Diversifying material properties of fungal composites by harnessing intra-species heterogeneity of Fomes fomentarius on different forestry substrates (A02)

• Subject Area: Biological Process Engineering ; Biomaterials
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 548244816

The full potential of the F. fomentarius intra-species biodiversity will be assessed by exploring the variability of key characteristics for composite formation from isolates found across a transect through Germany and along an altitudinal gradient. Hereby, the genetic basis of the observed performance variability will be analysed. An additional proteomic analysis of the fungal interaction with lignocellulosic substrates will further our understanding of the potential to form a tear-resistant but at the same time elastic connecting mycelium.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1743: MY-CO BUILD: Biomanufacturing, characterisation and sustainability assessment of fungal-based building materials
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Philipp Benz; Dr. Tian Cheng