MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Filamentous fungal pellets as versatile platforms for cell immobilization: developments to date and future perspectives

Summary

Filamentous fungi, commonly known as molds, can be grown into small spherical structures called pellets that act as excellent platforms for attaching and growing various types of cells. These fungal pellets are sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials and can support different cell types for applications ranging from producing cultivated meat to treating wastewater. The porous structure of fungal pellets allows cells to attach and grow while maintaining the ability to transfer nutrients and oxygen efficiently.

Background

Filamentous fungi are valuable for producing industrial molecules and their biomass offers potential as a sustainable platform for cell immobilization. Fungal pellets provide a biocompatible, biodegradable alternative to synthetic supports for attaching various cell types including animal, yeast, microalgae, bacteria, and plant cells.

Objective

This comprehensive review compiles the current state of research on immobilization of different cell types in filamentous fungal supports and presents applications in fermentations, food production, biofuel production, and wastewater treatment. The review aims to discuss mechanisms of immobilization and identify opportunities for further research and development.

Results

The review identified immobilization of animal, yeast, microalgae, bacterial, and plant cells in fungal species including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Pleurotus. Mechanisms include protein-mediated, hydrophobic, electrostatic, and van der Waals interactions. Applications span intensified fermentations, cultivated meat production, food processing, biofuel generation, and wastewater treatment.

Conclusion

Fungal pellets represent a promising sustainable platform for cell immobilization with unique advantages over synthetic supports. Further research is needed to elucidate immobilization mechanisms, expand cell-fungus combinations, explore new applications, and demonstrate scaled-up operations to fully realize the potential of this technology for the circular bioeconomy.
  • Published in:Microbial Cell Factories,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39415192, DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02554-3
Scroll to Top