Hanbang Zou, researcher at the Department of Biology, has been awarded SEK 600,000 from the Familjen Knut & Ragnvi Jacobssons stiftelse for his research into how fungus-based concrete solutions can extend the life of building structures.
To Naturvetenskapliga fakulteten, Lunds universitet, he tells a bit about the project:
“We are investigating how fungi can be used as bioactive components to heal cracks and prevent reinforcement corrosion in concrete. Concrete is the world's most widely used building material; however, its production generates significant emissions and pollution. We have already identified promising fungal candidates and developed a prototype of recycled, self-healing concrete – a step towards more sustainable and long-lasting building structures.”
We have already identified promising fungal candidates and developed a prototype of recycled, self-healing concrete – a step towards more sustainable and long-lasting building structures.
“The funding will be used to carry out experimental work based on our previous results. By studying important variables, we can generate the quantitative evidence needed to refine our method. This work will support our patent application.”
Can you tell us a little about the team?
“I am fortunate to work with a fantastic team, including microbiologist Edith Hammer, mycologist Dimitrios Floudas, cement and microfluidics engineer Pelle Ohlsson, materials expert Lars Wadsö, and researchers Martí Pla i Ferriol and Sophie van Velzen, who lead the work at the macro and micro levels together with several valuable partners.”
What happens next?
“The next step in this research is about developing the technology and identifying the most important factors that determine the strength and long-term performance of the fungus-based biomaterial. At the same time, we are developing new platforms for rapid testing that significantly shorten the evaluation time. We will also incorporate recycled resources and sustainable material flows into the production process. This supports environmental responsibility while improving scalability and practical relevance for the construction industry.”