3D Artefacts in Biofabrication

This project investigates the potential of SCOBY to grow 3D products using textile scaffoldings

Bacterial Cellulose is gaining significant attention as a promising bio-fabricated material. However, its natural morphology is often perceived as a limitation, hindering its functional applications. This project investigates the potential of Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) to grow into alternative morphologies, specifically focusing on 3D bacterial cellulose and textile composite artifacts for home use. The project employs a material-driven approach, utilizing bio-fabrication experiments to control and manipulate SCOBY’s self-assembling and adherence abilities on the textile scaffolding. Various custom-built bioreactors are created to explore new processes and try growing on different textile scaffoldings made using techniques including weaving, knitting, and embroidery. The goal is to develop a new fabrication process involving four stages to facilitate the growth, colouring, post-processing, and drying of the composite designs, otherwise unfeasible without the textile scaffolding system, highlighting the significance of DIY bio fabrication. (Due to the timeline of my master's program, only the initial prototypes, experiments, and samples will be showcased)