ASHWINI J., SHIVARUDRASWAMY D., PUNITHKUMAR NARAGANAHALLI KRISHNARAJ, KUMAR J.R. AND NAGALAMBIKA PRASAD
Abstract
Thermophilic fungi are a distinct group of extremophilic microorganisms that thrive at elevated temperatures, typically between 40 °C and 50 °C. Their capacity to synthesize thermostable enzymes - biocatalysts that retain structural integrity and catalytic efficiency under severe thermal and chemical stress- has made them critical assets in industrial biotechnology. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge of the diversity, natural habitats, genomic and structural adaptations, and industrial applications of thermophilic fungi and their thermostable enzymes. We highlight key genera, including Thermomyces, Thermoascus, Chaetomium, and Myceliophthora, and explore their distribution across compost, geothermal environments, and industrial waste sites. Furthermore, this review outlines the molecular and genomic mechanisms underpinning thermoadaptation - such as high G:C content, compact protein structures, and dense disulfide bonding - and examines the functional roles of major enzyme classes, including cellulases, xylanases, proteases, and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). Finally, key applications across the biofuel, pulp and paper, food, feed, and textile industries are discussed.