@inproceedings{01GQ75N21G95WCWNGQHGN35DH9,
  abstract     = {{The urgent transition to a more sustainable and biobased economy drives the growing interest in alternative materials. Biomaterials which can grow with minimal energy from various feedstocks and are fully biodegradable are a perfect example of such alternative materials. Despite the worldwide emergence of startup companies in biomaterials, real-world applications are limited, and a market breakthrough has not occurred yet, partially due to a lack of scientific insights. This project aims to build a fundamental knowledge platform focusing on the interplay between feedstock types, fermentation process parameters, and biological and material characteristics. This is a starting point toward biomaterials' more controllable and reliable growth.
Further, the project expands the portfolio of material types via cocultivation strategies and explores engineered living materials (ELMs). By integrating sensor modules, the living materials can interact with the environment. Imagine roof insulation material that insulates but also detects and repairs potential leakages!
 Finally, by working with an artist and experts in bioethics, this project also explores and evaluates the bioethical implications of biomaterial applications in our daily lives. We use Bio-Kintsugi, a combination of the traditional Japanese kintsugi and biomaterials, as an accessible way to introduce the public to biomaterials. 
This multifaceted and interdisciplinary project offers a new way to connect academia with society and opens the public debate about the application of biomaterials.}},
  author       = {{Amery, Béné and De Mey, Marjan}},
  booktitle    = {{Applied Synthetic Biology in Europe, 6th, Abstracts}},
  keywords     = {{Biomaterials,Engineered Living Materials,Cocultivation,Bioethics,Art}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  location     = {{Edinburgh, UK}},
  title        = {{Exploiting the potential of biomaterials and engineered living materials via co-cultivation and arts}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}