Suzanne Lee: Grow your own clothes

Materials Innovation Through Biodesign

In this talk, the speaker, a fashion designer, discusses how she transitioned from traditional materials to using biological elements like green tea and microbes to create sustainable fabrics.

The Process of Creating Fabric

• The speaker uses a kombucha recipe involving bacteria, yeasts, and other microorganisms to produce cellulose through fermentation.

• Brewing tea with sugar initiates the process. Maintaining optimal growth temperature is crucial.

• Bacteria feed on sugar nutrients in the liquid, forming nano fibers that create layers over time.

Harvesting and Crafting the Fabric

• After 2-3 weeks, a thick sheet forms on the liquid's surface. The fabric grows without needing light.

• Harvesting involves washing in cold water and drying to obtain lightweight paper or flexible leather-like material.

Innovative Applications of Microbial Cellulose

The speaker explores various applications and potential enhancements for microbial cellulose beyond fashion design.

Enhancing Material Properties

• Organic coloration methods are used instead of dyes. Indigo makes the fabric anti-microbial efficiently.

• Current limitations include water resistance; efforts are ongoing to improve material qualities.

Future Possibilities with Synthetic Biology

• Envisioning tailored material production by engineering bacteria for specific properties and shapes.

Sustainability and Future Prospects

Emphasizing sustainability benefits, the speaker highlights efficient resource utilization and biodegradability of microbial cellulose.

Environmental Impact and Resource Efficiency

• Microbes offer efficiency in resource use with minimal waste generation from potential waste streams.

Sustainable Contribution to Industries