In the race to a more sustainable clothing industry. Scientists have been experimenting with all kinds of ingredients to produce new textile fabrics that are more ecofriendly and resourceful. Modern Synthesis a Biomaterial innovation company have been researching and experimenting with Bacteria for new ways of producing textile fabrics.
We have seen the use of Algae and Seaweed, Banana skin and Grapes,. Now there are new discoveries using bacteria that could answer all our textile needs.
Modern Synthesis
Modern Synthesis is a Biomaterial innovation company, based in London. Co-Founded by Jen Keane and Ben Reeve. Jen is widely recognized for her work with biomaterials and Ben a Bioengineer and materials expert.
Working together they aim to scientifically produce new materials from abundant resources. Offering a sustainable eco-friendly alternative to the current poly filled textile world.
Instead of recreating materials we are used too, they aim to make a whole new material. Using this new material will offer designers new inspirations, with the opportunity to explore new ways to design.
They aim to work with designers and brands that share their morals and ethos.
Going back to nature
Nature has all the answers! Modern synthetics take much of their inspiration from nature. They have been exploring how nature can develop its own needs and habitats, without the added use of machinery and tools. They believe it is important to learn from nature and how it uses what is around it to form what it needs.
Using Bacteria
Having investigated a bacteria called k. rhaeticus often found in kombucha tea. They were inspired by the natural growing behavior of the bacteria. To source the bacteria they use waste feedstock. This will be sugary waste like fruit.
The bacteria that grow on these waste foods, produce a material called nano cellulose. Cellulose is a compound substance found in other plant-based fabrics such as cotton and linen.
The bacteria will leave trails of the needed substance wherever it goes, making it very easy to source!
Why Bacteria is a groundbreaking find
What is most fascinating! The bacteria can grow the substance through a natural process that forms “Microbial weaving”. To reduce the process of creating this fabric, they have managed to grow the bacteria on strings of thread.
When the substance is formed into a fibre it is said to be “8 times’ stronger than steel. The bacteria is so small that when joined together they form strong bonds. Creating a strong, but light weight material.
Different variations of this material can be made by slightly altering the creating process. These changes may be slight but can change the material altogether, in terms of thickness and whether it drapes or sits stiffly.
This then opens up a range of textiles to be made using Bacteria Cellulose. The material that they have made feels like no other material on the market.
Experimenting Textiles
With the clothing market drifting away from petroleum based or animal-based clothing designers and consumers are exploring new natural ways! Bacteria and Fungai are just a few of the new areas that are under experimentation.
Our current Natural fabrics However, like Cotton, Linen and wool, are still an option, However, there is still a challenge with supplying large quantites. A field of cotton can use a considerable amount of water, making it not as economical as the method of bacteria found on waste products.
This opens opportunities for companies like modern synthetics to create new materials out of resources that we are abundant in, like bacteria.