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.
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.
Dr. Anna Sandak, InnoRenew CoE Deputy director, was a featured speaker for the May edition of the INL Colloquia Series 2025, held in Braga, Portugal.
In her talk »Designing with life: engineering the next generation of building materials« she shared her visionary work on Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) — a new class of bio-integrated materials that bring adaptability, self-regeneration, and environmental responsiveness into the built environment.
She highlighted the groundbreaking research from two major EU-funded projects: ARCHI-SKIN, which develops living coating systems for buildings using fungal biofilms, and REMEDY, a new initiative exploring bespoke, living layers for architecture — so-called archibiome tattoos — that blend aesthetics with functionality
The INL Colloquia Series 2025 is an inspiring monthly event that delves into cutting-edge science and engineering. It brings together high-level, visionary researchers who are pushing the boundaries of their fields. Each month explores a new theme, sparking fresh perspectives and lively discussions.
Watch the video of Dr. Anna Sandak’s presentation bellow.
Dr. Wojciech Pajerski, InnoRenew CoE researcher, is currently performing experiments at the POLYX beamline at the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre in Kraków, Poland. The aim is to explore biofilm–material interactions in the context of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs).
Together with Evgenija Gagaleska, University of Primorska’s student, and Kamil Drożdż from the Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, they focus on understanding how microorganisms interact with architectural surfaces.
This research is conducted within the framework of the ARCHI-SKIN ERC project and with the support of the Biolumicoat project (MSCA – Seal of Excellence), granted by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS).
The visit was supported by the Transnational Access (TNA) Programme under the NEPHEWS project.
ARCHI-SKIN team member Faksawat Poohphajai successfully defended her PhD
Dr. Anja Černoša at the COST Action meeting
Dr. Anja Černoša, InnoRenew CoE researcher, working on the ARCHI-SKIN project, recently participated in the first COST Action CA23152 – Building Consensus on Biofilm Regulatory Decision Making (RegulatoryToolBox) meeting, held in Porto, Portugal, and online.
During the meeting, participants engaged in insightful discussions, exchanging innovative ideas and developing new plans to advance biofilm-related regulations.
Visit the project’s official website for more information:
Dr. Wojciech Pajerski at the QUEST meeting
ARCHI-SKIN project in the ERC report