Conformal Thinking for 3D Shaping of Bacterial Cellulose

Abstract

A prototype for a production method is designed that can facilitate multiple geometries of statically grown bacterial cellulose for one mould. This production method, called CelluShaping, was developed after desktop research on bacterial cellulose. Here, topics regarding the material’s origin, cultural influences, its biological synthesis, material characteristics, applications and production, as well as topics regarding biodesign and conformality in design are discussed. From this research, a taxonomy is made, on which ideation on multiple principles are developed. After testing the most promising principles, a combination of two principles, where geometry is introduced through the growing bacterial cellulose sample from above the growth and from below. This principle, which is called CelluShaping, is elaborated upon and divided into its main components. From this understanding of the principle, a testing setup is designed and built. Also, a computational model, which aids in the hypothesizing of tests and is a first step in a tool to work with the production method is developed. With the testing setup and model, multiple tests are performed to test with multiple geometries and growing conditions. Finally, an overall conclusion, discussion, recommendation and reflection is given.