More
Purpose/Impact
Over the past few years, there has been a great deal of innovation in the world of biomaterials. For example, the industry is exploring new feedstock for textiles that is abundant and renewable, such as mycelium and kelp. The Werewool team is trying something new: creating a new class of fibers by bonding genetically altered proteins, using the transglutaminase enzyme. This has the potential to create endless possibilities in protein fiber variation.
Outcomes/Accomplishments
Status Update
The team is working on altering the performance and aesthetic properties of Werewool to mimic the desirable characteristics of wool through the manipulation of the protein’s amino acid sequence. This entire process of fiber production will eliminate some of the most polluting and ethically unsound methods in the textile industry. If the team achieves this goal, they will create an accessible platform in which students and designers can collaborate on developing variations on the fiber.