Biocouture

How cool is this - Suzanne Lee of Biocouture at Central Saint Martins has established a method to produce material that can be molded into clothing - a method that involves growing bacteria on sweetened green tea in bathtubs!

A biofilm being grown on sweet green tea. Picture courtesy of Biocouture





The bacteria feeds on the sweet tea and grow and aggregate to form biofilms on the surface of the liquid. The cellulose that is being produced by the bacteria (and what holds the biofilm together as a matrix) can be taken after it has grown to a thickness of around 1.5 cm, dried out and molded into clothes. These can be dyed a variety of colours, the quantity of which is needed being less than that for other commercially used materials, an added benefit for the environment.

A Biobiker jacket. Picture courtesy of Biocouture


The Biocouture material is described as having a "vegetable leather" feel. Like vegetable waste when unwanted it can be discarded and treated as compost.

At a time when we are looking for green solutions for various industries, this novel method seems beautifully simple and has a fantastic result. The question remains whether this unique material can be made strong enough for everyday wear-and-tear, can be made water resistant and whether a variety of materials can be made to substitute for the likes of denim or nylon. At present Suzanne Lee, a Technology Entertainment and Design (TED) fellow and her team are planning to scale up this whole process that will hopefully involve the use of waste streams from the food and drink industry. A Stella dress to go with a Mac-mac and a cola clutch bag? I am excited!!! :D

I wish this project the best of luck. I will be looking forward to buying a handbag from them in the not-too distant future! ;)

Source: Biocouture

See also:

Suzanne Lee - a profile
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
London Science Museum: Trash Fashion
TED Fellowship