Purpose

According to our research, the government has proposed ways to mitigate the straw problem. Existing solutions such as feed, fuel and fertilizer conversion, have received strong governmental support. However, because they provide low returns, these solutions have only limited effects in alleviating the pain brought by these straws. To validate our research findings and gain deeper insight into the key problems in straw management, we conducted an interview with a rural farmer who works closely with straw. This engagement aimed to identify key challenges and explore practical factors in effectively addressing the straw problem.

Gains

Through these conversations, we learned that current straw treatment methods are varied but each comes with notable limitations. Farmers expressed that their primary concerns are both soil improvement and the efficient removal of straw from fields. They are open to biofertilizers but remain cautious about safety certification. Furthermore, they voiced a strong demand for practical services such as door-to-door collection or fixed collection points to make straw recycling easier. They specifically highlighted the difficulties in storage and the lack of feasible reuse options, which, coupled with weak supervision, leave burning as the most convenient albeit undesirable choice.

Expectation and Action

This engagement confirmed that straw management is indeed a pressing real-world problem, with existing solutions proving insufficient to prevent burning. Based on these findings, we decided to pivot our focus toward lignin extraction, where we could create higher-value products with stronger market potential. The farmers’ clear willingness to sell straw and their hope for innovative solutions directly encouraged us to establish a tangible collaboration model, turning their agricultural waste into a valuable resource. Moving forward, we aim to maximize both the economic and environmental benefits of our project while directly addressing farmers' needs.

Purpose

After confirming with farmers that straw is indeed a pressing issue, we sought an expert perspective to understand why current utilization methods failed to prevent burning despite supportive policies. We specifically wanted to investigate the disconnect between policy intentions and practical implementation. We interviewed Professor Xiaoqing Mu, whose expertise in biotechnology and straw valorization allowed us to critically evaluate existing solutions and refine the direction of our project. Our initial idea was that lignin removal from straw could be used to make a range of products, though we had not yet identified a specific, viable final product.

Gains

Professor Mu compared the advantages and disadvantages of common straw treatment methods. He explained that using straw as animal feed is inexpensive and supports recycling but suffers from poor nutrient absorption due to straw’s complex composition, which limits economic benefit. Producing fuel ethanol can reduce petroleum dependence and provide income for farmers but is costly and only economically viable at large scale. Incorporating straw back into the soil improves soil fertility and reduces fertilizer use, but it risks spreading pests and diseases, while fermentation in the soil may harm crops.

Most importantly, he emphasized that simply having anti-burning policies isn't enough—the real solution lies in creating sufficient economic value to make recycling economically attractive. Though using straw as raw material in industries like papermaking or weaving supports circular agriculture, it faces storage, collection, and market acceptance challenges.

Professor Mu pointed out that China’s large demand for protein feed, most of which is imported, leaves a significant market gap for yeast-based protein products. He suggested this could be a promising direction for our project. However, safety concerns remain: fermentation may produce residual alcohol or harmful byproducts that could affect animal and human health. Moreover, achieving high protein yields requires advanced engineering of yeast strains and managing the complexity of enzymatic reactions, both of which raise the technical threshold.

Expectation and Action

From this engagement, we confirmed that while the idea of using cellulose either for protein feed or papermaking or weaving was technically possible, its commercial viability and safety presented considerable challenges. Professor Mu's insight about the value gap in straw utilization inspired us to focus on creating higher-value applications. We recognized the need to explore product directions that more fully leverage the potential of straw cellulose, ultimately leading us to target the textile industry where straw-based fibers could command premium pricing and truly address the economic barriers to straw recycling.

Purpose

Following expert input from Professor Xiaoqing Mu, our team initially considered using cellulose from straw to produce protein-rich feed. Since this idea directly concerned livestock farmers as key stakeholders, we interviewed them to validate whether protein feed derived from straw would be both effective and acceptable in the market. Our goal was to confirm whether feed could serve as a viable final product or whether alternative applications should be explored.

