This article explores submerged liquid fermentation (SLF) as a space for design inquiry in the development of mycelium-based materials. Despite its considerable potential for producing novel biofabricated materials, SLF remains largely underexplored within biodesign research. Drawing on iterative experimentation cycles and learnings in a laboratory environment, the study investigates how design-led approaches can contribute to techno-scientific biofabrication processes while critically examining the opportunities and constraints that arise when working with SLF-derived mycelium biomass. Framed through material-driven design methodologies, the research demonstrates how technical performance can be integrated with sensorial and expressive material qualities through collaborative practices between designers and scientists. By positioning SLF as both a biotechnological process and a creative material practice. The study contributes to broader discussions on the expanding role of design in shaping emerging biofabrication technologies across industrial and creative domains.

This paper proposes plant root systems as biological role models and active biomaterials for innovative architectural design. Focusing on both coarse and fine root systems, the research combines biomimetic analysis, material-driven design and experimental biodesign methods to explore how root growth principles can inform structural, anchoring and connective systems. A temporary biolab enabled cultivation experiments, including root entanglement in granular media, hydroponic connectivity studies, embedded growth in 3D-printed soil structures and the fabrication of patterned root mats. In parallel, digital modelling and analysis of scanned root systems supported the development of simulation workflows and speculative design applications. The project follows a radical exploration methodology integrating biological research, computational tools and hands-on experimentation. Preliminary insights suggest roots’ capacity to stabilise substrates, connect inert components and generate adaptive material systems. The findings establish a foundation for scalable, bio-integrated and bio-inspired construction strategies and contribute to sustainable, resilient and ecologically responsive practices.

This research explores how bio-based materials might support everyday intimate care in non-medicalized ways. During the transition to motherhood, reproductive bodies undergo profound changes that disrupt bodily environments including the vaginal microbiome, skin barrier and urinary tract. To surface these fluctuations, we explored pH-sensing materials from agar, carboxymethyl cellulose and anthocyanin that indicate the pH of vaginal discharge, sweat and urine via color change. Through co-creation with design researchers, we identified three dimensions for designing maternal care artifacts: ambiguity, visibility and lenience. Combining material qualities, microbiology and feminist design approaches, we created three design provocations that integrate these materials into everyday care scenarios. Our work contributes to the social dimension of biodesign by nuancing bio-based material exploration for diverse human experiences and foregrounding bodily materials as integral to biodesign processes and outcomes and further highlighting human–microbiome sensibilities, resisting medicalization of bodies and materializing feminist critique of self-tracking.

Biodegradability is often framed as an intrinsic material property. By integrating industrial design and soil science, this research examines how material design can actively support ecological reintegration. Through a case study of Polylactic Acid (PLA)—marketed as sustainable yet resistant to breakdown in everyday soil—we challenge how biodegradability claims misalign with real-world decomposition. To address this, we designed and tested 3D printing filaments, using compost respiration analysis to show that microbial engagement depends on material composition and environmental factors. We then introduce decayability as a novel affordance that supports microbial activity. By extending affordance theory beyond human perception, this study establishes a framework for designing materials that mediate interactions between human fabrication needs and nonhuman decomposition processes.

Environmental concerns surrounding textile production have increased the need and interest in developing material innovations and interdisciplinary approaches to offset this ecological impact. Bacterial cellulose is present in several industries, and its biologically produced form has shown potential use within fashion. Within the emerging field of biodesign, research surrounding bacterial cellulose textiles generally focuses on the initial sheeted growth, while alternative outputs and working methods remain scarce. Here, fibre reassembly is analysed by fully integrating broken down BC fibres with knitted structures. Material selection and working methods take a practice-led approach to experiment formulation in order to observe material behaviour as central to development. This project aims to create biocomposite textiles that enhance the properties of bacterial cellulose and expand its designable characteristics through low-tech working methods accessible from designerly backgrounds. The results are intended to inform further research in footwear design contexts, as basis to develop BC-based components. Experimentation shows BC fibres reassembled around the knitted structures, varying according to yarn choice and fermenting environment alteration. This demonstrates potential for material and methodology development while exploring co-design with living organisms. In the context of future applications, BC-based composite textiles can self-assemble at different growth stages, offering the possibility of material-driven approaches to spaces intersecting biology and design.