Fungal Biodegradation of Natural and Synthetic Polymers

Dear Colleagues,

The accumulation of polymeric waste from both natural and synthetic sources represents a major environmental challenge. Fungi possess unique metabolic capabilities that enable the biodegradation of recalcitrant polymers, including lignocellulosic materials and petroleum-based plastics. Their ability to colonize complex substrates, secrete oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes, and transform high-molecular-weight polymers into simpler compounds makes them key agents in sustainable waste management and bioremediation.

This Special Issue, titled “Fungal Biodegradation of Natural and Synthetic Polymers”, aims to present recent advances in the understanding and application of fungus-driven polymer degradation. Contributions may address fungal biodiversity, enzymatic mechanisms, saccharification processes, and molecular or omics-based approaches involved in the breakdown of lignocellulose, plastics, and 

other natural or synthetic polymers. Studies focusing on fungal enzymes (laccases, peroxidases, hydrolases, cutinases, and esterases) and their roles in bioconversion, recycling, and environmental remediation are particularly encouraged. Submissions may also focus on the discovery and engineering of novel fungal strains for bioremediation, as well as the optimization of fungal processes for integrated waste management.

Original research articles and reviews that bridge fundamental knowledge and applied perspectives, highlighting the role of fungi in biodegradation, waste valorization, and the development of eco-friendly strategies for polymer management, are warmly welcome.

Dr. Ekaterina Krumova
Dr. Yana Gocheva
Guest Editors

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. Sci is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1400 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.