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Opis
Description
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Materials have played a fundamental role in human development, shaping civilizations and driving technological progress. Today, modern industries, such as
construction, mobility, and defence, demand materials that offer more than just strength and durability, prioritizing adaptability, functionality, and sustainability. As
urbanization and climate change accelerate, conventional materials increasingly show their limitations, lacking nature's regenerative properties. Engineered Living
Materials (ELMs) offer a groundbreaking solution by embedding living cells within structural frameworks, enabling self-repair, adaptation, and environmental
responsiveness. Space exploration, a catalyst for scientific innovation, presents an extraordinary opportunity to push ELMs to new frontiers. The STAR project leverages
the extreme conditions of space - such as microgravity, radiation, temperature fluctuations, and nutrient scarcity - which can affect DNA or disrupt metabolic functions.
By studying fungal biofilms and their ability to evolve and self-heal, the project explores how fungi’s adaptation mechanisms could help engineered living materials maintain functionality in unpredictable environments. Insights from this research could drive the development of bio-based, self-repairing coatings, revolutionizing
architecture and materials science. Beyond technological advancements, the STAR project fosters innovation and business inventiveness in the growing space industry.
Supported by companies exploring space applications, the project aligns with industry needs for sustainable, adaptive materials that can reduce maintenance costs and
extend the lifespan of structures in extreme environments. By bridging microbiology and engineering, ELMs have the potential to transform the way we build, ensuring
greater resilience and sustainability both on Earth and beyond. |
