7. BioFabricating Materials

Research

Biomanufacturing materials are the biological and chemical substances used to produce therapeutic, industrial, and consumer products through living systems such as cells, enzymes, and microorganisms. These materials form the foundation of the biomanufacturing process, which integrates biotechnology, engineering, and material science to create products ranging from vaccines and biologics to biodegradable plastics and sustainable fuels.

Key materials include cell substrates (bacterial, yeast, mammalian, or plant cells), growth media (nutrient solutions supporting cell metabolism), and bioreactor materials (stainless steel, glass, or single-use polymers). Supporting components such as buffers, resins, and filtration membranes are essential for purification and downstream processing. Recent innovations emphasize biocompatible and sustainable materials, such as single-use bioprocessing systems made from recyclable polymers and bio-based feedstocks that reduce environmental impact.

Advances in synthetic biology and materials engineering have enabled the design of novel biomaterials, including engineered proteins, scaffolds for tissue regeneration, and nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery. Collectively, these materials are transforming global manufacturing by making processes more efficient, scalable, and environmentally sustainable.

Biomanufacturing materials thus play a critical role in modern industry—bridging biology and technology to address global challenges in health, energy, and the environment.

References & Inspiration

I am inspired by an African American Designer who has a company by the name of Jo-Anne Vernay, which is positioned as a luxury vegan footwear and accessories brand. Their flagship product line uses fruit-based materials (e.g., pineapple leaf fiber, apple leather) offering cruelty-free alternatives to traditional leather. The brand emphasizes handmade craftsmanship in Italy, limited quantities (slow fashion), and sustainable values that merges sustainability with style.

Pictures from https://joannevernay.com/

Process and workflow

Crafted material - explore the different recipes and understand how to adjust them based on the ingredients

My first step was too..... First, I mixed the gelatin with water. Once it dissloved, I slowly added the glycerine until a gentle boil. The mixture had a honey-like consistency. Afterwards, the mixture was placed in the mold and dried for 3 days.

Ingredients & Recipes

=== Ingredients

    * 48 gr of gelatin
    * 24 gr of glycerine
    * 250 ml of H2O

A gelatin-based bioplastic mixture was prepared using 48 g gelatin, 24 g glycerine, and 250 ml water. The ingredients were heated gently while stirring until fully dissolved, forming a smooth liquid solution. The glycerine acts as a plasticizer, increasing flexibility and reducing brittleness in the final material. Once mixed, the liquid bioplastic was poured into silicone and plastic molds to explore different textures and surface forms. The material was left to cool and cure, allowing it to solidify into flexible bioplastic samples.

Documenting and comparing experiments

TEST SERIES BIO-PLASTIC

Material pic	Material name	polymer	plastifier	filler	emulsifier
	bio-resin	gelatin powder 48 gr	glycerine 24 gr	water 240 ml

RESULTS

On the left an image of a sample made by gelatin with glyercine. The dye is a pinkish color. On the right, an image of a sample that was pulled out of the mold and it's a bit sticky.

Below is the different types of mold created; however, the recipe was so sticky that is stucked to the actual mode.

Grown material - explore the different recipes and understand how to adjust them based on the ingredients

A kombucha starter (SCOBY) is combined with brewed green tea, sugar, and vinegar to create a nutrient-rich liquid that supports bacterial and yeast growth. The sweetened tea is poured into a clean container and inoculated with the SCOBY and starter liquid. The mixture is then covered with a breathable cloth to allow airflow while preventing contamination. Over time, the culture feeds on the sugar and forms a thick cellulose layer on the surface — this is the beginning of the kombucha “leather.” The images show preparation of the liquid, measuring the ingredients, and covering the vessel to begin fermentation, which is the foundation for growing a flexible, biofabricated material.

RESULTS

The images document the process of growing a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) using kombucha, which can later be dried and used as a biofabric or “kombucha leather.” The process begins with a kombucha SCOBY starter sourced from an active kombucha culture. Brewed sweetened green tea is prepared by dissolving sugar into hot tea and allowing it to cool. This tea becomes the nutrient-rich medium needed for fermentation. Once the tea cools to room temperature, apple cider vinegar is added to lower the pH, creating an acidic environment that protects the culture from contamination and encourages healthy fermentation. The cooled tea is poured into a clean container along with apple cider vinegar, and the existing SCOBY is added. The container is then covered with a breathable cloth or paper towel and secured with a rubber band. This allows airflow while preventing contamination. Over several weeks, fermentation occurs. During this time, bacteria and yeast consume the sugar and form a cellulose layer at the surface of the liquid. This layer gradually thickens into a new SCOBY, visible as a translucent, gel-like sheet. Once the SCOBY reaches the desired thickness, it is removed from the liquid, rinsed gently, and laid flat to dry. As it dries, it transforms into a flexible, leather-like biomaterial. The final images show both a large, evenly formed SCOBY and a smaller sample, highlighting variation based on container size and growth time.