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Scientists are using biological matter to create unique new materials that are able to adapt to their environment and repair themselves. The idea of living materials has been a staple of science fiction for decades. It is in the process of becoming real in the near future.
For Dr. Kunal Masania is an associate professor of aerospace structures and materials at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. He said, “I have always been greatly inspired by this. Through my research, I try to bring a kind of magic to people's lives.”
Masania is working with what he calls “living materials,” for use in the aerospace and transportation sectors. These living materials are literally alive. They contain microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria which give them the ability to sustain their integrity and self-healing.
These living materials are part of a five-year project called AM-IMATE. Masania was awarded a grant from the European Union (E.U.) in January 2023. The research team is investigating the potential of biological organisms to be integrated into innovative new materials for use in industry and engineering.
Masania added, “The goal is to make engineered structures that can behave like living organisms, able to sense and adapt to mechanical stress.”
The material Masania is developing is a composite that integrates living fungi cells and wood. It consists of a hydrogel and mycelium which is a root-like structure of a fungus that normally lives underground. Masania continued, “We chose to work with fungi because fungus is a really robust organism, it is tolerant to harsh conditions and is relatively easy to cultivate.”
Fungal cells have a great ability to connect. Mycelium can grow into a vast sensing network that allows signals to be sent throughout the organism. The scientists can distribute only a few cells throughout the material, and these cells will reconnect and form a sensing network.
In order to produce these living materials, Masania has developed a special 3D printing method and a new 3D printing ink. He said, “We are making good progress in this regard, and we are already able to 3D print our material.”
Biological materials could improve the performance and durability of critical structures that are used in areas like aerospace and transportation. Masania and his team are exploring the use of their composites as the core material for the interior of airplanes.
Masania said, “Our materials are very lightweight and more sustainable than currently used materials. Right now, the interior of aircraft is made largely of plastic and metal. If we replace these, we no longer have to rely on fossil fuels and we can offer better end-of-life solutions. If we use living materials, the aircraft components could be dismantled and returned to nature. It could be very interesting for building in space and on other planets. Our living materials could form the basis of new habitats because you could use the local materials and bind them together using the fungi.”
Please read Part 2 next