Description du projet
Des revêtements de surface inspirés du biofilm, durables, autoréparables et écologiques
Les revêtements et traitements de surface destinés à les matériaux des conditions environnementales sont omniprésents dans l’ingénierie. Nombre de ces traitements nécessitent des produits chimiques agressifs et/ou des processus à forte intensité énergétique, et consomment de grandes quantités d’une eau de plus en plus précieuse. Le projet ARCHI-SKIN, financé par l’UE, s’inspirera de la nature pour mettre au point un système de revêtement protecteur bioactif pour les matériaux d’ingénierie à partir de biofilms fongiques connus généralement pour leurs effets néfastes. En combinant méthodes expérimentales et mathématiques pour caractériser les mécanismes de formation des biofilms, ainsi que leur structure et leurs performances, l’équipe développera un biofilm optimisé et durable capable d’auto-réparation et de biorestauration pour protéger de nombreux types de surface.
Objectif
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.
Champ scientifique
- engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybioremediation
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycology
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterials
- natural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Régime de financement
HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-BasedInstitution d’accueil
6310 Izola
Slovénie