Georgios I. Zervakis

Georgios I. Zervakis is a Professor of Mycology and Head of the Laboratory of General and Agricultural Microbiology at the Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens. His research focuses on fungal ecology, molecular phylogeny, mushroom cultivation, and biotechnological applications of fungi in waste valorization. He teaches courses in Soil Microbiology, General Microbiology, and Microbial Biotechnology, emphasizing practical lab components.

His work spans fungal biodiversity in Greece, including truffles (Tuber spp.) and Basidiomycota, with emphasis on taxonomy, symbiotic relationships, and biodegradation of pollutants. Recent studies highlight the prebiotic potential of mushrooms like Pleurotus eryngii, investigating their effects on gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, and immune modulation. He also explores agro-industrial waste conversion into valuable products through fungal bioconversion.

Zervakis collaborates with international teams on fungal systematics (e.g., Hortiboletus, Sidera), and leads projects on sustainable mushroom cultivation using olive mill and wine by-products. His lab actively engages in citizen science initiatives to document Greek mycobiota, contributing new species records.

Key contributions include genomic studies on cultivated mushrooms, detoxification of industrial wastewater via white-rot fungi, and functional characterization of mushroom-derived compounds for health benefits. Current research emphasizes translational applications, such as leveraging fungal β-glucans for metabolic disorder management and exploring truffle symbiosis in Mediterranean ecosystems.