Descripción del proyecto
Recubrimientos superficiales inspirados en biopelículas: sostenibles, autorreparables y ecológicos
El uso de revestimientos y tratamientos superficiales para proteger los materiales ante las condiciones ambientales es una práctica habitual en la ingeniería. Muchos de estos tratamientos implican el uso de productos químicos agresivos o procesos de alto consumo energético, a la vez que consumen grandes volúmenes de agua, un recurso cada vez más preciado. El equipo del proyecto ARCHI-SKIN, financiado con fondos europeos, se inspirará en la naturaleza y desarrollará un sistema de revestimiento protector bioactivo para materiales de ingeniería basado en biopelículas fúngicas, más conocidos más por el daño que por el bien que pueden ocasionar. Al aprovechar una combinación de métodos experimentales y matemáticos para caracterizar los mecanismos de formación de biopelículas, así como la estructura y el rendimiento de las mismas, el equipo desarrollará una biopelícula sostenible y optimizada capaz de autorrepararse y biorremediarse para proteger muchos tipos de superficies.
Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
- engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybioremediation
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycology
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterials
- natural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model
Programa(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Régimen de financiación
HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-BasedInstitución de acogida
6310 Izola
Eslovenia