Our Bacterial Lives - Pure Effect Conversations

There is really a new age of designers emerging, utilizing biological systems to invent new materials and functions, reshaping notions of luxury, ethics, wellness, and sustainability. In today’s episode we talk to Rosie Broadhead, apparel designer specializing in biomaterials in the fashion industry. She has integrated live bacteria into the fibers of clothing that reduces body odor, encourages cell renewal and improves the immune system, when activated by sweat.

In our next conversation we meet Jan Klingler, a German industrial designer awarded for his groundbreaking work with his bacterial lamp. The project is inspired by microbiology and he's committed to make objects that tell a story to create a strong bond with the user.

'There are less than 100 spices of bacteria that can cause infections in humans, but it's association with disease persists. We are masters at consciously avoiding and killing bacteria, while unconsciously needing them. I want to transform our perception of bacteria as a carrier of disease to a carrier of meaning, by picking up on these strong emotional triggers and refocusing them onto something positive. Every place and every person has its own microbiological fingerprint.'

Have you ever thought of your laundry strategy? We often talk about the consequences of fast fashion and consumption behaviors when we raise issues of environmental impact. But what about the impact from all the garment that needs to be washed? Did you know that only 7% of an average laundry bag needs washing? What do you do with all clothes that can’t be washed properly today? What part can biotechnology play in creating a more sustainable fashion industry?

In this episode the team behind Pure Effect reveals the hidden truth about traditional washing and dry-cleaning. Together with textile professor Vincent Nierstrasz they explore alternative ways for cleaning in the future (and in space) and discuss how we can use microorganisms as resource-efficient technology for changing some of our most programed washing habits.

Vincent Nierstrasz is a professor in Textile Materials Technology at the Swedish School of Textiles at the University of Borås since November 2011. His research focuses on surface modification and surface functionalization of textile materials for production functional and smart textiles (via e.g. catalysis, biocatalysis, coating, printing, 3D printing, inkjet), textile and polymer biotechnology. Prof. dr. ir. Nierstrasz was previously appointed at Ghent University in Belgium as senior researcher and Marie Curie fellow, he holds a PhD degree from Delft University of Technology and is also a foreign member of the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities (KHMW).