7. BioFabricating Materials

Creating biomaterials involves exploring sustainable and innovative ways to develop materials using biological components. This week, we’ll be diving into techniques that transform natural resources into usable materials, potentially leveraging bio-based polymers, plant fibers, or microbial cultures. Through careful experimentation with biological ingredients and processes, we’ll aim to achieve unique material properties such as biodegradability, flexibility, and resilience. This approach not only promotes eco-friendly alternatives but also pushes the boundaries of material design by tapping into the inherent properties of living organisms.

Research

WHAT IS BIOMATERIALS?

Biomaterials are naturally sourced, organic materials that offer sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternatives to synthetic options by collaborating with nature, helping to minimize waste and reduce environmental harm.

In this class, we’ll concentrate on learning about and creating biomaterials as substitutes for unsustainable materials like plastics. By utilizing local resources and traditional methods, we strive to encourage a more circular approach to design and manufacturing.

SCARLETT YANG

Scarlett Yang, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, designed an innovative dress made from algae extract and silk cocoon protein that pushes the boundaries of sustainable fashion. Her creation has a glass-like appearance and unique properties that allow it to grow organically over time. Remarkably, this material is designed to fully decompose in water within just 24 hours, leaving no trace. Yang's work exemplifies the potential of biomaterials to combine aesthetics with eco-consciousness, demonstrating how biodegradable, natural elements can be harnessed to create dynamic and environmentally friendly fashion pieces.text

References & Inspiration

Watching Scarlett Yang's dress unfold must have felt like witnessing the spirit of nature embodied in fabric—a fusion of beauty, transience, and renewal. Feeling called to work with nettle resonates deeply with this, as if the plant itself is guiding your hands. There’s something profoundly touching about connecting with materials that speak to us, carrying the spirit of the earth in every fiber and reminding us of the life within the things we create.

Making bioprastic

WHAT IS BIOPRASTIC?

Bioplastic is a type of plastic made from renewable biological sources, such as plants, algae, or microorganisms, instead of fossil fuels. Unlike traditional plastics, which are derived from petroleum, bioplastics are created using materials like corn starch, sugarcane, or even algae, making them potentially more sustainable and less harmful to the environment. Some bioplastics are biodegradable or compostable, breaking down naturally under certain conditions, while others mimic traditional plastic durability.

However, not all bioplastics are compostable or biodegradable, so understanding the properties of each type is important to ensure its eco-friendly potential.

The AGAVOCAR recipe, created by Anastasia Pistofidou of Fab Lab Barcelona and Director of Fabricademy, is an accessible and sustainable approach to creating bio-based materials using avocados and agave. Designed with simplicity in mind, this recipe provides clear, straightforward instructions that allow users to transform everyday organic waste into valuable biomaterials. By repurposing agave and avocado waste, AGAVOCAR embodies the ethos of circular design, promoting sustainable practices in material creation. Ideal for makers, designers, and eco-enthusiasts, this recipe highlights how natural resources can be reimagined into functional, eco-friendly materials that carry unique textures and colors.

Overview material research outcomes

Material	Recipe	Feeling
1 Tapioca foil	Tapioca	transparent, sticky, shiny
2 Tapioca resin (dried with bubbles)	Tapioca	translucent, hardened
3 Mango + tapioca leather	Mango + Tapioca	translucent, shiny from certain angles
4 Gelatin resin (with flowers)	See tutorial video	reflective, transparent, capturing, smooth
5 Gelatin resin (casted on matte lining)	Gelatin	matte, blurring, hidden
6 Alginate composite with sand	Alginate	sandy
7 Alginate composite with sand for handprinting	Alginate	sandy
8 Agar cubes with coffee	Agar	opaque, wobbly
9 Agar sheet	Agar	translucent

Process and workflow

MANGO BIOLEATHER

Recipe Template

Developed by Loes Bogers for her Fabricademy 2019/2020 final project.

Physical Properties

Form: Solid, Surface

Natural Color (without additives): Translucent, yellow to orange-brown hues.

FABRICATION TIMELINE

Preparation Time: 1 hour

Processing Duration: Approximately 1 week

Detailed Drying Schedule

Initial Drying: 14 hours in an oven at a low temperature (40–50°C with fan setting).

Extended Drying: Alternate between air drying and pressing every 8 hours over the next 5 days. Outdoor drying can speed up the process if conditions are dry and sunny.

