Growduce: Homegrown Eco-Products From Cellulose Using bacteria and Yeast

Date: 4 May 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Application

• Personalized, sustainable product creation: Enables consumers to grow eco-friendly products like bandages, clothing, and accessories at home.

Description

Growduce is a concept developed by biologist Aakriti Jain and designer Guillian Graves, aimed at enabling consumers to grow everyday products at home. Using bacteria and yeast to produce cellulose, the "micro-factory" grows flexible, leather-like materials from compost. This process offers a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional manufacturing, eliminating the need for packaging and transportation. The resulting products are organic, recyclable, and part of a circular design strategy.

 

Pathway Description:

The Growduce project uses a process where bacteria and yeast work together in a symbiotic colony (SCOBY) to digest cellulose. The bacteria produce cellulose, a naturally occurring polymer, which is then molded into various consumer products. The process requires minimal maintenance and can grow products on compost material, such as bandages and clothing. Additives like aloe vera or pigments can be incorporated into the growing cellulose for customized products.