(Fungal Biology) 1st ed. 2020 Edition
by Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem (Editor)
Chaetomium genus was established by Gustav Kunze in 1817.
According to Index Fungorum Partnership, there are 273 Chaetomium
species accepted till now. Members of the genus Chaetomium are
capable of colonizing various substrates and are well-known for their
ability to degrade cellulose and to produce a variety of bioactive
metabolites. More than 200 compounds have been reported from this genus.
A huge number of new and bioactive secondary metabolites associated
with unique and diverse structural types, such as chaetoglobosins,
epipolythiodioxopiperazines, azaphilones, depsidones, xanthones,
anthraquinones, chromones, and steroids, have been isolated and
identified. Many of the compounds have been reported to possess
significant biological activities, such as antitumor, antimalarial,
cytotoxic, enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial, phytotoxic, antirheumatoid
and other activities. Chaetomium taxa are frequently reported to
be cellulase and ligninase producers with the ability to degrade
cellulosic and woody materials.
This is the first, comprehensive volume covering Chaetomium
genus in detail. It includes the latest research, methods, and
applications, and was written by scholars working directly in the field.
The book also contains informative illustrations and is fully
referenced for further reading.
