BACTERIAL CELLULOSE with Annelie Koller BACTERIA

Suzanne Lee BACTERIAL CELLULOSE

Cellulose is produced by microorganisms. The fungus ‘’ is a symbiosis of Acetobacter (a bacteria that can oxidase of ethanol to acetic acid during fermentation) and yeast. Many people around the world drink the for its health benefits (yes fermented food is really healthy for you, but note there is a difference between fermented and rancid). The process begins with fermenting a culture in a liquid broth containing sugars and acid Over time the bacteria produces microfibrils of cellulose which float to the surface.

However There is a drive towards biomaterials at the moment: materials that are either synthesized naturally or inspired by nature; we all know the impact that man-made material is having on the planet. So we will not be making the tea for health benefits, although you are welcome to drink it, but to create the thick layer of biomaterial or scoby (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) that forms on the top of this tea. The scoby creates a leatherlike substance once dried and this has been used in various fashion experiments and has helped us develop theories and techniques for future explorations into biomaterials. The Step 1: Preparing Kombucha Brew

• 1/2- 1 c. kombucha tea ( you can bring store-bought kombucha)) • Small piece of SCOBY from previous culture or ordered online. • 2-3 teabags: green, or black caffeinated work best • 3-4 tablespoons of white sugar (this is the food of the bacteria so the more sugar you add, the more it will have to eat.) • 2 cups of spring water • 50ml white or apple cider vinegar • A clean container that has not been washed with detergent. (The scoby will take on the shape of the container, so be creative…) • A clean breathable cloth that we will use to cover the container.

1. Heat half of the water to boiling 2. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. 3. Add tea bags to the boiling water with sugar. Herbal or Earl Grey tea are not recommended! 4. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. 5. Remove teabags and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes. 6. Pour the room temperature tea into clean container. 7. Add remaining spring water. 8. Cover and cool to room temperature. 9. Add vinegar, Kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) and reserve kombucha to your tea. 10. Use gloves or wash clean your hands to before you touch the scoby. Step 2: Growing bacterial cellulose material

1. Cover container with clean cloth and seal well to prevent fruit flies from entering container. 2. Place covered container in warm area and leave undisturbed for at least 2 weeks or longer. Step 3: Make your product

1. Dry on a flat surface on paper or printmaking screen is best for flat material 2. Or drape across a 3D surface to create shapes as it dries

Stefan Schwabe & Suzanne Lee Jannis Hulsen THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. When working with biological material, always keep it very sanitary. Clean your equipment with alcohol, hot water or iodine. Soap and detergents might kill your specimen. Dirt will leave with you contaminated, smelly and unsuccessful projects 2. Biology takes time, so be patient. The longer you wait, the greater the reward. But you do need to take care of the specimen along the way. Keep it clean, keep the temperature and light for optimum growing conditions and keep an eye on it. 3. If things do get contaminated, bleach kills just about anything and you should discard your specimen in bleach