Projektbeschreibung
Biofilm-inspirierte Oberflächenbeschichtungen: nachhaltig, selbstheilend und umweltfreundlich
Der Einsatz von Beschichtungen und Oberflächenbehandlungen zum Schutz von Materialien vor Umwelteinflüssen ist in der Technik allgegenwärtig. Viele dieser Behandlungen beinhalten aggressive Chemikalien und/oder energieintensive Prozesse, während sie große Mengen an immer kostbarer werdendem Wasser verbrauchen. Das EU-finanzierte Projekt ARCHI-SKIN wird sich von der Natur inspirieren lassen und ein bioaktives Schutzbeschichtungssystem für technische Materialien entwickeln, das auf mykotischen Biofilmen basiert, die mehr dafür bekannt sind, dass sie schaden als nützen. Unter Nutzung einer Kombination aus experimentellen und mathematischen Methoden zur Charakterisierung der Mechanismen für Biofilmbildung sowie der Struktur und Leistung der Biofilme wird das Team einen nachhaltig optimierten Biofilm entwickeln, der zur Selbstheilung und Bioremediation fähig ist, um viele Oberflächentypen zu schützen.
Ziel
Biofilms, an assemblage of surface-associated microbial cells that is enclosed in an extracellular polymeric substance matrix, are recognised as one of the most stable biological systems on earth. The beneficial use of biofilms for protection is nearly unexplored since up-to-date research is focused on the prevention of its formation. In the ARCHI-SKIN project, we will explore the design principles underlying fungal biofilm to bridge the knowledge gap on the chemistry-structure-properties of the biological systems’ interface. Mechanisms of biofilm formation, its structure, function, quorum sensing, and performance will be understood at multiple scales following the best practices of materiomics. It will be achieved by advancing state-of-the-art in-situ laboratory routines and use the latest mathware solutions in combination with the design-build-test-learn approach for the experimental work.
In the following step, we will develop a bioactive protective coating system working in conjunction with nature. We will benefit from the synergic strength of living fungal cells, bio-based ingredients, and bioinspired concepts for materials protection. Advanced in-silico methods will be used for the integration of active ingredients and modelling of optimal and long-lasting nutrient sources compatible with the enzymatic profile of selected fungal strains. We will design and create technically applicable, controlled, and optimized biofilm built by the yeast-like ubiquitous and widespread oligotroph fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans, that will effectively protect the surfaces of biomaterials, concrete, plastics, and metals, among others, assuring optimal service life performance and remarkable functionalities including self-healing and bioremediation.
Our pioneering approach for materials protection will push the boundaries of traditional materials concepts toward the development of engineered living materials capable to interact, adapt, and respond to environmental changes.
Wissenschaftliches Gebiet
- engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybioremediation
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycology
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterials
- natural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model
Programm/Programme
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Thema/Themen
Finanzierungsplan
HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-BasedGastgebende Einrichtung
6310 Izola
Slowenien