Fungi and their natural products, like secondary metabolites, have gained a huge demand in the last decade due to their increasing applications in healthcare, environmental cleanup, and biotechnology-based industries. The fungi produce these secondary metabolites (SMs) during the different phases of their growth, which are categorized into terpenoids, alkaloids, polyketides, and non-ribosomal peptides. These SMs exhibit significant biological activity, which contributes to the formulation of novel pharmaceuticals, biopesticides, and environmental bioremediation agents. Nowadays, these fungal-derived SMs are widely used in food and beverages, for fermentation, preservatives, protein sources, and in dairy industries. In healthcare, it is being used as an antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive drug. The usage of modern tools of biotechnology can achieve an increase in demand for these SMs and large-scale production. The present review comprehensively analyses the diversity of fungal SMs along with their emerging applications in healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and nutraceuticals. Here, the authors have reviewed the recent advancements in genetic engineering, metabolic pathway manipulation, and synthetic biology to improve the production and yield of these SMs. Advancement in fermentation techniques, bioprocessing, and co-cultivation approaches for large-scale production of SMs. Investigators further highlighted the importance of omics technologies in understanding the regulation and biosynthesis of SMs, which offers an understanding of novel applications in drug discovery and sustainable agriculture. Finally, the authors have addressed the potential for genetic manipulation and biotechnological innovations for further exploitation of fungal SMs for commercial and environmental benefits.

Soil toxicity is a major environmental issue that leads to numerous harmful effects on plants and human beings. Every year a huge amount of Pb is dumped into the environment either from natural sources or anthropogenically. Being a heavy metal it is highly toxic and non-biodegradable but remains in the environment for a long time. It is considered a neurotoxic and exerts harmful effects on living beings. In the present review article, investigators have emphasized the side effects of Pb on the plants. Further, the authors have focused on the various sources of Pb in the environment. Investigators have emphasized the various responses including molecular, biochemical, and morphological of plants to the toxic levels of Pb. Further emphasis was given to the effect of elevated levels of Pb on the microbial population in the rhizospheres. Further, emphasized the various remediation strategies for the Pb removal from the soil and water sources.

This research looks at how the growth of cities and industries affects the levels of heavy metals in the soil, which can impact people's health. We find out where the pollution comes from, such as factories, car fumes, and improper waste disposal, by reviewing existing studies. We use different methods to test the soil for heavy metals and study how exposure to these metals in urban areas affects people's health. The evidence shows a connection between high levels of heavy metals in city soil and health problems like breathing issues, brain disorders, and overall toxicity in the body. We also explore how these metals get into the human body, highlighting the importance of understanding how they are available and the ways people are exposed. To deal with polluted city soils, we look at different ways to manage the soil and suggest sustainable methods to reduce heavy metal pollution. Our discoveries add to what we know about urban environmental health, emphasizing the need for actions to protect city residents. Ultimately, this study aims to give important information and insights to policymakers, city planners, and public health officials for managing and lessening the health risks linked to heavy metal contamination in urban soils.

Zinc is a crucial micronutrient found in food that is essential for the development of all living organisms, it plays a vital role in gene expression and various physical processes, its deficiency can lead to disease onset and reduce crop yield, restrict plant development, and lower the quality of produced goods, zinc is also used in fertilizers and the handling of metals to protect them from oxidation. Additionally, Zinc is important in enhancing the human immune system, and its deficiency can result in hair loss, memory loss, skin disorders, and muscular weakness.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary domain with diverse applications in medicine, and one of the noteworthy developments is the exploration of bacterial magnetosomes acquired from magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) for therapeutic purposes. The demand for natural nanomaterials in the biomedical field is continuously increasing due to their biocompatibility and eco-friendly nature. MTB produces uniform, well-ordered magnetic nanoparticles inside the magnetosomes, drawing attention due to their unique and remarkable features. MTB and magnetosomes have gained popularity in cancer treatment and diagnosis, especially in magnetic resonance imaging. Distinctive features highlighted include advancements in extraction, characterization, and functionalization techniques, alongside breakthroughs in utilizing MTB-based magnetosomes as contrast agents in imaging, biocompatible drug carriers, and tools for minimally invasive therapies. The biocompatible nature, functionalizing of the surface of bacterial magnetosomes, and response to the external magnetic field make them a potential candidate for the theragnostic purpose of MTB and magnetosomes. In the present review, emphasis has been given to the foundation of magnetosomes at a genetic level, mass production of magnetosomes, etc. Further authors have reviewed the various functionalization methods of the magnetosomes for cancer treatment. Finally, the authors have reviewed the recent advancements in MTB and magnetosome-based cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Challenges such as scalability, long-term safety, and clinical translation are also discussed, presenting a roadmap for future research exploiting MTBs and magnetosomes’ unique properties.