Advanced mycelium materials as potential self-growing biomedical scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Mycology

Background:

• Mycelia, the vegetative fungal structures, are recognized for their sustainable and biodegradable properties.
• Current biomedical applications of mycelia primarily utilize extracts and derivatives.
• The potential of intact mycelial structures as biomaterials remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the entire fibrous structures of edible fungi mycelia as bio-composites for tissue engineering.
• To investigate mycelia as self-growing scaffolds mimicking the human extracellular matrix.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cellular interaction of mycelial bio-scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Mycelia from Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum were grown and inactivated via autoclaving.
• Morphological, chemical composition (cell wall), and mechanical properties were analyzed.
• Biocompatibility and direct interaction with primary human dermal fibroblasts were investigated.

Main Results:

• Mycelial bio-composites demonstrated properties suitable for mimicking the extracellular matrix.
• Characterization revealed tunable hydrodynamical and mechanical features.
• The mycelial structures exhibited good biocompatibility and favorable interaction with human dermal fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• Intact fungal mycelia represent a promising, all-natural, and low-cost biomaterial for tissue engineering.
• These mycelial bio-scaffolds offer a sustainable alternative to existing tissue engineering systems.
• Further research into mycelia-based scaffolds could advance regenerative medicine.