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Chemistry and Biological Activities of Lichens and Fungi
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Chemistry and Biological Activities of Lichens and Fungi

A Special Issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) belonging to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 2940

Editor

Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Galanty

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
Interests: cytotoxic activity studies; lichen metabolites; phytochemical analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lichens, or lichenized fungi, are interesting symbiotic organisms produced by the synthesis of numerous metabolites with unique chemical structures. This makes them the object of increasing scientific attention in the context of the search for novel bioactive compounds. Likewise, the kingdom of fungi represents a biodiverse reservoir of notable substances with a broad spectrum of bioactivity. Despite years of research, lichens and fungi still appear to be an unexplored source of metabolites with undiscovered biological and pharmacological potential.

This Special Issue aims to gather recent advances in studies on lichen and fungi, specifically focusing on their chemistry and biological activities. These include original and review articles concerning qualitative and quantitative studies on lichen and fungal metabolites, isolation and structural elucidation, and the different bioactivities of the extracts and isolated compounds. Moreover, papers on metabolomic analysis, ecological chemistry, and biotechnology related to the metabolites produced by lichens and fungi are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Galanty
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • lichens
  • fungi
  • metabolites
  • bioactivity
  • structural elucidation
  • metabolomics
  • biotechnology

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 17647 KB  
Article
Screening Endophytic Fungi of Australian Indigenous Plants for Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Properties
by Hanadi Sawalha, Simon E. Moulton and Bita Zaferanloo
Molecules 2026, 31(19), 3505; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31193505 - 1 Oct 2026
Viewed by 210
Abstract
The increasing emergence of bacterial resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutics. In this context, the present study investigated the antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesised from extracellular extracts of four endophytic fungal species isolated from Eucalyptus [...] Read more.
The increasing emergence of bacterial resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutics. In this context, the present study investigated the antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesised from extracellular extracts of four endophytic fungal species isolated from Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus citriodora. The AgNPs were comprehensively characterised using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis. UV–vis spectra confirmed nanoparticle formation through characteristic absorption peaks between 400 and 500 nm. TEM imaging revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles, with size ranges of 52–98 nm for EG 5 AgNPs, 86–197 nm for EG 6 AgNPs, 56–171 nm for EG 8 AgNPs, and 50–130 nm for EC 2 AgNPs. High negative zeta potential values (−19.3 to −31.7 mV) indicated moderate colloidal stability. FTIR analysis identified functional groups associated with the reduction and stabilisation of AgNPs. All AgNPs samples exhibited notable antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and growth–kill curve analysis demonstrated a marked reduction in bacterial proliferation over 24 h. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of endophytic fungus-derived AgNPs as effective antibacterial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Biological Activities of Lichens and Fungi)
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35 pages, 1467 KB  
Article
Antifungal and Profungal Potentials of Acetone-Extracted Complexes of Lichen Substances on Macromycete Heterobasidion parviporum Mycelium Growth Dynamics—The First In Vitro Approach
by Łukasz Furmanek, Sławomir Bakier, Paweł Czarnota, Ireneusz Kapusta, Tomasz Pawłowicz, Mark R. D. Seaward, Piotr Borowik and Tomasz Oszako
Molecules 2026, 31(16), 2882; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31162882 - 18 Aug 2026
Viewed by 396
Abstract
This study provides the first experimental evidence on how acetone-extracted lichen substances affect the mycelial growth of the pathogenic basidiomycete Heterobasidion parviporum. Six lichen species were tested: the terricolous species Cladonia arbuscula, C. digitata, C. rangiferina, C. uncialis and [...] Read more.
This study provides the first experimental evidence on how acetone-extracted lichen substances affect the mycelial growth of the pathogenic basidiomycete Heterobasidion parviporum. Six lichen species were tested: the terricolous species Cladonia arbuscula, C. digitata, C. rangiferina, C. uncialis and Cetraria islandica, and the epiphytic species Pseudevernia furfuracea. Extracts were prepared from single species and from species mixtures, including C. arbuscula + C. rangiferina + C. digitata and all five terricolous species. The substantial economic losses caused by the tested pathogen in forestry provided the rationale for these experiments. Two supplementation methods were used: applying extracts (1–4 mL) to solidified agar and incorporating extracts into the medium before solidification. The effects varied by extract, dose and supplementation method, showing either inhibitory or stimulatory potential. Surface application generally caused stronger inhibition than incorporation into the liquid medium, in which growth stimulation occurred, especially with extracts of C. rangiferina, C. digitata and Cetraria islandica. Fungistatic effects were associated mainly with usnic acid and, synergistically, with physodic acid, chloroatranorin and atranorin. The results highlight lichen extract complexes as promising eco-friendly biocontrol agents against H. parviporum in forest nurseries and spruce stands, with possible ecological implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Biological Activities of Lichens and Fungi)
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Graphical abstract

