TED Talks Daily Why "biofabrication" is the next industrial revolution | Suzanne Lee
Jan 13, 2020
Suzanne Lee, a pioneer in biofabrication and designer, dives into the fascinating world of growing sustainable materials from living organisms. She discusses how microbes can revolutionize fashion, creating eco-friendly textiles in labs. The conversation highlights the potential for mycelium to replace harmful materials in construction, paving the way for biodegradable bricks and healthier urban environments. Lee emphasizes that biofabrication could usher in a new industrial revolution, addressing waste challenges and making manufacturing more sustainable.
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BioCouture Project
- Suzanne Lee grew cellulose using bacteria in a lab, creating garments, shoes, and bags.
- This biofabrication process took only days, contrasting with traditional months-long fabric production.
Resource Efficiency of Biofabrication
- Biofabrication offers significant resource efficiencies, reducing water, energy, and chemicals.
- It also generates zero waste by growing fabrics directly to their finished form.
Mycelium as a Natural Glue
- Mycelium, the root system of fungi, acts as a natural glue, binding agricultural byproducts.
- This allows for growing various structures, from foams to leather-like materials, replacing plastics.