Grow Everything Biotech Podcast

18. Kombucha Leather, Spider Silk and Space with Biofabricate's Suzanne Lee

Mar 24, 2023

45:31

On this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl and Erum interview Suzanne Lee, a designer and pioneer in the field of biotechnology and fashion. Lee shares her journey of discovering the potential of biotechnology in fashion and coining the term "bio couture" to explain the coming together of biology and fashion. She also talks about her experience creating Biofabricate, an event that brings together scientists, creatives, brands, and investors to explore the potential of biotechnology in various industries. Lee discusses the future of biotechnology in fashion, including creating living materials that are symbiotic with our microbiome. The episode concludes with a discussion on sci-fi films that inspire thinking about biomaterials and biotechnology.

Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space. Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating?

Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 Celebration of Earth and Nature with Cacao and Spring Equinox
00:05:12 AI writing tools won't replace human skills but will make writing easier
00:09:20 A life story of future-focused inspiration and biotech, looking 20 years ahead
00:10:57 Fashion designer transitions to biotech and biomaterials for sustainable fashion
00:15:16 Bacteria-grown clothes were once considered crazy, but biotech is evolving
00:19:02 Biofabricate evolves from fashion to sustainable materials
00:23:42 Exploring the fascinating world of materials, from personal care to outer space
00:25:05 The potential of biotech in fashion and beauty industries for resource efficiency and new aesthetic opportunities
00:28:31 Emerging programs in the UK for design and nature studies
00:30:28 Exploring the potential of performance proteins in yarn production
00:32:03 Importance of economics in projects with upcoming developments
00:39:12 Benefits of imaginative exercise and adaptation in New York
00:41:57 Small intimate gatherings for idea workshopping in Brooklyn