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Demand for low- or non-alcoholic beers has been growing in recent years. Thus, research is increasingly focusing on non-Saccharomyces species that typically are only able to consume the simple sugars in wort, and therefore have a limited production of alcohol. In this project, new species and strains of non-conventional yeasts were sampled and identified from Finnish forest environments. From this wild yeast collection, a number of Mrakia gelida strains were selected for small-scale fermentation tests and compared with a reference strain, the low-alcohol brewing yeast Saccharomycodes ludwigii. All the M. gelida strains were able to produce beer with an average of 0.7% alcohol, similar to the control strain. One M. gelida strain showing the most promising combination of good fermentation profile and production of desirable flavor active compounds was selected for pilot-scale (40 L) fermentation. The beers produced were matured, filtered, carbonated, and bottled. The bottled beers were then directed for in-house evaluation, and further analyzed for sensory profiles. The beers produced contained 0.6% Alcohol by volume (ABV). According to the sensory analysis, the beers were comparable to those produced by S. ludwigii, and contained detectable fruit notes (banana and plum). No distinct off-flavors were noted. A comprehensive analysis of M. gelida’s resistance to temperature extremes, disinfectant, common preservatives, and antifungal agents would suggest that the strains pose little risk to either process hygiene or occupational safety.

Wood residues from forestry industries can be potential raw materials for specialty and edible mushroom production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of wood residues for the cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum originating from boreal forests. The substrates tested included sawdust and wood chips of Betula spp., Populus tremula, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Larix sp. The suitability of the substrates and the ability of the strains to develop fruiting bodies and produce β-glucan were evaluated. Fruiting body formation was supported by applying two different cold shock treatments to substrate bags. The highest yields were observed with MUS192 strain and Betula spp. and P. tremula wood-based substrates. β-Glucan content in the fruiting bodies was highest with the MUS75 and P. tremula wood-based substrate. Based on these findings, the combination of P. tremula wood residues and the MUS192 strain is proposed to enhance the yield and β-glucan content of the fruiting bodies. A cold treatment of 5 °C is suggested to induce primordia formation and to increase fruiting probability. This is the first time that strains of G. lucidum originating from boreal forests have been compared and successfully cultivated simulating commercial indoor cultivation.

Viral infections are amongst the most common diseases affecting people worldwide. New viruses emerge all the time and presently we have limited number of vaccines and only few antivirals to combat viral diseases. Fungi represent a vast source of bioactive molecules, which could potentially be used as antivirals in the future. Here, we have summarized the current knowledge of fungi as producers of antiviral compounds and discuss their potential applications. In particular, we have investigated how the antiviral action has been assessed and what is known about the molecular mechanisms and actual targets. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of accurate fungal species identification on antiviral and other natural products studies.