Endophytic Fungi: Role in Dye Decolorization

Abstract

Endophytic fungi inhabit plant tissues, in either a symbiotic or mutualistic relationship, without harming the host plant. They are known for the production of secondary metabolites, which shield the host from invading pathogens. Endophytic fungi produce extracellular enzymes like laccases that have a potential role to play in dye decolorization. Dyes are complex organic compounds that are derived from biological, chemical, and physical processes and are useful for all industries, but mainly the textile, leather, paper, and food industries. In contrast, the world faces ecological problems due to the toxicity of synthetic compounds. They are nondegradable and persist for a long time. This chapter focuses on the decolorization of various dyes through endophytic fungi using various processes like biomagnification, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and enzymatic degradation. Moreover, this chapter explains the efficiency of endophytic fungi in the degradation of various dyes, for example, Congo red, methyl orange, methyl red, and crystal violet. Therefore, it is essential to carry out toxicity studies on dye degradation and to develop an eco-friendly technology that may degrade dyes easily.