This study presents the first comprehensive proteomic profile of an Italian strain of Schizophyllum commune, a highly heterogeneous white-rot fungal species with significant potential for industrial, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and clinical applications. Three protein extraction methods and their impact on yield and resulting protein composition have been compared. Results revealed that the combination of Tris–Cl and urea increases the total protein yield and the variety of enzymatic species related to pivotal pathways. Notably, over 2000 proteins were identified, including enzymes involved in the growth and development of mycelium, trehalose biosynthesis, and different types of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). These enzymes are crucial for nutraceutical and agro-industrial applications of S. commune. The multiple-step proteomic approach used could be a model for investigating other fungal species.

Lentinus tigrinus is a wood-decay fungus known for its nutritional, culinary, and medicinal benefits. It contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols, terpenes, and flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These natural antioxidants are increasingly recognized for their potential to prevent oxidative damage linked to aging and chronic diseases. This study investigates the antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from L. tigrinus sporophores cultivated on hazelnut shells (Lt1_HS), a waste material rich in phenolic compounds, and sporophores cultivated on sawdust (Lt1_S). Bioactivity tests, including DPPH, TBARS, MTT, and DCFH-DA assays, were performed to assess the hydroalcoholic extracts’ efficiency. The results showed that all the extracts contained various bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols. Notably, the caffeoylquinic acids present in HS and Lt1_HS are linked to anti-peroxidant effects. Biological analyses demonstrated that the Lt1_HS extract has higher anti-peroxidant activity (IC₅₀ 0.77 ± 0.01 mg/mL) compared to Lt1_S (IC₅₀ 1.36 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in HaCaT cells by 80%. However, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these antioxidant effects are still unclear, and further analysis will be conducted. Additionally, this study promotes recycling hazelnut shells as a valuable substrate for fungal cultivation, supporting sustainable waste management.

Saprotrophic and lignocellulolytic fungi from tropical areas especially represent a promising yet relatively underexplored frontier for both taxonomy and applied research. This makes ex situ conservation through culture collections of paramount importance. Here, 10 lignocellulolytic strains isolated from the State of São Paulo (Brazil) and deposited in the Brazilian Culture Collection (now CCIBt) were identified through the ITS region. In order to prevent accidental losses, these strains have been shared with the collection of the University of Milano—Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), as well as the MicUNIPV Fungal Research Culture Collection—University of Pavia (Italy). Most of the fungal species in the examined set exhibit a neotropical distribution, while 3 out of 10 are nowadays recognized as subcosmopolitan despite their prevalence in the neotropical area. One holotropical, one cosmopolitan and one holarctic species are also present. Based on the literature, 8 out of the 10 characterized species are known to produce psilocybin (e.g., Psilocybe cubensis and Candolleomyces candolleanus) and/or enzymes with potential applications in environmental and medical biotechnology (e.g., Lentinus crinitus). All 10 strains were described for their micro- and macro-characteristics; their growth rate was evaluated and culture pictures provided. Taxonomic and nomenclatural controversies concerning Candolleomyces candolleanus, Cubamyces lactineus and Pycnoporus sanguineus are discussed.

Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. sensu lato is a common, widespread polypore and a pathological decayer in many hosts such as poplar, beech, and birch. It is either regarded as a single species, a species complex, or displaying a significant intraspecific variability. Limits between populations are fuzzy, and local differences have been mainly related to the current distribution of preferred hosts. The aim of the work was to test an imaging technique (RGB profiling) of cultures’ macromorphology on Petri plates to implement the traditional growth profiles of pure cultures in order to point out differences between strains from different European regions, hosts, and climates. Growth rates at 24 °C and 30 °C poorly segregated strains based on the origin, whereas there is a marked difference at 15 °C between strains from oceanic climates and continental climates. K-means clustering of RGB profiles also marked a difference at 15 °C between Central/North European strains and the Italian strains, although this variability gradually attenuates by increasing temperature. The combined approach, including a radial growth measuring and RGB profiling, successfully pointed out the intraspecific diversity in F. fomentarius, suggesting local adaptations. This study contributes to establishing a methodology to investigate the ecotype concept in polypores.