Fungal Hydrophobins: Biosynthesis, Properties, and Possibilities of Application in Biotechnology (Review)

The current information about hydrophobins, low molecular weight proteins synthesized by filamentous fungi, which are one of the strongest cellular biosurfactants, is summarized. The mechanism of biosynthesis of hydrophobins, the chemical structures and spectrum of its natural and synthetic isoforms, biological activity, and role in the regulation of vital processes of producers are presented. The potential for using hydrophobins in biotechnology has been demonstrated.