MYCO-PAN

Project

MYCO-PAN was created with the objective of innovating the construction sector through sustainable, circular, and aesthetically refined bio-fabricated solutions, developed by combining advanced biological processes (cultivation of fungi and bacteria) with digital manufacturing techniques (3D printing and BIM). The project aligns with the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) — sustainability, beauty, and togetherness — demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of natural components capable of storing CO2.

The core innovation of MYCO-PAN relies on the integration of four key biological materials:

Mycelium: the fibrous root structure of fungi, offering acoustic insulation and high fire resistance without toxic chemical additives.

Bacterial Cellulose: a pure, strong nanocellulose produced by bacteria, used as a structural backbone and supporting matrix.

Biomineralizing Bacteria: microorganisms capable of fixing CO2 and producing limestone (calcium carbonate), providing solidity and self-healing properties.

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): natural biopolymers used as protective layers and envelopes against moisture and weathering.

These components form the basis for two final construction products, validated up to full scale (TRL5):

1) Multifunctional interior panels: lightweight, layered cellulose-mycelium solutions delivering high thermal insulation, sound absorption, and fire safety.

2) Exterior mineralized biohybrid façade panels: sandwich-structured panels featuring a mineralized core and PHA shell, engineered to withstand rain, frost, and UV exposure while capturing and sequestering CO2.

MYCO-PAN is a 42-month project co-funded by the Horizon Europe program.

Specific objectives

MYCO-PAN aims to contribute to a circular, synthetic-free, and low-carbon construction ecosystem through the following specific objectives:

Scalable bio-fabrication platform: establish a modular platform integrating biological growth and industrial processing (from laboratory scale to pilot scale TRL5).

Digitalization and advanced manufacturing: integrate parametric modelling, Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning), BIM workflows, and robotic 3D printing to enable mass customization and predictive performance modeling.

Prototyping and TRL5 validation: produce and test 1:1 scale prototypes of both interior and exterior panels, ensuring full compliance with European and international building standards.

Multi-cycle sustainability and NEB assessment: apply advanced Life Cycle Assessment methodologies (M-LCA, M-LCC, S-LCA) to prove carbon reductions, and define the Beautiful Construction Index (BCI) to measure aesthetic and social impact.

Co-design and community engagement: run co-creation workshops and exhibitions with architects, designers, students, and citizens to foster trust and social acceptance of bio-fabricated materials.

Standardization and policy guidance: create European regulatory registries (Policy Tracker) and formulate policy recommendations to eliminate market entry barriers for bio-materials.

Role of
Certimac

Certimac's contribution to MYCO-PAN leverages its consolidated expertise in building material characterization, testing protocols, and the European regulatory framework:

Regulatory framework and harmonized protocols: Certimac coordinates the mapping of European regulatory requirements (CE marking, CPR, EN/ISO standards) and defines a harmonized testing and validation framework tailored to the specific behavior of bio-fabricated materials.

Final product validation at TRL5: Certimac leads and coordinates the entire laboratory experimental testing campaign on full-scale prototypes (Product 1 and Product 2). Within its accredited testing facilities, Certimac performs and analyzes tests covering thermal, hygrothermal, mechanical, acoustic, reaction-to-fire, durability, and UV/weathering aging performance, certifying technology readiness and safety.

Support for regulatory evolution and policy: Certimac collaborates on the development of the Policy Tracker and formulates technical recommendations for standardization bodies (e.g., CEN/TC) to facilitate large-scale market adoption.

Expected outcomes

MYCO-PAN will demonstrate the real-world and industrial viability of bio-fabricated materials in the building sector, providing concrete solutions for the green transition. Key expected results include:

Carbon footprint reduction: 45% to 70% reduction in embodied CO2 compared to market benchmarks;

TRL5 validation of two sustainable panel product lines (interior and exterior) free from halogenated flame retardants and toxic resins;

free from halogenated flame retardants and toxic resins;
development of an integrated digital platform (BIM, 3D printing, AI) for bio-component design and production;

definition of the Beautiful Construction Index (BCI) methodology linking aesthetics and sustainability;

publication of Policy Briefs and regulatory recommendations to accelerate the market uptake of bio-fabricated construction products in Europe.