Kerasynth, 2017
Collaborative MICA 2017-2018 Fall/Spring Semester group research project for the 2018 BioDesign Challenge.
Researchers: Diana Eusebio, Erin Kirchner, Grace Kwon, Rachel Rusk, Sydney Sieh-Takata
Kerasynth is a synthetically grown biological material that can replace all keratin-based animal fibers. It takes the approach of using tissue engineering to grow wool Hair Follicle Germ (HFG) cells on microfluidic devices designed to provide the cells with nutrients and to remove waste. The subsequent wool could then be harvested and further processed or remain attached to the microfluidic device. Eventually, using non-animal derived growth media for cell culturing and more biodegradable alternatives for the PDMS used to make the microfluidic devices could make creating a completely vegan wool from a biodegradable support possible in the near future.
2018 BioDesign Challenge
The Biodesign Challenge partnered with PETA, Stella McCartney, and Stray Dog Capital to sponsor a prize that will be awarded to the team that designs the best animal-free wool during the 2018 Biodesign Challenge Summit.
Over two days, finalist teams showcased projects before esteemed judges from academia, the arts, and industry to compete for prizes, including the Glass Microbe. Teams were chosen from 500+ students from nine countries who worked throughout the academic year to develop their visions for the future of biotech.
On June 20th and 21st, 37 teams from around the world gathered at the Museum of Modern Art and Parsons School of Design for the BDC Summit—an event that brings together finalist teams with leading voices in art, design, and biology.
On June 20th and 21st, 37 teams from around the world gathered at the Museum of Modern Art and Parsons School of Design for the BDC Summit—an event that brings together finalist teams with leading voices in art, design, and biology.