Bio-Bespoke
Trehalose Artefacts
Developing sugar-based products to enhance human survival during drought
Institution
MA Material Futures
Central Saint Martins
Expertise
Speculative Design
Scientific Research
System Design
Packaging Design
Sector
Biotechnology
Wellbeing
Year
2015
Solutions for a future of extreme climate change
Borne of observations on climate change and human behaviour, Trehalose Artefacts explores a water-scarce future where we adapt ourselves to our environment instead of vice versa.
1
Blue Gold – World Water Wars examines the implications of a dwindling water supply
2
Tardigrades can survive extreme temperatures
Image: Britannica
3
Underground architecture could provide respite from the heat
Image: Sketchbook
4
Regenerative science explores enhancement of the human body
Image: Wikipedia
5
Water usage increases despite drought conditions in California
Image: The New York Times
6
Global climate change projections
Image: Sketchbook
A natural sugar that protects cells from dehydration
Trehalose is a naturally-occurring sugar found in a wide variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants and invertebrates. Stable and soluble in water, it could be used to enhance human survival by reducing water loss through skin surfaces.
Trehalose-based skincare tailored to different needs
I started with a range of skincare products based on scientific research I conducted in partnership with the UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine. Different concentrations of trehalose are available to match a variety of user needs and environments.
Micro-encapsulated clothing for continuous coverage
The second solution makes use of microencapsulation, where the sugar is embedded in textiles and released to the skin over time.
Like the skincare range, varying concentrations and rates of release could be created to fit various requirements.
Electronic tattoos enable monitoring of hydration levels
E-tattoos supplement the previous solutions allowing users to track physiological data, linked to an app which informs users when they may need to re-apply, re-purchase or take other actions.
Salone del Mobile, London Design Festival and publications
The project was exhibited in Milan as part of the Material Futures annual showcase, then at The Intelligent Optimist during London Design Festival 2015. It was nominated for the MullenLowe Nova Awards and featured on publications such as LS:N Global, Inhabitat, Protein and Disegno.
These solutions were developed whilst carrying out research on human skin cells at the UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine.
Collaborators
UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine
under the supervision of Dr. Achala de Mel
Model | Jewel Tai
Makeup | Adama Jatta
Photography | Ben Pendlebury
Explore other Research projects:
Culinary CMF
Culture Comforts
