The transformative effect of nanotechnology is revolutionizing medicine by introducing new therapeutic approaches. This study explores the utilization of aqueous extract from mushroom (Cortinarius sp.) used as a reducing agent to prepare zinc oxide myco-nanoparticles (ZnO-MNPs) in an eco-friendly manner. The synthesis of ZnO-MNPs has been confirmed by various characterization studies, including UV-vis spectroscopy, which revealed an absorption peak at 378 nm; X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, which revealed a wurtzite hexagonal structure; and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), which showed stabilizing agents around the ZnO-MNPs. The effectiveness of ZnO-MNPs as an anti-cancer agent was evaluated by monitoring liver biochemical parameters against hepatotoxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in Balb C mice. The results showed that the levels of catalase, glutathione (GSH), and total protein were significantly lower, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), melanin dialdehyde (MDA), and total bilirubin (TB) were significantly higher in each of the CCl₄ treatment groups. ZnO-MNP treatment significantly reduced the toxicological effects of CCl₄ but did not completely restore the accumulation. The antimicrobial efficacy of ZnO-MNPs was investigated and showed potential results against common pathogens, including Bacillus subtilis (29.05 ± 0.76), Bacillus meurellus (27.05 ± 0.5), Acetobacter rhizospherensis (23.36 ± 0.5), and Escherichia coli (25.86 ± 0.80), while antifungal activity was relatively lower. Moreover, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that ZnO-MNPs are strong antioxidant agents. Overall, these findings highlight the effectiveness of myco-synthesized ZnO-NPs in combating pathogenic diseases, their promising role in cancer therapy, and their potential as a biomaterial option for future therapeutic applications.

Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) is an association of fungi with the roots of higher plants in which both the species are equally benefited and appears to be important for the survival of both parties, and no doubt this association offered extensive benefits in the restoration of forest and ecosystem soil aggregation and stabilization. The most important and vital role of ECM fungi, which is analyzed globally, is that they are best and environment friendly biofertilizers. ECM fungi considered as a biotechnological tool in forest management because their role in reforestation, bioremediation, control of soil pathogen, and restoration of ecosystem is reviewed extensively. ECM fungi not only increase the biomass of edible fruiting bodies but also improve soil structure, nutrient cycle, and also produce phytohormones, which increase the growth and survival of seedlings and enhance the photosynthetic rate of plants and also maintain their tolerance level against environmental stresses in forest nursery. Ectomycorrhizas also reduce fertilization expenses in an environment friendly manner. The importance of ECM fungi and mycorrhizal helper bacteria for the growth enhancement of the economically important trees and significantly important role in restoration of sites degraded by forestry operation.