This project takes an organism-driven approach to material design, merging modern industrial textile practices with future biotech principles to propose a future where a better understanding of microorganisms could help us not just replace synthetic materials but change our entire approach to making. By manipulating the growing process of k. rhaeticus bacteria, Founder Jen Keane developed a new form of ‘microbial weaving’, optimising the natural properties of bacterial cellulose to weave a new category of hybrid materials that are strong, lightweight and potentially customisable to a nanoscale.

The microbial weaving process was inspired by the natural behaviour of the k. rhaeticus bacteria, which you will normally kind in Kombucha. It produces nanocellulose – a material up to 8 times stronger stan steel and stiffer than kevlar. When grown by bacteria it appears as a tightly packed collection of fibres appearing as a semi-transparent gel.

Modern Synthesis believes that cellulose, and particularly nanocellulose will play a key role in the transition to and future circular economy. Their materials are currently not on the market. The overall goal of the company is to "provide truly sustainable + inspiring celullose-based alternatives to reduce the industry's dependence on petrochemical-derived materials – without sacrificing creativity."