Fungi Research Group

The Fungy Research Group (FRG) focuses on two primary areas: Environmental & Medical Mycology and Food & Water Mycology. In Environmental & Medical Mycology, the FRG investigates the breakdown and cleanup of organic pollutants, identifies new fungal diseases affecting humans and animals, and explores treatments for fungal infections, especially yeast infections, by studying how fungi interact with host cells in various parts of the body and systemically. This research also looks into mixed fungal-bacterial biofilms and uses advanced molecular techniques like transcriptomics and proteomics to understand these interactions better. Meanwhile, Food & Water Mycology addresses the presence of fungi, mycotoxins, phytotoxins, and undesirable odors in food and water, considering the influence of climate change, the European Green Deal, and the circular economy on fungal prevalence. To combat fungal pathogens in health and mycotoxins in food, the FRG is developing innovative solutions such as new antimicrobial materials from natural sources and specialized encapsulation systems for targeted delivery of therapeutic compounds and enzymes to neutralize toxins.