8 pages, 544 KB  
Communication
Antioxidant Benzophenones and Biphenyls from an Endophytic Fungus Penicillium sp. QM-4
by Chuan-Mao Zhang, Xiang-Gui Lei, Jun Ma, Jin-Feng Cao, Yang Xiao and Jian-Hai Ding
Molecules 2026, 31(15), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31152720 - 5 Aug 2026
Viewed by 403
Abstract
The endophytic fungi from plants are recognized as a valuable source of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with intriguing bioactivities. Three previously undescribed compounds, including two benzophenones, 2-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzoyl)benzoic acid (1) and 2-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)benzoyl)benzoic acid (2), one biphenyl, 4′,5,5′-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-2′-methyl-(1,1′-biphenyl)-2-carbaldehyde (4), [...] Read more.
The endophytic fungi from plants are recognized as a valuable source of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with intriguing bioactivities. Three previously undescribed compounds, including two benzophenones, 2-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzoyl)benzoic acid (1) and 2-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)benzoyl)benzoic acid (2), one biphenyl, 4′,5,5′-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-2′-methyl-(1,1′-biphenyl)-2-carbaldehyde (4), along with two known compounds (3 and 5), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. QM-4 associated with Pteris cretica. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis of HRESIMS, UV, IR, and 1D and 2D NMR data. Free radical scavenging activity of compounds 1–5 was assessed, and compound 3 displayed a significant antioxidant effect in the DPPH assay. Structure–activity relationships of compounds 1–3 were also discussed. These findings enrich the structural diversity and bioactivities of benzophenones and biphenyls derived from fungal source. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Biological Activities of Lichens and Fungi)
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20 pages, 6135 KB  
Article
Applications of (+) Usnic Acid Modulate Antioxidant Enzymatic Activity in Strawberry Plants
by Laura Castro-Rosalez, Antonio Juárez-Maldonado, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Susana González-Morales, Elizabeth García-León and Fabián Pérez-Labrada
Molecules 2026, 31(13), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31132362 - 5 Jul 2026
Viewed by 520
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is a secondary metabolite produced by lichens that has attracted interest because of its antimicrobial, photoprotective, and antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential use as a biostimulant in agriculture. However, its evaluation in agricultural crops is limited. In the present study, [...] Read more.
Usnic acid (UA) is a secondary metabolite produced by lichens that has attracted interest because of its antimicrobial, photoprotective, and antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential use as a biostimulant in agriculture. However, its evaluation in agricultural crops is limited. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of applying (+) UA on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic enzyme activity, and markers of oxidative stress in “Albion” strawberry plants. The plants were grown in a peat moss:perlite substrate (1:1, v/v) and cultivated under tunnel greenhouse conditions using a nutrient solution applied via fertigation. (+) UA was applied at 400 µg/mL via three routes (foliar, drench, and a combination of foliar and drench) on three occasions. Leaf tissue was collected 117 days after transplantation, and the biochemical parameters were quantified. (+) UA increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (53% via foliar-drench) and catalase (CAT) by 73.5% (via drench), and reduced glutathione (GSH) content by 58% (via foliar). β-carbonic anhydrase (βCA) activity increased by 415% and 384% (foliar and foliar-drench, respectively). Likewise, Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) activity increased by 58.23% (drench) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) by 25% and 46% (foliar and drench), suggesting positive effects on the processes associated with CO2 assimilation and transport. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), or proline, indicating the absence of oxidative stress. These findings suggest that (+) UA modulates the enzymatic antioxidant system, promoting favorable physilogical responses without inducing oxidative stress. The use of (+) UA has been proposed as a potential promoter of metabolism in agricultural crops. In addition, new avenues of research are being explored to investigate the role in modulating antioxidant responses under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Biological Activities of Lichens and Fungi)
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Review

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19 pages, 5420 KB  
Review
Usnic Acid and Its Topical Use—A Concise Review
by Gabriela Siedlarczyk, Irma Podolak and Agnieszka Galanty
Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2183; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122183 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 833
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA), a prominent lichen secondary metabolite, exhibits a unique dual therapeutic profile in dermatology, though its clinical translation is limited by systemic hepatotoxicity and poor solubility. This review comprehensively evaluates the topical efficacy, molecular mechanisms, and advanced formulation strategies of UA [...] Read more.
Usnic acid (UA), a prominent lichen secondary metabolite, exhibits a unique dual therapeutic profile in dermatology, though its clinical translation is limited by systemic hepatotoxicity and poor solubility. This review comprehensively evaluates the topical efficacy, molecular mechanisms, and advanced formulation strategies of UA enantiomers and UA-rich extracts. A literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 36 original publications focusing on anti-melanoma activity, photoprotection, and tissue regeneration. In vitro studies demonstrate that UA induces apoptosis in resistant melanoma cell lines (A375, HTB-140) via extrinsic/intrinsic pathways, with (−)-UA effectively overcoming doxorubicin resistance. Conversely, in non-cancerous models, low concentrations of UA accelerate wound and burn healing by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stimulating fibroblast proliferation, and optimizing extracellular matrix remodeling while preventing hypertrophic scarring. To mitigate skin sensitization and systemic risks, advanced drug delivery systems—including liposomes, nanoemulsions, chitosan nanogels, and electrospun scaffolds—have been developed, significantly enhancing skin permeability and localized dermal retention. Ultimately, the development of bio-functionalized smart dressings and targeted nano-formulations represents the most viable path toward unlocking the full clinical potential of UA in modern dermatological and oncological care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Biological Activities of Lichens and Fungi)
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