ABOUT US

In recent years, UC San Diego has been home to noteworthy proof-of-concept prototype products that demonstrate the possibilities of tangible products made for a sustainable future. We have started addressing materials sustainability topics using algae as a renewable feedstock. Applying tools of biology and chemistry, we are forging a new field of synthetic materials biology. This has included the development of renewable polymers, including polyurethanes and polyhydroxyalkanoates from algal biomass, with the long-term vision of developing formulations that can be used to manufacture products that decompose at their end-of-life.

Our team of biologists, chemists, structural engineers and industrial designers follow a trans-disciplinary approach to build the future of sustainable materials. We believe that a convergent approach, spanning fundamental and applied research with design, will catalyze the significant innovation necessary to advance manufacturing into the biological age. Through direct interaction with industry, we target real product applications and develop a workflow that responds to environmental needs and meets commercial requirements.