UV radiation is one of the most harmful factors for the body, causing burns and cancer and directly influencing premature aging. At the same time, modern chemical-based sunscreens have a negative impact on the marine ecosystem.
Maca Barrera, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, has come up with a solution. She created Melwear, a garment made using the skin pigment melanin, which provides natural protection against UV rays.
The suit creates a "second skin" effect, increasing the protective layer and natural melatonin levels. The development is based on two new technologies: melanin biosynthesis in bacteria and bioprinting of artificial tissues with living cells. Biologists grow bacteria that produce melanin and also use genetic engineering to increase their numbers.
Barrera's project explores one of the most astonishing properties of melanin: its UV absorption. This absorbency creates sun protection for the wearer. Capsules in the garment become active and darken in response to high exposure, mimicking the pigmentation process in the skin, but to a greater degree.
Because Melwear is a speculative project, there is no functional prototype. But Barrera’s previous work in the lab at Central Saint Martins has enabled her to produce her own bacterial melanin. She has also been able to test bioprinting technology in partnership with the Francis Crick Institute. “This is an opportunity to create future scenarios and solutions that can contribute to scientific progress in solving problems,” she says.
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