Dr. Anna Sandak, InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM Materials research group leader and representative of the University of Primorska, delivered a keynote lecture at the Biopartitioning and Purification Conference (BPP) 2026, entitled Engineered Living Materials as Integrated Bioprocessing Systems: From Living Cells to Resilient Cities.

In her talk, she explored engineered living materials (ELMs) from the perspective of integrated bioprocessing, focusing on fungal biofilms and microbial consortia that can be organised within materials to form living coatings, printable inks, and composite structures. These systems enable microorganisms to grow and produce their own structural matrices, creating functional materials directly during cultivation. By controlling growth conditions, formulation, and spatial organisation, living cells can be retained within the material, where they continue to perform functions such as sensing, regeneration, and bioremediation, reducing the need for extensive downstream processing while enabling materials that remain active over time.

The Biopartitioning and Purification Conference (BPP) has evolved from its original focus on aqueous two-phase partitioning to a broader platform covering diverse bioseparation techniques since BPP 2013 in Vancouver. Today, it brings together academia and industry to advance the separation of high-value bioproducts alongside topics such as biomass processing, waste valorisation, novel bioproduct development, technoeconomic analysis, life cycle assessment, and regulatory frameworks.

BPP 2026 also highlights process integration and optimisation using artificial intelligence and multiscale modelling. With keynote and plenary lectures, poster sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference provides a platform for sharing research, fostering collaboration, and exploring practical applications of innovative and sustainable bioprocessing approaches.