Closed-loop control of fungal materials

Introduction

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.

Framework Overview

This framework is based on four pillars:

1. Development of Sensors and Actuators
   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 open- and closed-loop control circuits.

2. Identification of Filamentous Fungi
   The identification of filamentous fungi with naturally evolved superior properties for material synthesis, as well as accessing them for synthetic biology-based programming.

3. Development of the 4D Explorer
   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.

4. Holistic Design Approach
   A holistic approach for designing the final products based on the novel opportunities of LoopOfFun advances.

Material Production

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.

Demonstrator Materials

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.
• The other one for pollutant degradation.

Generic Application

The framework developed here, as well as its underlying routines, can generically be applied for the design and optimization of engineered living materials (ELMs) made of other organisms and matrices.

IP Protection and Stakeholder Engagement

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 to promote ELMs as a sustainable contribution to the EU technology field.