At SML, we study renewable and underutilized bio-based resources, with a focus on fungal, cellulosic, and proteinaceous feedstocks. We deconstruct these feedstocks into their fundamental units, which can then be reassembled into non-native hierarchical architectures. Critically, our approach to deconstruction and processing is intentionally minimal – yielding complex, dimension-spanning, and compositionally diverse streams that can give rise to unexpected material outcomes.
Beyond conventional materials engineering, we harness the natural growth mechanisms of microorganisms, particularly fungi, to direct the assembly of exogenous particles, colloids, and polymers into compositionally unique hybrids. This approach promotes new configurations, functionalities, and molecular-scale interactions, defining a distinct class of composite materials grown to function.
Our application space is broad, reflecting the diversity of the materials we produce. Recent work has we focused on packaging, optics, sound absorption, leather-like mimics, and food, but we remain open-minded to the possibilities.
Our lab is grateful for the support of the Chair in Sustainable Materials of the lnstitute of Materials of the School of Engineering of EPFL, co-funded by: BASF SE, Logitech, Nestlé and SIG Services AG.