Multilayered Carbohydrate–Protein Microfiber Scaffolds Formed by Basidiomycetes for Skin Bioengineering and Wound Healing Applications

Naturally-derived macromolecules have high potential for the production of structural materials of biomedical issues. This study is one of the first attempts of the basidiomycete mycelia application as a source of virtually all natural biopolymers, suitable for use in skin bioengineering and wound healing. Multilayer protein-carbohydrate microfiber mycelial scaffolds were produced by growing naturally derived hymenophore cells of two Basidiomycota species, Trametes hirsuta and Trametes pubescens, in floating liquid culture. Chemical treatments with dimethyl sulfoxide, trichloroacetic acid, isopropanol or ethanol were conducted for the material modification and sterilization. The FTIR-ATR spectra analysis of intact and chemically treated mycelial mats showed the presence of carboxyl and amide peaks of polysaccharides glucan/mannans, proteins, chitin and lipids. Tensile strength for both types of mats was about 0.1 MPa, elongation at break of 24–39% and Young modulus of 0.26–0.55 MPa. We demonstrate the possibility of the formation of epidermis-like structure with the basal, spinous and cornified layers by HaCaT keratinocytes and successful wound healing of human skin xenograft wounds by using T. pubescens mycelial mats. The present technology is useful for production of cost effective, biocompatible multilayered scaffolds that possess a skin extracellular matrix-like structure, capable of maintaining the functional properties of the cellular components.