This paper explores the use of fungus-derived proteins as a sustainable alternative to animal-derived cell-adhesive factors for cell-cultivated food. Data mining revealed that a significant percentage of fungal proteins contain the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif, crucial for cell adhesion. The authors isolated protein particles from basidiomycete fungi and demonstrated their effectiveness in supporting cell adhesion and alignment in a 3D fiber matrix. Cell traction stress on these particles was comparable to that on fibronectin, a common animal-derived cell-adhesive protein. Mass spectrometry identified several RGD-containing proteins in the fungal extracts. This research provides a sustainable and cost-effective method for producing cell-adhesive matrices for cell-cultivated food and healthcare applications.

Yu Xing Teo, Kah Yin Lee, Corinna Jie Hui Goh, Loo Chien Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Keng-Hwee Chiam, Chan Du, Andrew C. A. Wan