2020 • Biology • Biodesign
Each biomaterial is created through a thermal extraction process that begins with measuring and boiling precise water quantities before adding organic ingredients sequentially. The mixtures simmer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing molecular bonds to form between natural polymers and create material strength. Once the proper viscosity is achieved, the liquid bioplastic is poured into molds where it cures into solid forms with properties similar to conventional plastics. The bio-resin formulations use plant-based starches and proteins that cross-link during heating, while bio-foil recipes incorporate algae-derived compounds for flexibility. Each material variant responds differently to modifiers like glycerin or vinegar, allowing control over final characteristics including transparency, rigidity, and biodegradation rate. The resulting materials demonstrate that functional plastics can be grown from waste rather than extracted from fossil fuels. 
