Functionalized Micellar Membranes from Medicinal Mushrooms as Promising Self-Growing Bioscaffolds

Micellar or mycelial membranes from medicinal mushrooms are self-growing fibrous polymeric biocomposites that are biocompatible, biodegradable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. In this study, the cultivation process for the medicinal mushrooms <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> and <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> has been optimized via submerged cultivation to maximize growth and promote the formation of micellar membranes with high water-absorption capacity. Optimal growth conditions were achieved at an alkaline pH in a medium containing malt extract for <i>G. lucidum</i>, while for <i>P. ostreatus</i>, these were in a glucose-enriched medium. The hydrophilic underside of the micellar membranes led to a high-water uptake capacity. These membranes exhibited a broad spectrum of functional groups, thermal stability with decomposition temperatures above 260 °C, and a fibrous and porous structure. The micellar membranes from both mushrooms were additionally functionalized with mango peel extract (MPE), resulting in a uniform and gradual release profile, which is an important novelty. They also showed successful antimicrobial activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> growth. MPE-functionalized micellar membranes are, therefore, innovative biocomposites suitable for various biomedical applications. As they mimic the extracellular matrix of the skin, they are a promising material for tissue engineering, wound healing, and advanced skin materials applications.