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Updated: Aug 28, 2026

Recombinant Production And Purification of Hydrophobin SC16 From Escherichia coli And Monitoring of Its Self-Assembly Using Fluorescence Assays
Published on: June 5, 2026
Fungal Hydrophobins: Taxonomic Distribution, Functional Roles, Physicochemical Properties, and Biotechnological
Sandra de Camargo Lameu1, Matheus Henrique Galvão1, Isabelle Teixeira Mello1
1Laboratory of Molecular Sciences, University of Sorocaba (UNISO), Rodovia Raposo Tavares, km 92.5, Sorocaba 18023-000, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Hydrophobins are small, cysteine-rich amphipathic proteins predominantly produced by filamentous fungi, known for their ability to self-assemble at hydrophobic-hydrophilic interfaces. These proteins are essential for fungal development, surface interactions, pathogenicity, and environmental adaptation, and they have attracted growing interest for biotechnological applications. In this work, we provide a narrative review of fungal hydrophobins, based on a systematic literature search and manual curation of eligible studies integrated with protein database records from Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Information was compiled from peer-reviewed publications selected according to predefined eligibility criteria and complemented with UniProt records, covering taxonomic distribution, functional and biophysical properties, and physiological and pathogenic roles. Significant diversity in molecular features and physicochemical profiles was observed, indicating functional specialization across different ecological niches and lifestyles. Additionally, the compiled data highlight various biotechnological applications, such as surface modification, enzyme immobilization, drug delivery systems, biomaterial development, and environmentally sustainable technologies. By consolidating molecular, functional, and applied information across a wide range of fungal species, this review provides a comprehensive reference framework for hydrophobin research and biotechnological innovation.
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