What makes fungi a candidate for bio-integrated hydrogels
Fungi are traditionally known for their role in decomposition, but researchers are unlocking a different potential: living materials that can mimic the multilayered structure of human tissues. The study from the University of Utah showcases a hydrogel crafted from a soil mold, Marquandomyces marquandii, which behaves like a scaffold capable of supporting tissue growth while retaining substantial water content. This line of inquiry sits at the intersection of microbiology, materials science, and regenerative medicine, aiming to bridge the gap between rigid implants and soft biological tissues.
From mycelium to multilayered hydrogels
Most humans think of fungi in terms of mushrooms or mold, but the real work happens in the mycelial network — a web of filamentous structures that spread through soil, wood, or nutrient media. The Utah team exploited this architecture to form a hydrogel with distinct, layered porosity. Under stationary liquid fermentation, M. marquandii produced a hydrogel that preserved up to 83 percent water, while developing visible multilayered regions. In practical terms, these layers can be tuned to better match the mechanical and chemical environment of different tissues, potentially guiding cell growth and nutrient transport.
A closer look at the structure
Lead author Atul Agrawal describes a visible, layered hydrogel inside a flask: the top layer has about 40 percent porosity, while alternating bands show 90 percent and 70 percent porosity. This stratification likely reflects shifts in growth rate and nutrient access, suggesting that researchers could fine‑tune production by adjusting oxygen, temperature, and other growth conditions. Such control is crucial for biomedical applications where specific pore sizes influence cell infiltration, vascularization, and integration with host tissue.
Why porosity matters for tissue engineering
In tissue engineering, mimicking the viscoelastic properties of soft tissues is as important as providing structural support. Hydrogels that resemble cartilage, skin, or muscle can serve as cell culture platforms, bioreactors, or temporary implants. The M. marquandii hydrogel offers a biocompatible scaffold that combines resilience with a water-rich environment — a combination that can reduce scarring, promote cell survival, and facilitate nutrient exchange. The fungi-derived matrix is primarily made of chitin, a biocompatible polysaccharide also found in seashells and insect exoskeletons, contributing to its physical stability and compatibility with living tissue.
Future applications and practical considerations
Experts envision two broad paths: First, using the mycelial hydrogel as a template for biomedical applications, including tissue scaffolds that support bone or cartilage repair. Second, mineralizing the fungal framework to create composite structures that could function as more rigid implants while retaining a soft-tissue interface. However, translating this from the lab bench to the clinic will require extensive testing in animal models and safety evaluations. While M. marquandii is not known to be pathogenic to humans, its mold form can trigger rare allergic responses in sensitive individuals, underscoring the need for careful screening and containment in future studies.
What this discovery means for the field
This work represents a notable advance in the exploration of living materials for biomedicine. It is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first report of a mycelium species achieving hydrogel-like properties under submerged growth, positioning M. marquandii as a novel candidate for biomedical applications. The research opens doors to customizable, bio-integrated hydrogels that could eventually serve as dynamic wound dressings, regenerative scaffolds, or even soft tissue replacements. While the idea of mushroom-based skin or bone substitutes remains far off, the foundational science is moving toward safer, more adaptable materials that work in harmony with the body’s own healing processes.
Safety and ethical considerations
As with any living material intended for medical use, stringent safety assessments are essential. Potential allergy risks, microbial stability, and long-term biocompatibility must be evaluated in preclinical studies. Researchers emphasize that the goal is to learn from natural growth strategies to design safer, more effective hydrogels that can complement traditional treatments rather than replace them prematurely.
