Bio-Inspired Radiation Shielding: Harnessing Fungal Melanin for Sustainable Architectural Coatings Against Ionizing Radiation

This study proposes a novel bio-inspired architectural coating that leverages the radioprotective properties of fungal melanin to provide a sustainable, lightweight solution for shielding buildings from ionizing radiation. Inspired by extremophilic fungi such as Cladosporium sphaerospermum, the coating is developed using melanin integrated into biodegradable polymer matrices. Laboratory testing explores various thicknesses (0.5–2 mm) and melanin concentrations (10–30%) to assess shielding performance against gamma and beta radiation. Results suggest significant attenuation, with potential applications in space architecture, disaster-resilient buildings, and sustainable construction. The study integrates principles from microbiology, materials science, and architectural engineering to contribute to the emerging field of radiation-safe design.