“Fermenting Futures” explores the significance of yeast biotechnology from a cultural, ethical and aesthetic perspective, engaging audiences in the history and future of this under-recognised field and its potential to offer environmental solutions.
The art installation explores and physically contains a CRISPR modified Pichia pastoris yeast that is simultaneously able to capture carbon and output lactic acid for the manufacture of biodegradable PLA plastic – for 3D printing.
The art project “Fermenting Futures” explores and physically contains a CRISPR modified Pichia pastoris yeast that is simultaneously able to capture carbon and output lactic acid for the manufacture of biodegradable PLA plastic – for 3D printing.
The installation comprises a glass vessel containing the bubbling modified yeast, sustained by a mass of tubes, 3D printed yeast forms incorporating the yeast-produced PLA plastic swarm across the container.
The project builds on two research projects in the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, which use genetic modification techniques and directed evolution.
Created in collaboration with artist Alex May, and scientists Professor Diethard Mattanovich, Professor Michael Sauer, Dr. Özge Ata and Dr. Martin Altvater at the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria.
Tags: BioArt, Synthetic Biology, Yeast Biotechnology, Art, Fermenting Futures.