Biofabrication, the use of biological materials to manufacture products, is gaining traction in 2024, with applications ranging from sustainable construction materials to medical implants.
Scientists are developing ways to “grow” materials like leather and silk in lab environments using cell cultures, reducing the need for traditional animal and resource-intensive production methods.
In the construction industry, biofabricated bricks and cement made from algae and bacteria are being explored as sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials, which are often energy-intensive to produce.
In the biomedical field, biofabrication is enabling the production of customized tissue implants and organ scaffolds, improving outcomes for patients needing reconstructive surgery or organ transplants.
By harnessing the properties of living materials, biofabrication offers a sustainable and innovative approach to manufacturing that could reshape industries from fashion to medicine, offering eco-friendly solutions with unique, customizable properties.
