Fungal Biodeterioration and Biodegradation

Dr. Adesh Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology (Agriculture) from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (India). His research focuses on fungal pathology, mycology, biological control, and fungal decomposition. He has published 50+ research papers, authored 6 books, contributed 10+ book chapters, and holds 20+ patents. He is a Recipient of Young Scientist Award (2018), Excellence in Research Award (2018), and Excellence in Innovation Award (2025). Dr Kumar is a life time member of the Indian Phytopathological Society and Indian Science Congress Association. Dr Hina has 22 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Mycology, Agricultural microbiology, Plant sciences, waste management, Biodeterioration and biodegradation, cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable agriculture. She obtained his doctorate degree in Botany, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, M.P, India, on the topic Biodeteriorating components with reference to fungi inside library environment. She is a Fellow of the Indian Botanical Society and Society of Bionaturalists, and a Life Member of the Indian Microbiological Society and Indian Science Congress Association. She has published 52+ research papers. Authored 7 books and holds 10+ Patents. She has been serving as reviewer for different national and international peer-reviewed journals. Awarded the Young Scientist Award (MP Council of science and Technology,1998) and Best Teacher Award by Bharat Vikas Parishad, INDIA.Dr Chakraborty holds a Ph.D. in Marine Micropaleontology (Birbal Sahni Institute/University of Burdwan) and has conducted postdoctoral research in paleoclimate and isotope geochemistry (Academia Sinica, Taiwan). While his core expertise lies in paleoenvironmental reconstruction, his work on organic microfossil preservation and degradation in sedimentary systems intersects with microbial decomposition processes. He brings strong interdisciplinary coordination skills and an international research network (UK, Germany, Taiwan, etc.). With an H-index of 7 and awards including the Newton Bhabha Fellowship and DSTINSPIRE Fellowship, he ensures rigorous scientific integration.Dr. Ajar Nath Yadav is an Assistant Professor (Sr. Scale) and Assistant Controller of Examinations at Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, in India. He has eight years of teaching and 12 years of research experience in the field of microbial biotechnology, microbial diversity, and plant-microbe interactions. Dr. Yadav has published three books with Elsevier, five books with Taylor & Francis, one book with Wiley, and 21 books with Springer-Nature. Dr. Yadav has published 123 research communications in different international and national conferences, and obtained 12 Best Paper Presentation Awards, and a Young Scientist Award (NASI-Swarna Jyanti Purskar). He has been serving as an editorial board member and reviewer for 35 different national and international peer-reviewed journals. He has lifetime membership in the Association of Microbiologist in India, and Indian Science Congress Council.

• Section I: Introduction to Biodeterioration and Biodegradation1. Biodeterioration and biodegradation processes by fungal communities: Introduction2. Ancient Mycobiomes: The role of fossil fungi in understanding biodegradation through geological time3. Importance of biodeterioration and biodegradation in various industries and natural ecosystemsSection II: Mechanisms and Metabolism in Fungal Biodeterioration4. Basic fungal biology: structure and classification in reference to biodegradation5. Fungal metabolic pathways in biodegradation: The role of enzymes in organic matter decomposition6. Fungal growth and colonization on various substrates7. Formation of fungal biofilm and its impact8. Cellular interactions and degradation pathwaysSection III: Fungi in the Degradation of Synthetic and Natural Polymers9. Fungal degradation of lignocellulosic materials: Enzymes involved in breaking down cellulose and lignin10. Fungal degradation of wood, plant fibers, and natural resins11. Potential role of Fungi on synthetic polymer degradation12. Fungal involvement in the breakdown of petroleum productsSection IV: Fungal Involvement in Biodeterioration of Cultural Heritage13. Fungal growth on art, manuscripts, and textiles: Case studies on fungal impact14. Indoor Cultural Heritage: Museums, Historic Houses, and Archives15. Biodeterioration Risk, Assessment, and Conservation PrioritizationSection V: Fungi in Environmental Degradation: Soil, Water, and Air16. Fungal degradation of environmental pollutants17. Mycoremediation and bioremediation in contaminated soils18. Fungal contributions to water and air quality managementSection VI: Industrial Applications of Fungi in Biodegradation19. Role of fungi in waste management and biocomposting20. Bioreactors and fungal processes in industrial biodegradation21. Fungal applications in the recycling industrySection VII: Fungal Biodeterioration in the Food Industry22. Fungal biodeterioration of food products: Mechanisms and impacts23. Fungal biodeterioration across major food commodities24. Mycotoxins and their health implications: Control measures and the roles25. Global Case Studies of Mycotoxin ContaminationSection VIII: Advanced Tools and Emerging Technologies26. Molecular and Omics Approaches to Fungal Degradation Pathways27. Assaying Methods for Fungal Biodeterioration and BiodegradationSection IX: Future Directions in Fungal Biodeterioration and Biodegradation28. Advances in fungal biotechnology for biodegradation: Genetic engineering aspects29. Unveiling the Hidden Strategies of Fungi in Biodeterioration and Biodegradation: Conclusion