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Biomaterials are renewable, nature-based components that are increasingly being used in construction and manufacturing industries. Ranging from bioplastics to biocement to 3D-printed materials, biomaterials have shown improved performance, lower cost, and higher impact on sustainability compared with traditional materials. While pointing towards a new future, several biomaterials are already having a major impact right now.

We convened a group of experts on the r/AskScience subreddit to answer your questions about biomaterials.

  • Abdullahi Ahmed, Ph.D.- Professor of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Canterbury Christ Church University School of Engineering, Technology and Design
  • Laura Maria Gonzalez, M.S.– Assistant Professor and Director of the Microbial Assemblies Lab at Florida Atlantic University
  • Ahmed Osman, Ph.D.- Senior Lecturer in Energy Engineering, Canterbury Christ Church University
  • Joe Price, M.S.– founder of Evolutor
  • Ahmed Seaf- FLSmidth Cement

Q&A Highlights

Joe Price-

Essentially, if a material is made of a carbon-based backbone, it can in theory be produced sustainably through advanced biomanufacturing, whether the production system is microbial, fungal or plant-based. My team is focused on bacterial production of new materials: using fermentation to produce organic acid, polymers and other compounds that have functionality as materials. Still here, the diversity & complexity of bacterial biomaterials can be extremely varied.

Laura Gonzalez-

For the bacterial biocement process I work with, the ingredients are fairly straightforward. The material is made from an aggregate, like sand, combined with calcium, urea, and a bacteria called Sporosarcina pasteurii. This microbe drives the process by precipitating calcium carbonate, effectively binding the aggregate together.

This is the baseline recipe so to say, but I see the future of this material in composites, where we combine this biological process with other materials to tune properties for the desired use case.

Ahmed Osman-

Biochar, particularly that made from anaerobic digestate. At 5 to 10% in plasters and non-structural mixes, it reduced shrinkage cracking and improved freeze–thaw resistance because the pore structure manages water rather than trapping it. I am really interested in particular of producing biochar from agrowaste, which started as low-value wastes and ended up as materials that perform better than you would expect.

Joe Price-

Natural biomaterials are a humbling reminder of the complexity & advanced capabilities of existing biological systems. If we can learn to harness this potential we can create new advanced biomaterials that are sustainable and manufacturable at large-scales for a new bio-industrial revolution beyond anything that is remotely possible with traditional material manufacturing.

For example, the excellently named “diabolical ironclad beatle” that has frontwings that can withstand extreme force. Or the strength of oyster shells and barnacle cement.

Ahmed Seaf-

Yes, wood is recognized as a biomaterial, and it has inspired the development of new, sustainable materials. Beyond being a traditional construction material, research has focused on wood derivatives that can be integrated into cement and concrete.

Ahmed Osman-

Biomaterials can scale, but only when three things line up at the same time: performance, standards, and economics.

I am optimistic because the policy and procurement context has changed. We are now asked to show embodied carbon numbers, not only price and strength. When that happens, well-engineered biomaterials stop being a nice idea and become a rational choice.

 

Laura Gonzalez-

Too often, biomaterials are pitched as one to one replacements for highly engineered composites which sets them up to fail. Biology rarely wins on cost or uniformity in that race. The promise lies in their potential to be a part of assemblies where their unique qualities can be valued alongside other materials.

In fields like architecture, adoption happens when something becomes not just viable, but also desirable. They need to enable new forms and new expressions, not just “green swaps” for materials we already have. Therefore, the shift isn’t about asking people to pay a premium for green swaps, it’s about paying for added performance, new capabilities, and emerging aesthetics that current material practices don’t offer.

Joe Price-

Generally, it is seen that biomaterials are less ecotoxic & more biodegradable than incumbent petrochemically-produced materials.

For example, several bioplastics have been shown to be better for the environment & for human / animal health, both during production and at end-of-life (see orgs like Natureworks, Shellworks, Biome Bioplastics). The same can be seen in building & concrete alternatives (see HempCrete, Biomason).

Ahmed Osman-

Using agricultural waste and certified forestry by-products reduces habitat pressure and landfill. Avoiding toxic biocides, limiting microplastic content, and ensuring end-of-life recovery prevent harm to waterways and soil life. In short, when engineered and certified properly, biomaterials can improve human comfort and reduce ecological load.

Links related to experts’ work:

• Biomaterials technology and policies in the building sector: a review

• How Bio-Based Building Materials Are Transforming Architecture

• How Synthetic Biology Can Make a Materials Difference

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