About us

At SML we research renewable and underutilized bio-based resources, with a focus on fungal, cellulosic, and proteinaceous feedstocks. These resources are deconstructed into fundamental units, which can then be reassembled into non-native hierarchical architectures. However, our approach to “deconstruction” and processing is minimal or incomplete by intent – giving rise to complex streams that are dimension spanning and compositionally diverse, which can lead to unexpected material outcomes. 

In addition to conventional materials engineering, we aim to harness the natural growth mechanisms of microorganisms, such as fungi, to direct the assembly of exogenous particles, colloids, and polymers into compositionally unique hybrids, promoting new configurations, functionality, and molecular-scale interactions, for a distinct class of composite materials grown to function. 

Our application space is broad and reflects the diversity of the materials that we produce. Recently we have focused on packaging, optics, sound absorption, leather-like mimics, and food, but we remain open-minded to the possibilities. 

Our lab is grateful for the support of the Chair in Sustainable Materials of the lnstitute of Materials of the School of Engineering of EPFL, co-funded by: BASF SE, Logitec, Nestlé and SIG Services AG.