have been shown. These strange fungi have several enzymatic systems and have the ability to decompose agricultural byproducts into biodegradable polymers that are important to the business of bioplastics. Aspergillus fumigatus, which is well known for enzymatic properties, involves itself in the production of biodegradable plastics from agri-residues including corn cob and wheat straw. There has also been the ability demonstrated that Aspergillus fumigatus can also use the cellulose and lignin molecules of agricultural residues in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers. The unique involvement of Aspergillus fumigatus in the synthesis process makes it possible for a large scale production of bioplastic that in turn makes the bioplastic economic for industries that intend to use sustainable plastics. Similarly, Rhizopus oligosporus which has been described to possess a versatile metabolic profile has the ability to convert agricultural residues to biodegradable polymers because of its uniqueness in the aspect of enzymes [22]. Such benefits include the use of an environment-friendly product that is obtained from binding Rhizopus oligosporus into bioplastic in industries. The assistance given by Rhizopus oligosporus in breaking down the agricultural waste components into the bio-degradable products is not only a step forward toward sustainability to the maximum extent but it also compatible with environment friendly material utilization. Through the uses of Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus oligosporus in the production of biodegradable plastic, organizations and industries are slowly embracing the use of sustainable products for the management of the plastic wastes thus reducing plastic pollution [23]. In turn, a higher share of efficient use of agricultural waste and their conversion into bioplastics with the help of these fungi means progress in the change of the circular economy and the better selection of materials in different sectors. Specific species of fungus help in producing biodegradable plastic and thus, help in the progression of using ecofriendly material for the future generation.

A novel investigation into SY (Spent Yeast) from various fermentations, driven by genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for biomolecule synthesis. While beer fermentation by-products have been extensively studied, the characterization of SY from engineered yeast strains remains unexplored. This pioneering analysis highlights significant compositional disparities among SY streams, crucial for devising effective valorization strategies in industrial biotechnology [24].

Effective degradation of lignocellulosic biomass is vital for business techniques, which include waste control, pulp and paper enterprise, and biofuel production. Table 1 shows different enzymes' activity and fungal producers for enzymes that degraded lignin [25-30].

The new study shows the ability of Myceliophthora thermophila to convert corn into ethanol (52.8 ± 39.8 nm particles). The yield of Chrysosporium is 42 g/L, while in combination with P. Chrysosporium it reaches 80 g/L. This process removes 9% of the corn solids and yields 24.2% as fuel. Global biofuel consumption in 2019 is estimated at 159 billion liters, in line with the 2030 EU green energy target of 32% [7,31-46].

Different agro-waste like different parts of artichoke, fragmented wheat, rice hulls and waste peel of potato can be fermented with Trichoderma longibrachiatum KT693225 in order to obtain exochitinase which is efficient in the molds like Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporium and Alternaria alternata. Several fungi such as Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, A. niger, and other specific enzymes contribute to the forging of cheese and enhancement of coffee processing [46-51].

The use of very active fungi such as Trichoderma and Aspergillus reduces obstacles in using lignocellulosic waste in valorization and enhances enzymatic action. This relates to global biofuel market development and circular bioeconomy focus on fungal processes for efficient and sustainable bioenergy generation. The mentioned fungal genera include Trichoderma and Aspergillus, which have key functions in this regard [52].

The recycling of biodegradable plastics according to ISO 15270 involves composting for 180 days yielding a black polymer carbon and CO₂ [53]. Anaerobic digestion, a four-step process, produces biogas and biosolids with lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to composting and incineration [54]. Mechanical recycling, including sorting, grinding, and re-granulating, is integral to achieving the EU's goal of 100% plastics reuse by 2030 [55]. Chemical recycling utilizes depolymerization and thermolysis for repurposing building block materials like PLA [56].

Being a three-tiered concept, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) also pertains to the management of stakeholders to improve business value and image. They are in harmony with CSR and Sustainable Development Goals as far as environmental aspects are concerned and socio-economic aspects, respectively. This can help to develop the concept ‘SDG’ to enhance the CSR performance and to put an accent on the result aspect. Integrating the goals of sustainable development with CSR can extend the recognition of suitable impact activities in business [57].

CRISPR-Cas system for building of efficacious cell factories for chemical synthesis is reported as simple and orthogonal based on the simplicity of the concept but for gRNA design there are challenges. Among all, there are some promising species such as Thermococcus, Thermotoga, Thermus, Pyrococcus, Sulfolobus for biofuel production. These are novel ways of regulating gene mutations to facilitate biology with superior enzyme performance and thermally stability, protecting biology from their adverse effects on biological systems and refining biofuels generated from extremophiles [58-64].

Lignocellulosic ethanol, yielding 52. 8 g/L derived from cellulose reduces CO₂ emissions. Thermophila, Trichoderma and Aspergillus improve ethanol yield; Ostreatus produces lignin degrading enzymes. The demand for biofuel in the global market with support from countries like China, EU indicates towards a sustainable form of energy. CRISPR-Cas systems enable gene editing in microbial biorefineries with fuels produced by Thermococcus kodackerensis and Thermus thermophilus.

Fungal alchemy, led by Aspergillus and Penicillium strains, employs enzymes like cutinase, lipase, and proteases for plastic biodegradation. Lignocellulolytic enzymes break down polymers aided by oxidant ions, enhancing hydrophilicity. Aspergillus nidulans, Bjerkandera adusta, Pleurotus ostreatus excel in plastic biodegradation, spurring bioenergy advances and genetic engineering via CRISPR-Cas. This transformative approach addresses plastic waste management efficiently, driving sustainability through biodegradation, waste valorization, and bioenergy.

The author is thankful for the help and great tips provided by the GDRCST and the Central Research Group.

The author declares that no money or help was given while writing this paper.

The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

PM wrote the whole paper, showing careful work and deep study.