Not So Subtle
unpacking bacillus subtilis biofilms as a material for engagement
[design research] [emerging living materials] [microbiology]
February 2024 - June 2024
Over the past years, HCI and design communities have witnessed extensive explorations in embedding microorganisms in everyday contexts. However, further development in this area requires synergies between the emergent interdisciplinary fields of engineered living materials (ELMs) and HCI.
In response to recent calls for the need of integrating interdisciplinary concepts, this project introduces a key biotechnological concept in designing living media interfaces (LMIs): cell encapsulation. By focusing on Bacillus subtilis biofilms as a form of cell encapsulation, I seek to offer insights at unravelling the potential of bacterial biofilms as a material for engagement for designers. In this research-through-design inquiry, I bring attention to the dynamic shape change and viscoelasticity of bacterial biofilms. Through the demonstration of exploratory and collaborative fabrication methods, this project aims to uncover the possibilities inherent in bacterial biofilms and unpack its livingness for future LMIs.
Design research project at Industrial Design master’s program at Eindhoven University of Technology (Supervisor: Bahareh Barati)
Final prototype- pneumatically actuated shape changing of bacterial biofilms
Biofabrication process
