2018
Kerasynth is a synthetically grown biological material that could replace all keratin-based animal fibers. The goal of Kerasynth is to eliminate the direct use of animals in the textile industry, while still utilizing keratin based animal fibers. This is made possible through the implementation of tissue engineering to grow Hair Follicle Germ (HFG) cells on microfluidic devices designed to provide the cells with nutrients and remove waste, maintaining the integrity of the fiber without the animal’s direct involvement.
Collaboration among Erin Kirchner, Rachel Rusk, Sydney Sieh-Takata, Grace Kwon and Diana Eusebio.
Finalist for the 2018 Biodesign Challenge, presented at the MoMA and Animal-Free Wool Prize Sponsored by PETA and Stella McCartney
Mentioned in Forbes, Smithsonian.com, Medium, along with other publications.
CNC-Routed Microfluidics Design
×
PDMS and Silicone Casts of Microfluidic Design
×
Image to display scale of microfluidic prototypes
×
Sketch of jacket with microfluidic collar that would have its nutrients controlled by the wearer to customize its length
×
Jacket with microfluidic collar
×
Detail shot of jacket with microfluidic collar
×