Diversifying material properties of fungal composites by harnessing intra-species heterogeneity of Fomes fomentarius on different forestry substrates
A02
Research Area:
Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Affiliation:
TUM, Munich | School of Life
Sciences
Department:
Fungal Biotechnology in Wood Science
Principal Investigators:
Philipp Benz | Tian Cheng
Sub-project A02 is run by Prof. J. Philipp Benz and junior scientist Dr. Tian Cheng (Fungal Biotechnology in Wood Science, TUM), who assess the full potential of the F. fomentarius intra-species biodiversity 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. Finally, this sub-project is dedicated to exploring the potential of wood as a comparatively understudied substrate for the production of fungal composites.
The sub-project will be carried out in close collaboration with A01, A03, A05, and A09 will deliver composites to be analysed by A04, B01 – B03, and C01.