# Mushroom-Derived Hydrophobins for Antifouling and Interface Preservation in Chemosensors

## TL;DR

This review explores mushroom-derived hydrophobins as a natural alternative to synthetic coatings for preventing surface fouling in medical devices and chemosensors.

## Contribution

The paper introduces mushroom-derived hydrophobins as a novel bio-based antifouling strategy for sensor surfaces.

## Key findings

- Hydrophobins self-assemble into nanoscale films that reduce nonspecific adsorption on sensor surfaces.
- They offer advantages over synthetic coatings in terms of surface energy modulation and durability.
- Current research highlights their potential for improving signal stability and device lifetime in chemosensors.

## Abstract

Surface fouling remains a critical challenge for medical devices and chemosensor systems operating in biological environments, where nonspecific adsorption of proteins, cells, and microorganisms can lead to signal drift, reduced sensitivity, and shortened device lifetime. Conventional antifouling strategies rely primarily on synthetic hydrophilic polymer coatings, such as polyethylene glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which are effective but face limitations related to long-term stability, thickness, and compatibility with surface-sensitive sensing modalities. In this review, we focus on hydrophobins derived from mushroom-forming and filamentous fungi as a bio-based alternative for antifouling and anti-wetting surface modification. Mushroom-derived hydrophobins are small amphiphilic proteins capable of spontaneous self-assembly into nanometer-scale films that modulate surface energy, wettability, and interfacial friction without requiring covalent functionalization. The current state of research on hydrophobin structure, classification, and self-assembly is reviewed, followed by a synthesis of reported antifouling and tribological behaviors relevant to medical and sensor-adjacent surfaces. Representative experimental observations are discussed to illustrate trends consistent with the literature, without establishing new performance benchmarks. The implications of mushroom-derived hydrophobin coatings for chemosensors and biosensors are examined, particularly with respect to signal stability, surface accessibility, and durability. Limitations and future research directions are outlined to support translation into practical sensing technologies.