Chitin/Chitosan and Its Derivatives: Fundamental Problems and Practical Approaches.

In this review, we present the data on the natural occurrence of chitin and its partially or fully deacetylated derivative chitosan, as well as their properties, methods of modification, and potential applications of derivatives with bactericidal, fungicidal, and antioxidant activities. The structure and physicochemical characteristics of the polymers, their functions, and features of chitin microbial synthesis and degradation, including the processes occurring in nature, are described. New data on the hydrolytic microorganisms capable of chitin degradation under extreme conditions are presented.

[Lignin: Chemical structure, biodegradation, and practical application].

The review describes the natural biopolymer lignin, which is second in plant biomass abundance. It is evident now that lignin is considerably undervalued and insufficiently studied in the applied area. The review focuses on the history of the lignin discovery, methods for its extraction from plant objects, its biodegradation by fungi, the enzymes degrading lignin, and the prospects of its application in current biotechnology.

[Lipid Composition in Cell Walls and in Mycelial and Spore Cells of Mycelial Fungi].

Qualitative and quantitative differences were found between the lipids of cell walls (CW) and of whole mycelial cells and dormant cells of mucoraceous and ascomycete fungi. Thus, whole mycelial cells (WC) contained more lipids than CW. Unlike sporangiospores and conidia (exogenous dormant spores), zygotes were found to have the highest content of triacylglycerol lipids (70%).

[Trehalose: chemical structure, biological functions, and practical application].

Up-to-date information concerning the chemical structure and properties of trehalose, its natural occurrence and biological functions in plants, fungi, and prokaryotes, as well as its practical application, mainly in medicine and biotechnology, are reviewed. A special section deals with the role of trehalose and other protective polyols in stress processes in fungi.