Aradhita Parasrampuria, Cellsesne (2022)

Biodegradable beads made using algae

Fashion
SealevelEmisisonsTemperatureBiodiversity

Aradhita Parasrampuria has created a collection of pieces utilizing biodegradable algae-based embellishments that transform with their environment, in order to challenge the separation between artificial materials and the biological world. The heart of this body of work are beads created using an algae biopolymer solution that is water-resistant, antimicrobial, and self-replenishing. Parasrampuria weaves the beads into intricate textiles using a beadwork technique she developed. The embellishments react with sunlight to change color or glow in the dark, creating an interactive experience for the user. Parasrampuria works with a protein isolated from jellyfish to make her beads bioluminescent. She designed this function to encourage people to create a bond with the material and help consumers see the beads as living, breathing organisms that must be preserved and cared for instead of used and disposed of. The beads are dyed using non-toxic microbial pigments. The embellishment industry relies on petroleum plastic and synthetic resins to create beaded products, leading to waste and microplastics. Parasrampuria’s aim is to create circular design systems that utilize renewable resources. Algae beads offer a viable solution as they are biodegradable and non toxic. With materials like these, a future where the textile and fashion industry operates in a closed-loop product life cycle could potentially become a reality. Aradhita also adds iridescence and shine to her materials with the use of cellulose Nanocrystals.

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