From lab to industry: Methods for biomass quantification in basidiomycetous fungi

Basidiomycota are vital producers of high-value bioactive compounds, enzymes, and natural pigments, making accurate biomass quantification essential for optimizing bioprocesses. This review critically assesses methodologies for measuring biomass concentration in Basidiomycota, including metabolic assays, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), ergosterol assays, chitin determination, dissolved oxygen sensors, off-gas analysis, dielectric spectroscopy, flow cytometry, advanced imaging and microscopy, and vibrational spectroscopy. Each technique is systematically evaluated for its scale of application, accuracy, operational mode, and cost-effectiveness, with emphasis on their respective advantages and limitations. By comparing these factors, this review provides guidance in selecting optimal biomass quantification methods to improve efficiency and reliability across laboratory and industrial settings. • Biomass quantification in Basidiomycota is challenging due to complex growth. • Approaches span from traditional assays to advanced imaging and spectroscopy. • Appropriate methods must be chosen according to application-specific requirements. • Hybrid strategies excel by merging rapid indirect methods with direct calibrations.