Even though hardly visible, fungi play a critical role in our environment as major recyclers of organic matter. The saprotrophic species destruct dead, organic material that is produced when animal and predominantly plant organisms die. They penetrate this biomass with their fungal hyphae and decompose the complex carbohydrates with the help of an enormous variety of enzymes, which they secrete into their environment. This way, natural wastes, such as dead wood, straw or biowaste, are recycled and turned into fertile soil, while essential nutrients and growth-limiting minerals, such as phosphor and nitrogen, are mobilized and made available for another generation of organisms. Therefore, fungi are an indispensable part of the global nutrient flux. In our professorship, we investigate the biochemical and molecular genetic mechanisms used by mould, white rot and brown rot fungi to decompose wood. In addition, we are also morphologically and biochemically characterising the colonisation process of lignocellulosic substrates. The knowledge gained will be used to develop new fungus-based composite materials.
In addition to their role as decomposers, fungi also make an indispensable contribution to the healthy growth of land plants. Some fungal species can increase water uptake and the bioavailability of nutrients in the soil or protect plants against biotic and abiotic stress. In our group, we isolate and characterise plant-promoting microorganisms that have a positive effect, for example, on plant growth under drought stress. We also investigate the biochemical mechanisms of communication during the development of symbiosis between fungi and plants.
AG Dr. Tamayo, Prof. Benz
Our group is studying the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that filamentous fungi and brown-rot basidiomycetes utilize for the decomposition of wood and other plant substrates. What does a fungus “think” when it is growing on lignocellulosic biomass? Meaning: which signals are perceived, and in which way is this environmental information interpreted on the molecular level to efficiently tailor its metabolism and secretome to the substrate at hand? We have a particular interest in the elucidation of the underlying transcriptional regulatory networks, post-translational modifications in signaling pathways and sugar transport processes. The aim is to use the insights from our research in two ways: On the one hand, to improve the use of fungi and their enzymes in biotechnological processes for the generation of bioenergy (e.g. biofuels, biogas) and other biorefinery concepts. On the other hand, to understand the fungal niching behaviour in their ecosystems better.
AG Dr. Cheng, Prof. Benz
Mycelium composites are an attractive alternative to petroleum-based materials, as they are biodegradable, sustainable, and can be produced cheaply. Waste materials from the forestry industry, such as sawdust, can be recycled and at the same time upgraded. While fungal hyphae grow through the substrate, the individual wood particles are bound and a new material is created. The special material properties of these composites result from the interaction between the lignocellulosic substrates and the fungus. Thus, fungi can contribute to the development of a modern, bio-based circular economy.
In particular, our research group uses the biodiversity of indigenous, wood-degrading fungi to investigate their potential for the production of mycelium composites. Many of these fungi form solid fruiting bodies and could be well suited to produce resilient building materials. Morphologic and biochemical characterisation will be used to identify which properties make a fungus a good candidate for composite production. On this basis, we will then investigate how the material properties of the fungal composites can be further optimised by adapting the substrate composition, media additives and growth conditions.