EU Develops Self-Healing Materials Using Fungi, Bacteria

Recent advancements in materials science are bringing innovative self-repairing technologies to the forefront of the aerospace and construction industries. Researchers from the European Union have developed new "living materials" that utilize biological organisms such as fungi and bacteria to create self-healing, adaptive materials.

Dr. Kunal Masania, Associate Professor of Aerospace Structures and Materials, Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, is leading a project called AM-IMATE. Funded by a five-year EU grant awarded in January 2023, AM-IMATE focuses on integrating biological organisms into new materials designed for industrial and engineering applications.

"The goal is to make engineered structures that can behave like living organisms, able to sense and adapt to mechanical stresses," Masania explained. The project is creating composites that incorporate living fungi cells and wood, resulting in a hydrogel combined with mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi.

Masania highlighted the resilience of fungi, stating, "We chose to work with fungi because they are robust organisms, tolerant of harsh conditions and relatively easy to cultivate." Mycelium’s ability to form extensive sensing networks within the material enables self-repair and adaptability, making it a promising candidate for advanced applications.

In practical terms, Masania and his team are exploring the use of these living materials in aerospace. "Our materials are lightweight and more sustainable than those currently in use," Masania noted. He suggested that replacing conventional plastics and metals with these living materials could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance recycling solutions at the end of life. Additionally, these materials might support construction in space or on other planets by binding local materials with fungi to create new habitats.

Meanwhile, in the construction field, Dr. Anna Sandak from the University of Primorska and the Slovenian InnoRenew Centre of Excellence is advancing a similar concept. Her team received a five-year EU grant in 2022 to develop a "live" biofilm intended to protect building surfaces such as concrete, plastic, and metal.

Sandak's approach emphasizes natural solutions over synthetic chemicals. "Instead of using synthetic chemicals, biocides, and mineral oils, which are not always environmentally friendly, we are focusing on developing natural solutions," she said. The biofilm being developed aims to enhance resilience and sustainability in building materials.

Sandak praised the benefits of living organisms, stating, "We are adding a new dimension to materials that has not existed before—life. Living materials are more environmentally friendly, capable of self-healing, and have the potential to clean the air while being more cost-effective."

The research also utilizes fungi, which Sandak describes as having "huge potential" due to their high survival rate and minimal nutrient requirements. Unlike harmful fungi that degrade materials, Sandak's team uses specific fungi that are non-destructive and beneficial to building materials.

The end product, termed ARCHI-SKIN, is envisioned as a water-based coating applicable to various surfaces. Sandak's team is also working on incorporating different colors to meet both aesthetic and practical needs in architecture.

The ARCHI-SKIN project is expected to continue until 2027, with early applications anticipated within the next decade.