Scientific interests and competences
- Mycelium biocomposites
- Biopolymers from natural fibres
- Microbial degradation of lignocellulose
- Microscopy of wood structure and microorganisms
- Fungal diversity in wooden constructions
- Biodegradation and conservation of cultural heritage
Additional information
- Winner's award in the international competition "WorldStar for Packaging" in 2025
- Grand Prix for mycelium composite material packaging in competition The Best Packaging in Latvia 2023, organized by the Packaging Association of Latvia
- Letter of gratitude for the study “Innovative mycelium biocomposites from renewable natural resources", received in the Competition of the Latvian Academy of Sciences for the most significant scientific achievements in 2022
- Expert of the Latvian Council of Science in Biology and Material Science sectors
- Member of the Scientific Board of the National Heritage Board
- Member of the European Mycological Association (EMA)
- Member of the Latvian Microbiology Society
- Member of the Board of the Latvian Mycological Society
The most important projects
The most important publications
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Enhancing Paper Packaging’s Wet Strength Using the Synergy between Chitosan and Nanofibrillated Cellulose Additives
Polymers, 2024, 16(2), 227, doi: 10.3390/polym16020227
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Harvesting Mycelial Biomass of Selected Basidiomycetes for Chitosan Biopolymer Extraction
Polymers, 2023, 15(17), 3548, doi: 10.3390/polym15173548
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Characterization of Self-Growing Biomaterials Made of Fungal Mycelium and Various Lignocellulose-Containing Ingredients
Materials, 2022, 15(21), 7608, doi: 10.3390/ma15217608
Dr. biol. Ilze Irbe
Leading Researcher
Project Manager
Education