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Advanced Mycelium Materials as Potential Self-Growing Biomedical Scaffolds

Summary

This research explores using mushroom root networks (mycelia) as natural scaffolds for growing human tissue. Scientists found that oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus) mycelia can successfully support human cell growth without requiring complex chemical processing. This breakthrough could revolutionize tissue engineering by providing a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to current synthetic materials. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to more affordable tissue replacement treatments – Provides an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic medical materials – Demonstrates new sustainable applications for mushroom-based materials – May accelerate development of regenerative medicine treatments – Could reduce medical waste through biodegradable materials

Background

Mycelia, the vegetative part of fungi, are emerging as sustainable and biodegradable materials composed of self-growing interconnected fibrous networks. Their properties can be adjusted based on growth conditions and substrate. While fungal extracts have been previously evaluated for biomedical applications, the potential of intact mycelial structures as tissue engineering scaffolds has not been fully explored.

Objective

To investigate and demonstrate how the entire fungal mycelial structure can be directly employed, without chemical pretreatments, as a valid and sustainable alternative for biomedical scaffolds. The study specifically examines the potential use of Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum mycelia as tissue engineering adhesion platforms.

Results

P. ostreatus mycelia demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with human fibroblasts, while G. lucidum showed cytotoxic effects due to presence of ganoderic acid V and oleandrin. The mycelia exhibited suitable porosity (68-85%), mechanical properties comparable to natural tissues, and appropriate surface chemistry for cell attachment. Primary fibroblasts successfully adhered to P. ostreatus scaffolds both with and without fibronectin coating, displaying healthy morphology and cellular extensions.

Conclusion

Mycelium from P. ostreatus can serve as a self-growing, all-natural biocomposite scaffold for cell growth, requiring only simple autoclaving for preparation. This represents the first demonstration of primary human cells directly cultured on unmodified mycelial scaffolds, opening new possibilities for sustainable tissue engineering biomaterials.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-021-91572-x
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