Skip to content

7. BioFabricating Materials

Hello, this is a new week where I accomplished one of the greatest achievements in my fashion design journey. I managed to invent a new type of fabric!

"In the beginning, we divided into two teams, and my team consisted of Naeem and Dima. At first, we started conducting multiple experiments on bio-fabrication."

This Week’s Experiments with Gelatin and Agar Agar

This week, we conducted exciting experiments using gelatin and agar agar, with the aim of exploring the potential applications of these biobased materials in real-world contexts. The experiments included testing flexibility, durability, and transparency, resulting in a variety of outcomes—some promising, while others highlighted areas that require further research and development.

Our team consisted of Naim Al-Haj Ali and Dima Hejab, and I took part in this exploration as a fashion designer interested in experimentation and pushing the boundaries of materials in the world of fashion.

We look forward to sharing more details about these experiments and the insights we gained, as part of our ongoing journey toward a deeper understanding of biobased materials and their design potential.

Biomaterials: A Key to a Cleaner Planet

As environmental pollution continues to rise, the need for sustainable and effective alternatives has become urgent. Biomaterials offer a promising solution—they are both biodegradable and compostable, meaning they leave no toxic or long-lasting waste behind. This makes them a far more eco-friendly option compared to conventional plastics.

Today, many industries are adopting biomaterials as substitutes for single-use plastics. Designers across various fields—from fashion to furniture and even tech—have started incorporating these materials into their work, drawn by their environmental benefits and aesthetic appeal. In short, biomaterials offer a real opportunity for innovation that doesn't come at the planet’s expense.

Overview of Group Work

Our group experiments focused on exploring the characteristics and potential applications of biomaterials made from gelatin and agar agar. The primary aim was to observe how these materials behave under different conditions and evaluate their performance in terms of flexibility, durability, and transparency. These initial explorations also laid the groundwork for integrating biomaterials into our individual design projects.

We selected gelatin and agar agar for their natural origins and their frequent use in biomaterial formulations. Both substances are known for their gel-forming properties, which make them highly versatile for creating bioplastics, bio-resins, and flexible films.

Tools

## expermint

The first experiment was with bio-silicone.

Gelatin Glycerin water
48 g 24 g 240 g

Biomaterial Recipes¶

Procedure:

  1. In a pot, combine agar agar, glycerin, and water.

  2. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring continuously until the agar agar is fully dissolved.

  3. Once the solution becomes smooth and uniform, pour it into a flat mold or tray.

  4. Allow it to set either at room temperature or by placing it in a dehydrator, depending on the desired drying time and texture.

Results:

The resulting material was flexible with a smooth texture. It had moderate strength and could be bent without cracking. However, it was sensitive to moisture and became brittle when over-dried.

Gelatine Bioplastic¶

Procedure:

  1. Dissolve gelatin in warm water and thoroughly mix it with glycerin.

  2. Heat the mixture while stirring constantly to achieve a uniform consistency.

  3. Pour the solution into molds or spread it thinly to create flexible sheets.

Results:

The resulting material was pliable and easy to handle, though it exhibited slightly lower durability compared to the agar agar-based bioplastic.

gelatine glycerine water
48 g 24g 240 g

## Project Overview

During our general experiments, we observed clear differences between materials made with gelatin and those based on agar agar. It became evident that agar agar-based materials were more sensitive to moisture compared to their gelatin counterparts. Gelatin bioplastics exhibited better flexibility, while agar agar bioplastics stood out for their rigidity and strength. Through these tests, we realized that adjusting the ratio of plasticizers, such as glycerin, significantly affects the material's flexibility and strength. Additionally, drying conditions—including time, temperature, and humidity—play a crucial role in determining the final quality of the material. One of the main challenges we encountered was the noticeable shrinkage of both types during the drying phase. Striking the right balance between flexibility and durability remains a key aspect that requires further exploration and experimentation.

My project this week

focused on combining bio-based materials with either manufactured or reused fabrics—such as denim—to enhance the strength of the biomaterial while also giving it new properties. I started by stitching a piece of biomaterial onto denim, but the result wasn’t very successful.

This week, my project focused on exploring ways to enhance the strength and versatility of biomaterials by combining them with either manufactured or reused textiles, such as denim. My goal was to reinforce the biomaterial while also introducing new functional properties. I began by stitching a piece of biomaterial directly onto denim, but the outcome was not very successful—it didn’t hold well and lacked flexibility.

In the second phase of experimentation, I tried integrating the biomaterial more directly with the fabric. First, I used bioplastic, but it resulted in a material that was too stiff and inflexible. I then tested bio-silicone, but the results were still unsatisfactory. Finally, I combined the fabric with agar agar-based biomaterial, which proved to be much more compatible. This combination offered a promising balance of strength, flexibility, and cohesion between the materials.

final result