Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) represent a promising approach towards regenerative sustainability in architecture by combining living systems with material design. They are environmentally friendly and, unlike conventional materials, possess unique properties such as self-healing, environmental remediation, and dynamic adaptation.

In the PRO-TECTURE project (Stress-Induced Preconditioning for Resilient Engineered Living Materials in Probiotic Architecture), researchers aim to develop more resilient and efficient ELMs by preconditioning living fungal cells (biofilm used as ELMs) with abiotic stress.

Previous research has shown that exposure to mild stress can trigger adaptive responses, preparing biological systems to better withstand future challenges. In the PRO-TECTURE they investigate how stress preconditioning can enhance the resilience of ELMs. Specifically, it examines whether fungi (biofilm used as ELMs) retain a “stress memory”, how long this memory lasts and whether stress can be communicated between stressed and non-stressed fungi through secreted molecules.

Given its multidisciplinary approach, and considering evolutionary connection between fungi and humans, researchers also explore the possibility of interkingdom stress communication between pre-stressed fungi and human cells. These investigations aim to expand our understanding of resilience-enhancing strategies for biological systems such as ELMs and human cells. This knowledge could also guide the integration of more resilient living materials into building practices to reduce environmental impact, support environmental restoration and promote human well-being in the built environment.

In addition to scientific research, the researchers involved in PRO-TECTURE aim to strengthen innovation and knowledge transfer by building research networks, organizing events, mentoring young researchers, and supporting project management activities.

PRO-TECTURE runs from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028. The project is coordinated by UP IAM and led by Dr. Valentina Hribljan under the supervision of Dr. Anna Sandak. The research is funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) within Horizon Europe.

Through this project, researchers aim to improve the understanding of stress-induced responses in engineered living materials and explore how preconditioned fungal biofilms could support the development of more sustainable approaches in the built environment.

Authors: Dr. Valentina Hribljan and Lara Prah