Final Form Achieved In: 7 days

This recipe template was developed by Loes Bogers as part of her final project in Fabricademy 2019/2020. Through careful experimentation, she created a comprehensive guide to crafting bio-based materials, focusing on sustainable and accessible techniques. Her template provides a structured approach to achieving specific colors, textures, and forms, allowing for a reproducible process that yields consistent results. Loes’s work reflects a commitment to eco-conscious material design, serving as a valuable resource for anyone interested in innovative biomaterial fabrication text

Ingredients & Recipes

Prepare this recipe by collecting the ingredients necessary, to be found in the list below:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Overripe mangoes - with skin: get these as waste from the market, they can have dents and bruises it doesn't matter.

• 1 lemon

• Beeswax: 20g

• Cinamon: 1 teaspoon

TOOLS

1. Cooker or stove: (optional: temperature controlled)

2. Pot

3. Blender or stick mixer

4. Scale

5. Oven or a Dehydrator machine :that can go as low as 50 degrees (or ideally 40) with ventilation

6. Mould or flat surface :you can cast the fruit leather into a shallow mould with wals (need not be higher than 5 mm) or cast directly onto a smooth sheet. Applying some oil helps to release it. Make sure it fits into your oven

7. Spoon or squeegee

Process

o make mango leather, blend mango pieces into a puree and combine with lemon juice and chopped beeswax. Heat the mixture gently until it thickens, then cast it into a mold. Dry the leather in the oven at 50°C for at least 16 hours, occasionally flipping to ensure even drying. After air drying for 5-7 days, trim and store the leather in a dry area. Use a mold with 3mm depth and expect shrinkage of about 50%. Release agents like oil can help remove the leather from the mold more easily.

Additional Experimentation

Consider adjusting the water evaporation rate during drying or incorporating more starch. Experiment with post-treatments to improve water resistance; refer to the “variations on this recipe” for further ideas.

After blending the mango with lemon juice and a hint of cinnamon, the mixture takes on a warm, golden hue with a subtle aroma that combines the sweet, tropical scent of mango with the zesty brightness of lemon and the comforting spice of cinnamon. The consistency is smooth and slightly thick, ideal for further processing. The added cinnamon not only enhances the fragrance but also deepens the color slightly, giving the puree a rich, inviting appearance. This blend is now ready for the next step in the recipe, bringing a unique flavor profile and natural color to the final product.

After blending, transfer the mango, lemon, and cinnamon mixture into a pot and set it over low heat. Stir continuously for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly. The gentle heat helps evaporate some of the moisture, concentrating the mango’s sweetness and enhancing the mixture's color to a deeper golden-orange. Be careful not to let it boil, as that could affect the texture and taste. By the end of 20 minutes, the mixture should have a thicker, slightly glossy appearance, making it perfect for casting or further processing.

RESULTS

After allowing the material to dry for up to seven days, I carefully observed the results to manage any shrinkage or deformation. The drying time can vary depending on factors like the juice content, which influences how quickly moisture evaporates. Removing the material too early risks damaging its structure, as it may not have fully hardened or stabilized. By patiently monitoring the process, I ensured that the final texture maintained its intended properties, avoiding any unintended warping or cracking. The extended drying time proved essential in achieving a durable, flexible finish suitable for further use or handling

For this experiment, I tried to assess the flexibility of the bio-plastic. By testing how it bends and stretches, I aimed to determine whether it could be used effectively in applications requiring pliability. Observing its behavior under different conditions helped me understand its potential and limitations, providing valuable insights into how it could be further developed or improved for future use.

Bio-plastic using gelatin

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Gelatin powder	1 tbsp	Base material
Water	1/2 cup	Dissolves gelatin
Glycerin	1-2 tsp	Adds flexibility
Food color	Few drops	Adds vibrant color
Additives	Optional	Adds texture or effect

Working process

To create a gelatin-based bioplastic, mix 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder, 1/2 cup of water, 1-2 teaspoons of glycerin, and a few drops of food color in a heat-resistant bowl. Heat the mixture on low to medium heat while stirring constantly until the gelatin fully dissolves and forms a smooth, thick liquid. Pour the mixture into a greased mold or onto a flat surface, spreading it evenly if necessary. Let it dry at room temperature for 24-48 hours, depending on thickness and humidity, until it solidifies. Once dry, carefully peel off the bioplastic, which will be flexible, colorful, and biodegradable

Results

After 24 hours, the mixture has dried into a flexible, translucent sheet of bioplastic. The addition of glycerin has made it soft and stretchy, while the food coloring has given it a vibrant hue.