Background Information
To reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector, biobased materials must be further developed to achieve broader acceptance and integration. MNEXT has been conducting research on mycelium biocomposites for more than seven years. While biocomposites are promising, pure mycelium materials are emerging as high-potential alternatives, especially in fashion and product design as substitutes for leather.
Different fungal species produce different types of mycelial networks, each with unique structural and mechanical properties. Understanding these differences is essential for determining how these materials could also be applied in construction or other industries.
In this research phase, fungal strains from three different phyla are grown under varying conditions to determine what affects network formation. Material behaviour will be quantified using tensile tests, SEM imaging, and potentially chemical analysis of fungal cell wall structures.
Assignment Description
As an intern at MNEXT, you will work within the Flexible Fungi PhD research by Ilse Rovers. You will grow, harvest and process pure mycelium materials, and perform material testing to understand structural and mechanical differences between fungal species.
Your main tasks include:
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Working in the mycelium laboratory in Breda (Korte Huifakkerstraat):
Growing and testing fungi, harvesting pure mycelium materials and preparing samples -
Conducting SEM imaging at the Lovensdijkstraat facility
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Performing mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural and tear strength, and screening properties such as density and thickness
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Conducting a literature review on fungal materials, mycelium growth, and biobased material applications
Desired Skills
The ideal student:
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Can work independently and conduct laboratory research after training
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Is precise, analytical, accurate and critical in handling biological and material samples
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Has a background in (micro)biology, environmental science, material science, or a related field
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Is an HBO or university-level student
General information
- Compensation: €350 per month
- Working Language
- English (primary language within the international research team)
- Dutch is spoken by several researchers.