Fungal Enzymes Make Devices More Biocompatible
Fungi break down tough wood using specialized enzymes called ligninases. Karolinska Institute scientists created pacemaker coatings using these fungal-derived compounds. Their 2024 trials showed 30% less inflammation in rabbits following implantation. Human studies began earlier this year. The coating works by breaking down inflammatory proteins that trigger rejection, similar to how fungi digest plant material in forest ecosystems.