Fungal materials have recently emerged as promising Engineered Living Materials (ELMs), harnessing the unique growth, metabolism, and adaptability of filamentous fungi for applications ranging from structural composites to sensors and remediation systems. During my lecture, I’ll introduces a framework that classifies fungal ELMs along three key gradients :

(i) livingness, from inert to dormant to fully living;

(ii) scaffold composition, from pure fungal to hybrid abiotic substrates;

(iii) degree of engineering intervention, spanning minimal manipulation to advanced genetic modification.

By examining the developmental biology of filamentous fungi—spore formation, mycelial expansion, and fruiting-body morphogenesis—the lecture will reveal how adaptive growth, self-healing, and metabolic capabilities may be strategically leveraged for novel material functionalities.

Proof-of-concept applications (both from our research group as from other labs) will illustrate the breadth of fungal ELM potential. Dormant spores embedded in concrete can reactivate under cracks to induce calcite precipitation, achieving self-healing. In flexible, self-repairing composites, chlamydospore germination restores structural integrity post-damage. Metabolically active mycelium offers bioremediation of persistent pollutants, guided by extracellular enzymes. Co-cultivation with bacteria or algae can further expand functionality, as demonstrated in bio-electronic or biosensing devices.

Despite these promising outcomes, challenges remain. Fungal ELMs must balance controllability with biological variability, handle contamination risks, and ensure responsible deployment. Fungal growth responses are intrinsically stochastic, and mycelium can disperse via spores, raising ecological and biosafety concerns—especially for genetically engineered strains. Maintaining viability post-manufacture also necessitates careful resource management and containment strategies. Nonetheless, this living paradigm encourages a more holistic design approach, wherein fabrication merges with biological agency. Future work will benefit from advanced microbial consortia, bio-digital tooling, and deeper understanding of fungal genetics. By recognizing fungi not just as biological tools but as co-designers, researchers can unlock resilient, multifunctional materials that illustrate how nature’s own growth strategies can revolutionize sustainable engineering.