Nature inspires, science builds: Fungi and the future of sustainable construction
Author: [email protected]
Dr. Wojciech Pajerski, InnoRenew CoE researcher, is attending the 50th World Chemistry Congress (50WCC), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He is presenting the InnoRenew CoE’s sustainable research vision and bioinspired approach to materials science. Specifically, Dr. Pajerski is showcasing the institute’s efforts in developing Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) through the following projects:
- REMEDY (Archibiome Tattoo for Resistant, Responsive, and Resilient Cities) – funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC)
- ARCHI-SKIN (Bioinspired living skin for architecture) – funded by the European Research Council (ERC)
- Biolumicoat (Bioluminescent microbial coating for architectural surfaces) – MSCA Seal of Excellence project supported by ARIS
This international event offers a valuable platform to highlight contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to strengthen collaboration with scientists from across the globe.
Dr. Anna Sandak, InnoRenew CoE Deputy director and head of research department for materials, attended the second meeting of the Technology Council for Advanced Materials, which was held on 25 June 2025.
High-level representatives from Member States, academia & industry, discussed how to join forces to advance EU industrial leadership. Additionally, reports on “uptake and deployment of advanced materials” and “advanced materials for medical devices” were endorsed by the members of the council.
The Technology Council has been announced in the Communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership and established by the relevant Commission Decision.
At the international NIR conference held at Auditorium della Tecnica (Rome, Italy; 8–12 June 2025), Anja Černoša shared ARCHI-SKIN results titled “Spectroscopic Analysis of Aureobasidium pullulans Biofilm for the Development of Living Coating for Architecture.” The contribution used FT-NIR and FTIR spectroscopy to compare A. pullulans biofilms across growth media, revealing media-dependent chemical signatures that will guide the design of living coatings for architectural applications. This work advances ARCHI-SKIN’s interdisciplinary goals across microbiology, spectroscopy, and materials science.
ARCHI-SKIN results were shared at Biofilms 11 – Interdisciplinary Momentum: Accelerating Biofilm Research and Innovation Across Boundaries (Cardiff, UK; 13–15 May 2025). Dr Anja Černoša presented the latest outcomes from the project. The ARCHI-SKIN contribution focused on near-infrared (NIR) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis of Aureobasidium pullulans biofilms. The findings demonstrate a label-free, non-destructive way to track biofilm chemistry and maturation on different substrates, advancing our understanding of microbe–surface interactions. These insights will inform protocol refinement and guide upcoming experiments within the project’s broader effort to design next-generation, sustainable surface solutions, highlighting ARCHI-SKIN’s interdisciplinary work across microbiology, spectroscopy, and materials science.
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MayaSat 1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9
MayaSat 1 is hitching a ride inside the Mission Possible capsule and is carrying a variety of unflown biosamples to orbit — and back — for retrieval and research. Among the samples is also the ARCHI-SKIN bioinspired fungal biofilm, developed at InnoRenew CoE.
As first and only clients to undertake such a study, this is the first of its kind to investigate the effects of space on engineered living materials.
The launch site: Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
The project Bioinspired living skin for architecture (ARCHI-SKIN) has been selected as an example of a project contributing to the six priorities of the European Commission, specifically under the European Green Deal priority.
The European Research Council (ERC) funded ARCHI-SKIN project is featured in the section “Examples of EU-added value of ERC funded projects” in the Annual Activity Report 2024 of the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA).
This recognition highlights the importance of fundamental research in addressing major societal challenges. ARCHI-SKIN is dedicated to developing a protective bio-coat made from engineered living materials.
Maximilian Pramreiter, a senior scientist at the Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Resources at BOKU University in Vienna, Austria, is producing the WoodCAST podcast.
Dr. Anna Sandak, InnoRenew CoE Deputy director, participated in the podcast and talked about her research, with special focus on engineered living materials.
The WoodCAST deals with all things related to wood and natural materials. Together with graduates of BOKU University he talks about the degree programme and career prospects, and together with leading minds from research and industry, he present current research and hot topics of the world of natural materials.
Listen to the news episode “Prof. Sandak: Giving life to our buildings with Engineered Living Materials”
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WTalk with Dr. Anna Sandak
The Slovenian Green Building Council, as part of the TOP CLeveR project, conducted a WTalk interview with Dr. Anna Sandak, InnoRenew CoE’s Deputy Director.
The purpose of the TOP CLeveR project is to equip construction professionals and workers with the skills needed to address challenges of sustainable building and the long-term durability of structures.
The Slovenian Green Building Council aims to contribute to the development of sustainable construction, sustainable development, and real estate management through its efforts and activities.
Watch the interview here: GBC Slovenia – Podcast WTalk z Dr. Anna Sandak
InnoRenew CoE performing experiments at the SYRMEP beamline
Dr. Wojciech Pajerski, InnoRenew CoE researcher, recently carried out experiments at the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste.
The aim was to explore biofilm–material interactions in the context of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs), with a focus on their integration into architectural surfaces.
The visit was carried out with the support of dr. Ihab Malat, InnoRenew CoE researcher, and Flavien Ginioux, an intern at InnoRenew CoE from Sigma Clermont, working under dr. Wojciech’s supervision.
This research work contributes to ongoing research projects ARCHI-SKIN, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), and BIOLUMICOAT, funded by ARIS – Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, under the MSCA Seal of Excellence.
