A mycelium biofactory: Novel biomaterial obtained by culturing Ganoderma sessile on a potential osteogenic substrate

Oral diseases represent a significant public health challenge, particularly periodontal and peri-implant diseases that result in considerable bone loss and diminished quality of life. To address these issues, tissue engineering techniques such as guided bone regeneration (GBR) utilize barrier membranes to promote bone defect healing. This study introduces a novel membrane employing Ganoderma sessile mycelium as a microstructural director for osteogenic biomaterials, achieving a mycelium-alginate-nanohydroxyapatite (My-ALG-HA) composite. This innovative strategy addresses the limitations of conventional biomaterials, including inadequate management of chewing forces, limited blood supply and microbial contamination. This approach uses the unique hierarchical structure and hydrophobic properties of Ganoderma mycelium alongside the biocompatibility and hydrophilicity of the ALG-HA system to improve the structural integrity and biological functionality. The mycelium colonizes the ALG-HA substrate, forming a porous trabecular bone-like network. Water contact angle assays indicated an anisotropic interaction behavior, and tensile testing confirmed the material ductility. Incorporating mycelium-derived molecules contributes to its hydrophobicity and resistance to degradation in simulated physiological conditions. Additionally, the My-ALG-HA biomaterial demonstrates human blood hemocompatibility and osteoblast-like cell (MC3T3-E1) cytocompatibility, highlighting its potential as an advanced solution for bone tissue regeneration in regenerative medicine.