Living Materials explores the exciting potential of integrating living organisms and biological processes into material science, offering solutions to issues of sustainability and performance. This emerging field promises self-repairing structures and buildings that grow, moving beyond the limitations of traditional materials. Imagine bio-concrete buildings and self-repairing pipelines becoming commonplace, greatly reducing our reliance on resource-intensive manufacturing.
The book traces the development of bio-materials and their applications in Growing Structures, Living Infrastructure, and Designing with Biology. It highlights how biotechnology is being used for environmental remediation, such as in bio-filtration systems, and also examines the integration of living systems into design, for example, bio-luminescent lighting.
One intriguing area covered is the potential for Living Materials to revolutionize construction through bio-printed buildings, showcasing a blend of biology and architecture. The book provides a structured overview, beginning with fundamental concepts and progressing through real-world applications, ethical considerations, and future directions. By presenting research, case studies, and expert interviews, it bridges the gap between current scientific understanding and the transformative possibilities of bio-integrated design, making it valuable for anyone interested in sustainable development and the future of materials science.
