Society faces the need to switch from finite oil-based materials to sustainable alternatives. Mycelium-based composite materials represent such an alternative with cost-effective and esthetic properties. Mycelium is the interwoven network of fungal hyphae. It is formed on low quality waste streams such as saw dust or straw. In this project, we will develop a palette of mycelium-based composite materials. These compostable materials will be used to create, among others, plant pots and a cupboard, that will serve as a model for other applications in product design. 

Bacteriophages are viruses that can kill bacteria and are a promising alternative for the treatment of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. Recently we discovered that bacteria have accumulated defense mechanisms to avoid phage killing. Fortunately phages have developed counter defense mechanisms. In this project we want to combine these counter defense mechanisms and create a phage that is able to infect a broader range of bacteria with different defense mechanisms. Broadening the activity of bacteriophages is an important step in the clinical application of phage therapy

Mushrooms can get sick too, just like humans, animals and plants. This is a major problem during the cultivation of edible mushrooms. The aim of this study is to get more insight into the immune system of mushrooms. This will eventually lead to mushrooms that are more resistant to disease.

The DARTBAC project will prepare the Netherlands for the time when antibiotics are much less effective in the prevention and eradication of infection due to AntiMicrobial Resistance (AMR). DARTBAC will, from a material perspective, develop new antimicrobial technologies that are not based on antibiotics to target infection prevention and eradication on implant surfaces, in hard tissues and in soft tissues and assess their safety and efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models. In this way, we are unique yet synergistic with most other initiatives that focus on an antibiotics approach. Collectively, we are bridging the entire knowledge-chain regarding development of new material technologies to combat AMR. DARTBAC will develop a new workflow based on AOPs of predictive in vitro and in vivo models to test safety and efficacy of newly developed antimicrobial technology in order to shorten the time to market. DARTBAC will enhance the therapeutic efficacy of current antibiotics by combination therapy and we will develop and validate these technologies so that they can be brought to the market within the project timeframe. Finally, we will maintain awareness of the emerging AMR problem in the Netherlands by informing the general public and HealthCare Practitioners (HCPs). This increased AMR awareness by HCPs, the general public, and healthcare policy makers can speed up acceptance and market introduction of these technologies both nationally and internationally. Moreover, such acceptance will ensure that insurance providers and advisory bodies adopt and reimburse new treatment approaches quicker, thereby accelerating clinical implementation. A successful DARTBAC project with the combination of these goals and objectives can prevent a rise in infection percentage due to AMR, minimize the effect of AMR in the Netherlands, and work towards a Dutch society that is less dependent on antibiotic therapy for infection, prevention, and treatment.