Biomineralization is nature’s method of creating durable, robust materials using minimal energy. This process not only produces materials of remarkable complexity but also intelligently designs them to adapt and remodel in response to environmental changes. Harnessing this capability presents a significant challenge for the fields of material science, biotechnology, and design. Our exhibition highlights efforts within the Living Construction Theme of the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) to pioneer advanced biomineralization techniques employing microbes, allowing design on multiple scales. The exhibits will explore early-stage research into self-healing materials and materials that can remodel themselves under stress. Additionally, we will present more advanced developments in biological cement through innovative casting methods and cements capable of sequestering CO2. The exhibition will also feature commercial applications of this technology, which aims to develop low-carbon bio-composites by repurposing industrial waste.

Exhibited at OME, Devonshire Terrace, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, UK in March 2024
 
Exhibition curated and designed by:
Thora Arnardottir, Meng Zhang & Martyn Dade-Robertson

Organisation Team: 
Magdalini Theodoridou, Dilan Ozkan, Derrick Mnwebaza, Vivian Koltsou

Project collaborators & exhibition support:
Dana Ofiteru, Ege Savas, Edward Jones, Crystal Wang, Katie Gilmour, Aileen Hoenerloh, Jamier Haystead, Oliver Perry