Irapuato, Mexico: At Polybion, innovation is a daily practice. We believe that to truly reimagine the future of materials, we must allow nature to take part not only in function but in form. Our latest work explores the union of two microorganisms—each with its unique capabilities—to create a new material language where biology becomes the artist.
This ongoing experimentation is not just about developing new materials. It’s about reshaping how we think about design itself. By letting living organisms shape the visual and structural outcome of our biomaterials, we’re proposing a different kind of authorship—one that inspires creators to collaborate with biology instead of imitating it.
The Science of Forward-Thinking Aesthetics
This clutch bag is the result of that exploration. One bacteria grows Celium, our Premium Cultivated Cellulose. The other, through a biochromatic process we developed for bacterial cellulose, naturally dyes it from within, creating deep violet hues with no synthetic pigments.
Here’s how it works:
- We begin by transforming fruit waste into bacterial cellulose through our biofabrication process.
- Once grown, the material is inoculated with violacein-producing bacteria, which use it as a natural scaffold.
- As the second bacteria grows, it infuses the material with pigment from the inside out.
- The result is a one-of-a-kind aesthetic created entirely by nature. No prints, no dyes—just biology at work.
The Result?
A radical aesthetic that feels organic, unpredictable, and alive. Deep violet striations, formed through nature’s own processes, impossible to replicate—a unique signature. Each piece of Celium in this process becomes a canvas painted by living organisms. It’s a radical shift in how we define beauty: not by control, but by motility.
At the core of this transformation is violacein, a naturally occurring bis-indole pigment found in organisms like Chromobacterium violaceum. Known for its antimicrobial and antitumor properties, violacein is attracting attention across cosmetics, pharma, and advanced materials for its aesthetic and functional promise.
But beyond its scientific interest, violacein-producing bacteria allows us to ask deeper questions:
- What if the future of design isn’t about precision, but permission?
- What happens when we allow biology to take creative agency?
- Should we advocate for a non-anthropocentric stance in biodesign?
From Biology to Inspiration
This is more than just a clutch bag. It’s an exploration of beauty beyond convention, where biology is the artist.
We believe that sharing the magic behind this unique piece fosters a deeper appreciation for material innovation and biodesign. By patenting this breakthrough and later relinquishing the rights, we aim to inspire the next generation of material innovators and designers, empowering them to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
We hope that our work encourages designers, engineers, and creators to see nature not just as a tool—but as a co-author. One that can inspire, surprise, challenge, and elevate design possibilities.
