Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LoopOfFun (Closed-loop control of fungal materials)
Berichtszeitraum: 2022-11-01 bis 2023-10-31
In an interdisciplinary approach, LoopOfFun will develop a conceptual and technological framework for the efficient and effective development of fungal-based living materials with open- and closed-loop control of mechanical and structural properties. This framework is based on four pillars: (i) the development of genetically encoded sensors and actuators for reading and writing mechanical and structural material properties as well as the assembly of these modules to openand closed-loop control circuits, (ii) the identification of filamentous fungi with naturally evolved superior properties for material synthesis as well as accessing them for synthetic biology-based programming, (iii) the development of the 4D Explorer, an automated, robotized platform for the efficient and effective development of engineered living materials based on iterative design-build-test-learn cycles, and (iv) a holistic approach for designing the final products based on the novel opportunities of LoopOfFun advances. Following this framework, LoopOfFun will produce materials featuring open- and closed-loop control of mechanical and structural properties. The intrinsic control features make the materials robust towards environmental fluctuations while aligning material properties with usage characteristics. The development and applicability of the novel materials will be shown by producing two different demonstrator materials at cm-m scale, one as structural material and the other one for pollutant degradation. The framework developed here as well as its underlying routines can generically be applied for the design and optimization of ELMs made of other organisms and matrices. LoopOfFun has an effective strategy for IP protection as well as for dissemination and interaction with commercialization partners. LoopOfFun will comprehensively address its stakeholders and establish a communication strategy designed at promoting ELMs as a sustainable contribution to the EU technology field.
We have performed comprehensive initial work to develop a conceptual and technological framework for the efficient and effective development of fungal-based living materials with open- and closed-loop control of mechanical and structural properties. Specifically, we have done the following work and achievements: (i) We have designed genetic parts and engineered proteins for reading and writing mechanical material properties as well as the assembly of these modules to open-loop control synthetic biological circuits, (ii) we have identified two filamentous fungi with naturally evolved superior properties for material synthesis, have sequenced these fungi and are now designing transformation protocols as basis for accession by synthetic biology tools. (iii) we have initiated the development of the 4D Explorer based on iterative design-build-test-learn cycles. To this aim, we have initially evaluated different liquid handling systems and identified suitable configurations for fungal material synthesis. (iv) We have further initiated the development of tools for implementing specific designs of the final material. Future work will aim at producing materials featuring open- and closed-loop control of mechanical and structural properties. We have further engaged with industrial stakeholders for first market feedback and have in different formats communicated the potential of ELMs as a sustainable contribution to the EU technology field to the broader public.
(i) LoopOfFun's designed genetic parts and engineered proteins for reading and writing mechanical material properties as well as the assembly of these modules to open-loop control synthetic biological circuits will enable a new dimension of reading and writing materials properties and structures and can also be useful for other systems, including other cell types and biomimetic materials.
(ii) We have sequenced two filamentous fungi with naturally evolved superior properties for material synthesis. To generate impact from these results, we will first use them for accessing the fungi for synthetic biology within LoopOfFun and will, following evaluation for IP securing publish the sequences to further advance the field of fungal materials.
(iii) We have conceptionalized and performed initial validation studies on the 4D Explorer for accelerated materials discovery. By further developing this system we will generate impact by accelerating our research and yielding materials with superior properties within shorter time.
(iv) We have engaged with industrial stakeholders for first market feedback and have in different formats communicated the potential of ELMs as a sustainable contribution to the EU technology field to the broader public. We anticipate such work to prepare the market for engineered living materials by initialising the industry about the new competitive properties of ELMs and also by preparing and promoting a favourable public opinion towards this new class of materials.
(ii) We have sequenced two filamentous fungi with naturally evolved superior properties for material synthesis. To generate impact from these results, we will first use them for accessing the fungi for synthetic biology within LoopOfFun and will, following evaluation for IP securing publish the sequences to further advance the field of fungal materials.
(iii) We have conceptionalized and performed initial validation studies on the 4D Explorer for accelerated materials discovery. By further developing this system we will generate impact by accelerating our research and yielding materials with superior properties within shorter time.
(iv) We have engaged with industrial stakeholders for first market feedback and have in different formats communicated the potential of ELMs as a sustainable contribution to the EU technology field to the broader public. We anticipate such work to prepare the market for engineered living materials by initialising the industry about the new competitive properties of ELMs and also by preparing and promoting a favourable public opinion towards this new class of materials.