Fashion

From spider-silk to mycelium to bacterial fabrics, biotechnologies are contributing to a renaissance in sustainable garments.

BDC Projects

Kerasynth

Kerasynth is a synthetically grown biological material that can replace all keratin-based animal fibers. It uses tissue engineering to grow wool Hair Follicle Germ (HFG) cells on microfluidic devices designed to provide the cells with nutrients and remove waste. The subsequent wool can then be harvested and further processed or remain attached to the microfluidic device. Using non-animal derived growth media for cell culturing and more biodegradable alternatives for the PDMS used to make the microfluidic devices could make a completely vegan wool from a biodegradable support possible.

Maryland Institute College of Art (2018) | Video

algiknit

By creating yarn from extruded bacteria and fungi, Algiknit seeks sustainable alternatives to wearable materials using novel growing and production techniques.

Fashion Institute of Technology (2016) | Video | Website

Tômtex

bioblack

Denimaize

Denimaize uses corn husks and “diseased” crops to create denim from a blend of cotton and corn waste. The blue dye is derived from cultured plant pathogens and algae commonly growing in eutrophic sites from fertilizer runoff. The goal is to build a circular system between corn agriculture and the fashion industry.

University of Pennsylvania (2019) | Video

Further Readings

Bolt Threads

Bolt Threads is using yeast to produce proteins found in nature, such as spider silks, for fabrics that are stronger and more stretchy than other fibers. Learn more⟶

why biofabrication is the next industrial revolution, Suzanne Lee, TED

Suzanne Lee, Founder of Biofabricate and Chief Creative Officer of Modern Meadow, speaks about her work in biofashion and future technologies. Learn more⟶

Fashion for good

Fashion for Good is an Innovation Platform, museum, resources library, and more that aims to make the fashion industry more circular. Learn more⟶