• PROJECT CODE: N2-0522
• PROJECT TITLE: Bioinspired mycelium composites with built-in thermal energy storage
• PROJECT TEAM: Jakub Sylwester Grzybek, PhD (leader)
• PERIOD: 1. 10. 2026 – 30. 9. 2028
• BUDGET: 182.682,00 EUR
• FINANCING: Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS)
• PROJECT COORDINATOR: UP IAM

The EU building sector accounts for around 40% of energy use and 36% of CO₂ emissions, with heating and cooling responsible for about 85% of this demand. To meet European Green Deal targets, new sustainable building materials are urgently needed. Beyond reducing energy use, construction must adapt to rising user expectations and extreme climate conditions, such as summer overheating, while enabling renewable energy integration. Thermal energy storage (TES) can buffer supply and demand, and phase change materials (PCMs) offer high potential by storing and releasing heat during phase transitions. Bio-based PCMs show promise, yet their use in wood is limited by leakage and fire safety, while existing encapsulation technologies are poorly suited for composites. The MycoTherm project tackles these challenges by developing mycelium-bonded wood panels with integrated PCM for non-load-bearing applications. It will apply biofabrication and engineered living materials (ELMs) to optimise wood substrates, PCM integration, fungal strains, processing, and encapsulation for efficient thermal storage. Panel prototypes (600–1000 kg/m³) will be produced and tested for physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal performance. Focus areas include leakage-free stability across thermal cycles, latent heat above 60 J/g, and fire resistance comparable to commercial wood materials, while meeting indoor air quality standards. By advancing bioinspired composites, MycoTherm aims to foster regenerative sustainability in the built environment, creating materials that reduce impacts while enabling energy-flexible, healthier spaces. Alongside scientific advances, the project will promote innovation and collaboration through dissemination, industrial engagement, and mentoring. The fellowship will strengthen the researcher’s expertise in biofabrication, advanced materials, and leadership, supporting professional independence, creative thinking, and career development.