Introduction. The development of new strategies to repair large segmental bone defects is currently an ongoing challenge all around the world, and biomaterials suitable for dealing with this are in high demand. An important aim in this field is to simultaneously meet both the mechanical and biological requirements of the implant site.
Methodology. In this study, we propose obtaining a bioinspired bone tissue substitute using the stiff and modulable mycelium of Ganoderma sessile. The mycelium was cultured on a substrate composed of alginate crosslinked by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (ALG-HAn), with in vitro osteogenic properties previously verified by the authors. Then, the mycelium was inactivated and sterilized by autoclaving to obtain the final biomaterial.
Results. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was possible to confirm that the mycelium acts as a directing agent of the biomaterial microstructure. The mycelium colonized the ALG-HAn substrate, leading to the formation of a trabecular bone-like network with a hierarchical structure. Moreover, static water contact angle assays demonstrated that the presence of ALG in the membranes significantly reduced the hydrophobicity of the biomaterials. Finally, to test the interaction between blood cells and biomaterial, we verify the lack of hemolysis in plasma samples.
Conclusions. The promising results of this work will provide a new perspective for the future development of mycelium-based biomaterials applied for bone tissue regeneration.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, N.L.D. and P.P.; methodology, N.L.D., P.P., J.S. and D.P.; formal analysis, N.L.D., P.P., J.S. and D.P.; resources, P.V.M. and P.P.; writing—original draft preparation, N.L.D. and J.S.; writing—review and editing, N.L.D., J.S. and P.P.; supervision, P.V.M., P.P. and N.L.D.; project administration, P.V.M. and P.P.; funding acquisition, P.V.M. and P.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research was funded by Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS) grant number PGI 24/131; Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (ANPCyT) grant number PICT-2021-I-A-00108 and PICT 2020-3527, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) grant number PIP-11220210100126CO and ImpaCT.AR program grant number Impactar D76. D.P. has a postdoctoral fellowships of CONICET; J.S., N.L.D., P.P. and P.V.M. are researchers of CONICET.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Fresh whole-blood samples were obtained from the subjects according to guidelines of Good Clinical Practices (ICH GCP Guidelines) of The Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki) and Argentine National disposition ANMAT 6677/10 and Buenos Aires provincial law (no. 11044).
Informed Consent Statement
Informed consent was obtained from all blood donors. Neither case details nor other personal information has been obtained from whole-blood samples.
Data Availability Statement
Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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