When Kombucha Go Electronic

At this year’s Dutch Design Week 2024, Vivien Roussel, along with Madalina Nicolae and Marc Teyssier, showcased an intriguing innovation: the BioHybrid Device – Grown Technology, a video game controller crafted from living biofilm.

This project, which blends biological and digital manufacturing processes, represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable design. The game controller is grown from SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), which is one of the ingredients used in the fermentation of Kombucha.

It incorporates input/output components through natural morphogenesis, challenging traditional ideas of materiality and production.

Vivien’s work, developed in collaboration with the research team at IFT Paris, seeks to replace plastic and explore a future where technology can be biologically cultivated.

His vision, rooted in sustainability, calls for a radical shift in how we conceive and manufacture objects. In our interview, Vivien shared insights into the process behind this hybrid artifact and his thoughts on the intersection of biology and technology, offering a glimpse into the future of design.

As the BioHybrid Device slowly grows, absorbing conductive elements and sensors into its structure, it raises fundamental questions about the nature of objects and production.

Vivien’s research doesn’t just blur the lines between living and non-living—it invites us to rethink our relationship with the materials and technologies that shape our world.

The Early Days of Exploration

Vivien's journey into biodesign began with a simple curiosity about 3D printing, leading him to undertake some initial tinkering at home. This led him to join various Fab Labs across France, where he nurtured his creativity and technological exploration.

His time in China, immersed in the maker culture of Shenzhen and Shanghai, further improved his understanding of collaborative innovation.

Back in France, Vivien’s focus shifted to education and community engagement. He sought to create Fab Labs for children who had dropped out of school, merging his engineering background with a commitment to pedagogy.

"I made a master in innovation and pedagogy while also diving into biomaterials," he explained, demonstrating his multifaceted approach to learning and creation.

Getting into Biofabrication

Vivien's journey into the field of biofabrication revealed his enthusiasm for innovation and his unique position within academia. "Not many individuals pursue this particular path," he stated, acknowledging the niche he occupied.

Vivien recounted his collaboration with Madalina Nicholae, where they merged their respective research interests—Vivien developing a new method for growing bacterial cellulose and Madalina experimenting with incorporating electronics into kombucha.

This partnership allowed them to explore innovative biofabrication methods and frameworks that aim to blend electronics and biology seamlessly.

He talked a little about their collaborative research findings, particularly the metabolic processes involved in kombucha growth. Vivien referenced a notable German researcher who discovered a novel approach to glucose vaporization, enhancing biofilm growth.

This revelation led them to experiment with non-ferrous materials with non-antibacterial properties, which could positively influence bacterial cultures' growth.

Throughout the conversation, Vivien challenged the popular narrative of co-designing with living organisms, emphasizing that manipulation was essential for achieving desired outcomes in biofabrication.

"It's not just about the aesthetics or the trendy ideas," he asserted. With a strong background in both art and design, he critiqued the oversimplification of symbiotic relationships, pointing out the complexities inherent in biological interactions.

His expertise extended to mapping the connections between various disciplines, from design to biology. He highlighted the importance of understanding these relationships for effective biofabrication. On his website, Vivien created an accessible map of these connections, serving as a valuable resource for those interested in the field.

Vivien stressed the importance of grounding biofabrication work in solid biological knowledge rather than merely following trends. His pragmatic approach invited readers to rethink their understanding of living systems and the role of biology in design.

In Search for Collaborative Spaces

Vivien’s vision for collaborative spaces, particularly in Paris, reflected his deep understanding of community needs. With the closure of La Paillasse, he identified a critical gap in accessible biolabs and biomaterial labs in the city.

"It’s nonsense we don’t have a place like this in Paris," he asserted, emphasizing the growing demand for such resources.

Determined to rebuild a similar space, Vivien gathered a network of interested individuals and potential investors. "Many people needed a biolab and biomaterial lab in Paris, but nothing existed," he highlighted, showcasing his commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration.

A Sculptor’s Perspective: Merging Art and Science

Vivien described himself as a sculptor, driven by the desire to create living forms. "It’s a huge question, but I think like a sculptor," he noted, emphasizing his artistic vision intertwined with scientific inquiry.

His ambition to create sculptures that grew organically challenged traditional notions of art, encouraging a dialogue between the disciplines of art and science.

He shared insights into creating a biohybrid gamepad that incorporated bacterial cellulose. "We used 3D printed carbon filament buttons, and we inserted some cables to connect them to the microcontroller,” he explained, illustrating the innovative integration of biological systems in technology.

Morphogenesis and the Living Interface

A critical aspect of the biohybrid gamepad design was its connection to morphogenesis, the biological process that shapes living organisms. "The biofilm could grow within the components of the gamepad," he elaborated, highlighting how living materials blurred the lines between biological and technological interfaces.

By growing components in a kombucha medium, he created a unique aesthetic and functional design that embodied environmental consciousness.

Comparing Materials: Bacterial Cellulose vs. Mycelium

The conversation naturally led to a comparison of bacterial cellulose and mycelium. While both materials had their advantages, Vivien emphasized the distinctive properties of bacterial cellulose.

"It’s not just about the substructure; it’s about what each material can do," he remarked, illustrating the transformative potential of manipulating biological systems through human intervention.

Rethinking Materials and the Future of Biodesign

As the discussions continued, Vivien expressed a broader vision for the future of biodesign. Vivien’s quest to create collaborative spaces reflected his belief in the importance of community and innovation.

"I had to deal with it," he concluded, recognizing the complexities of navigating institutional frameworks while remaining committed to his vision.

Similarly, Vivien saw his work as part of a larger narrative about the relationship between technology and humanity. "I wasn’t limited to material design," he commented, emphasizing the need to explore how advancements in biological materials shape our perceptions of reality. 

We thank Vivien for his time in sitting down with us for the chat. Vivien and his collaborators’ work stands as a testament to the power of combining biological systems with electronic technology to redefine design as we know it. The BioHybrid Device – Grown Technology, is more than just an intriguing artifact; it embodies the future of sustainable innovation.

For those relatively new to biofabrication and bacterial cellulose, there are abundant free online resources to get started.

For more detailed and structured guidance, Vivien and his colleagues have recently contributed insights to a UIST paper, offering valuable methodological frameworks on bacterial cellulose and biohybrid fabrication.

Plus, keep an eye out—the project BioHybrid Device - Grown Technology will also be showcased at the Future Materials Conference in Budapest, Hungary, between 7-8 November 2024.