An Italian researcher creates sunglasses frames from bacteria.
Developed from prior studies, researcher Cinzia Ferrari advanced the technology of Cyanobacteria biomineralization to create the material. Biomineralization results from a scientific reaction when carbon dioxide is absorbed during photosynthesis, changing the chemical makeup of the water around the bacteria. The resulting mineral deposit bonds with sediments and polymers to create the frames. The final sunglasses design was inspired by patterns viewed within the cyanobacteria strains.
What’s great about this project is that the sunglasses can be recycled at the end of their life, when the components can be broken down and used as a basis for new enzyme growth. The project could also serve as a basis for further research on the possible uses of cyanobacteria and the process of biomineralization.
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