Biomaterials and the new frontier of living materials: seaweed

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Courtesy of bioMATTERS

The second chapter of “Living Materials”, the new feature devoted to the materials of the future by Daniela Amandolese, researcher and lecturer at the German University in Cairo. It explores the potential for symbiotic design between people and living organisms

After introducing the concept of Living Materials and exploring the ways they are interpreted in mycelium-based materials, this article focuses on another group of living materials, namely plant-based materials, particularly those derived from algae.

“Algae-based materials can replace synthetic components and fossil fuels such as oil, assisting the transition to a circular economy” (Jones et al., 2022).

In this historical period, when we are observing an excessive use of non-renewable resources, we need a circular and biophilic approach. Thanks to the work of some designers who are promoting these methods, we are beginning to see that alternative systems of production and consumption are possible and recognizing that material innovation will be crucial to achieving this goal.

Currently, most polymers of biological origin come from plant cellulose derived from agriculture. However, to effectively replace the large volumes of petroleum-based polymers without reducing the agricultural resources for producing food, it is crucial to develop new materials from other easily and quickly renewable resources. Thanks to their rapid growth and ability to absorb carbon dioxide, algae, for example, are a practical answer.

“Seaweed can grow up to 60 times faster than terrestrial plants, offering a low-impact renewable resource for the construction sector” (Smith et al., 2021).

salonemilano, alghe — Courtesy of Katarina Kruus - pigments extracted from local algae

The properties of algae have long been known and they are used in different fields, such as nutrition - since they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and fiber, or in medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. But in recent years, the design world has also begun to look at algae with increasing interest as an alternative resource.

“The farming of algae can help achieve the EU’s objectives in terms of decarbonisation, zero pollution, circularity, the preservation and restoration of biodiversity, the protection of ecosystems and the development of environmental services.” European Green Deal

Algae are plants that live in aquatic environments and there is an endless variety of them. For example, they can vary in size, starting from microscopic ones, such as Chlorella, a single-celled microalgae, up to macroscopic ones, like giant kelp, which can reach lengths of over 30 meters. The forms of algae are also very varied. For example, Spirogyra is filamentous, with long, slender structures, while Ulva has a lamellar shape, resembling a flat, broad leaf. And finally, algae are often also classified according to their color, which depends on the pigments present in their cells. Green algae, such as Chlorophyta, contain chlorophyll, while red algae, such as Rhodophyta, have red pigments.

Materially, seaweed is amazingly versatile. It can be turned into bioplastics, textile fibers or composite materials for cladding and structures. In addition, products derived from algae are completely biodegradable, making them ideal for temporary or closed-loop applications.
Several companies, design studios and researchers have begun to explore the potential of these materials by applying them to various sectors of design.

EcoLogic Studio

EcoLogicStudio is an architecture and design studio based in London, founded by Claudia Pasquero and Marco Poletto. This practice focuses on the fusion of biology, technology and design. Algae are to the fore among the materials that they explore.

PhotoSynthetica Collection is their first range of biophilic design products (an approach inspired by the aesthetics and functionality of natural systems). This collection is the culmination of five years of research and development. It implements the results of several projects conceived by EcoLogicStudio, such as the BioBombola, the Otrivin Air Lab, the Air Office and the Tree One.

The PhotoSynthetica Collection includes: the AIReactor - a biotechnological desk air purifier; the Compostable Stool; and the Bio-Digital Ring - a 3D printed jewel made from re-metabolized pollution.

Each piece connects the spheres of biophilic and digital design, implementing true circularity in both production and use. In fact, the biomass generated by the air purification process becomes a raw material for the 3D printing of the compostable stool and the jewel.

“This collection grew out of the dream of growing the city of the future starting from the residual pollution of our current fossil civilization. More than products, these first three objects are tools for starting a collective process of urban re-metabolization,” says Marco Poletto.

bioMATTERS

bioMATTERS, a biodesign studio based in both New York and London, has designed MYCO-ALGA, an indoor wall cladding system made with 3D printed mycelium and algae.

These tiles consist of living organisms and recycled natural and organic waste, ensuring a completely biodegradable final product. The final step involves the application of bio-pigments extracted from the harvested algal biomass, transformed into gels. These pigments are 3D printed on each tile.

Bloom

Bloom, a company operating in the United States (Meridian, MS), is well known for developing sustainable algae-based materials with the focus on creating flexible foams. “We are moving very quickly on the market, helping the footwear industry replace fossil fuel-based materials with algae in different parts of footwear (e.g. insoles, midsoles, outsoles), as well as assisting the automotive industry in making their foams more sustainable.

One of their best-known products, the Ultra III Bloom, is a shoe created in collaboration with Vivobarefoot, made with a material derived from algae collected in waterways. These algae, removed to preserve local ecosystems, are transformed into a biodegradable foam that replaces materials traditionally derived from petroleum. Bloom’s production process begins by harvesting algal biomass in areas where flowering threatens water quality and biodiversity. The algae are then treated and converted into a lightweight, flexible foam, suitable for a wide range of applications, from shoe soles to accessories and furnishing components. They have recently been admitted to the UN program called “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”, devoted to those who actively develop environmental restoration programs.

Studio Klarenbeek & Dros

The Studio Klarenbeek & Dros, founded by Dutch designers Eric Klarenbeek and Maartje Dros, is known for its use of algae in the 3D printing of furniture objects. Working at the Atelier Luma in France, Klarenbeek and Dros grow aquatic algae, which they then dry and transform into a material that can be used to 3D print objects.

Designers believe this bio-based polymer could be used to make anything from shampoo bottles to crockery to garbage cans, eventually completely replacing plastic produced from fossil fuels like oil.

In collaboration with research institutes and companies, Klarenbeek & Dros are also working to create a veritable network of local bioplastics producers, contributing to a more circular and decentralized economic system.

Giestas

Portuguese designer Giestas presents Baking Vegan Slippers, a collection that invites you to experiment with algae-based bioplastics in the footwear industry.

The project uses alginate, a thickener made from algae, for the upper part of the shoe, colored with saffron or black tea, while the sole is made with ground cork bound with agar, a substitute for algae-based gelatin.

Nienke Hoogvliet

Nienke Hoogvliet is a Dutch designer who describes herself as an artivist – a combination of “artist” and “activist” – Nienke Hoogvliet uses design to inspire harmony between people, society and the environment. She has set up a firm specializing in sustainable materials and developed furnishing projects using yarns and fabrics based on algae.

One of her projects, SEA ME, features carpets and chairs made from recycled algae fibers and fishing nets.

Søuld

Søuld is a Danish company that manufactures recyclable building materials and acoustic products made from eelgrass, a natural, non-toxic material capable of storing CO₂.

Zostera marina, better known as eelgrass, is an aquatic plant that grows in estuaries, bays and other shallow coastal areas. This species is capable of absorbing three times more greenhouse gases than trees. In addition to these ecological qualities, eelgrass is naturally flame retardant, resistant to decomposition and offers excellent insulating properties.

There are also numerous universities that are experimenting with the potential of bio-based materials, such as algae, by involving their students in research and design projects. A virtuous example is the Estonian Academy of Arts.

Estonian Academy of Arts

Students from Iceland, Finland and Estonia have developed regenerative and local design projects by using algae. They have produced materials closely resembling leather and wooden panels, as well as pigments for coloring fabrics.

“Our goal with this project is to encourage respect for algae by exploring the range of algae. By understanding their differences and embracing them, our hope is that with greater knowledge and dialogue, our coexistence can be strengthened.”