CRISPR-Cas9
(RISD WS Travel Course | NYC Biodesign x Genspace NYC | Workshop)
A hands-on workshop demonstrating CRISPR-Cas9 genetic engineering by integrating jellyfish Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
genes into baker's yeast, creating organisms that glow under UV light. This projec exemplifies biotechnology's emerging role in sustainable design, where genetic modification is revolutionizing the fashion and materials industry. The same principles are currently being applied to develop mushroom-based leather alternatives, spider silk textiles, and living dyes, creating a new paradigm of sustainable luxury materials with programmable properties.
Phages of Life
(RISD WS Travel Course | NYC Biodesign | Final Proposal)
Within emerging bio-based material innovation, innovators often encounter a roadblock when determining surface finishes, particularly for textiles and upholstery. While these cutting-edge advancements are brimming with potential, they also seem trapped and constrained by outdated conventional solutions. This limitation represents a pivotal moment in design—one where the integration of biology could redefine the boundaries of material science. What if the solution lies not in further manipulation of inert substances but in harnessing the power of living systems? Could this shift unlock new possibilities in bio-based finishes?
"The Phages of Life" is an avant-garde bio-based finish that leverages the dynamic interplay between bacteria and bacteriophages—nature's microscopic allies. Bacteriophages, or phages, are host-specific viruses that inject their DNA into bacterial cells, replicate rapidly, and ultimately cause the cell's destruction. Unlike antibiotics with rigid chemical compositions, phages evolve in tandem with bacteria, offering a sustainable, adaptive solution. By blending phages with binders like Acetate Cellulose and natural Cryoprotective Additives (CPAs) like Glycerol, this approach advances the pursuit of bio-alternatives.
This innovation isn’t a one-size-fits-all remedy but a testament to the potential of these bacteria-phage interactions. By studying factors such as host ranges, absorption mechanisms, lytic and lysogenic profiles, and environmental influences on phage growth, this project unveils new possibilities for tailored applications, transforming limitations into living, evolving solutions.
From Ecological Threats to Material Assets: Biomaterial Innovation using Oriental Bittersweet
(RISD x Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) Research Collaborative | Project Proposal)
Invasive plant species, while detrimental to native ecosystems, present untapped potential as renewable sources for biomaterial development. This research explores how invasive flora can be reimagined as sustainable raw materials by applying allometry principles to scale their utilization across diverse domains, including architecture, product design, and textiles. Using Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental Bittersweet) as a case study, the research investigates it’s anatomical and compositional properties to identify potential biomaterial applications.
The integration of allometry—the study of size and shape correlations across biological structures—enables a systemic framework to adapt material properties for scalability and functionality. Prototypes developed would include bio-composites, structural panels, and biodegradable packaging solutions, demonstrating the feasibility of transforming invasive biomass into high-value materials. Furthermore, the paper examines lifecycle analyses, environmental impacts, and economic benefits, emphasizing localized harvesting and processing to align with circular economy principles. The findings present a paradigm shift: viewing invasive plants not as ecological threats but as resources for regenerative design.
Read full proposal here.
Biomaterial Explorations
Sodium alginate, derived from brown algae, transforms into a versatile biomaterial when cured in calcium chloride solution through a process called ionic crosslinking. This rapid chemical reaction creates a stable, gel-like substance as the sodium ions are replaced by calcium, forming a flexible yet durable hydrogel. The resulting material offers customizable properties, from rigid structures to soft, tissue-like consistencies.
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In wood joinery applications, mycelium serves as a natural adhesive and structural reinforcement, creating seamless connections between wooden components without the need for toxic glues or metal fasteners. This living material grows to fill gaps between wooden pieces, forming custom-fitted joints that strengthen over time and can be engineered to specific density and flexibility requirements.