Gains

The farmer expressed significant doubts about the feasibility of converting straw into protein feed. They questioned whether the nutritional composition could effectively promote weight gain in animals and emphasized the need for third-party testing to verify results. Safety was also a major concern, as fermentation could increase acidity in the feed, potentially leading to livestock acidosis. They further noted that feed effectiveness would vary across regions and animal species, since ruminants and poultry digest differently, making it difficult to ensure consistent outcomes. Finally, they highlighted the low market acceptance of fermented feed, pointing out that with many established feed products already available, only proven case studies or pilot demonstrations could build sufficient trust.

Expectation and Action

Based on this engagement, we realized that the feed pathway was not feasible for our project. The farmer’s concerns about effectiveness, safety, variability, and acceptance showed that straw-based protein feed would face significant barriers to commercialization. As a result, we decided to abandon the idea of pursuing feed as the final product. This pushed us to explore higher-value, safer, and more innovative applications for straw-derived cellulose. Ultimately, this rejection became a turning point, directing our focus toward sustainable biomaterials such as eco-friendly textiles, where the market demand and technical potential are far stronger.

Purpose

After the livestock farmer rejected our feed option, we needed to identify a higher-value and more commercially viable product direction for straw utilization. To explore this, we consulted Mr. Boxiang Wang, CTO of LINKS Spider and an expert in eco-textiles, who had experience in developing advanced fibers using biomaterials. Our discussion focused on two critical questions: whether straw fiber could be transformed into high-quality textile fiber, and what development prospects straw-based fabrics have in the textile industry. These issues were central to determining both the technical feasibility and the market competitiveness of our proposed solution.

Gains

From a market feasibility perspective, Mr. Wang confirmed a growing consumer emphasis on sustainable fabric sources within the fashion industry. He highlighted that although China is the largest global producer of lyocell—a common eco-friendly fabric—it remains heavily dependent on imported dissolving pulp, with import reliance consistently around 80%, creating an annual gap exceeding 3 million metric tons. Straw-derived cellulose presents a highly promising alternative to mitigate this dependency.

He also emphasized straw’s significant cost advantage, being 10–12 times cheaper than cotton, alongside supportive regulatory trends encouraging eco-friendly alternatives as traditional viscose production faces environmental restrictions. Thus he stressed the importance of aligning our development timeline with these regulatory shifts to maximize impact.

On technical feasibility, Mr. Wang pointed out that lignin impurities significantly compromise the toughness and quality of straw-based fiber, making thorough removal essential for textile applications. In addition, hemicellulose must also be cleared away to obtain pure cellulose suitable for spinning. He explained that strong alkali treatment is currently the common industrial method for degrading both lignin and hemicellulose, though he noted that existing processes still face efficiency challenges.

Expectation and Action

Guided by Mr. Wang's insights, we decided to experimentally degrade lignin and hemicellulose in straw using strong alkali treatment to verify the technical feasibility of purifying cellulose for textile use. This approach allowed us to validate the effectiveness of industrial-scale methods while focusing on optimizing the purification process. We also strengthened engagement with textile industry partners to better align our development with market requirements and regulatory opportunities.

Purpose

After deciding to explore the use of straw as a textile fiber, we sought to validate whether true market gaps existed for sustainable alternatives—not only in cotton supply but also in dissolving pulp used for materials like lyocell. To this end, we interviewed Ms. Lu from FanRen, a fashion brand known for its sustainability focus and close engagement with young consumers. Our goal was to understand whether raw material shortages were a pressing issue and to identify expectations from both brands and consumers regarding alternative fiber performance, sustainability, and cost. This step was essential to confirm a realistic market entry point and align technical development with actual industry needs.

Gains

Ms. Lu confirmed a substantial and ongoing cotton shortage in China, along with heavy reliance on imported dissolving pulp—pointing to a clear and urgent need for new sources of cellulose. They strongly supported the idea of using straw as a renewable textile feedstock, emphasizing that such innovation could significantly reduce dependency on conventional materials. They outlined three essential criteria for success: the fabric must match cotton or lyocell in softness and comfort; production costs must remain competitive with cotton or lyocell; and environmental benefits must be clearly communicated to build a compelling brand story.

Additionally, Ms. Lu shared that Gen Z consumers are willing to pay 10–15% more for eco-friendly fabrics, provided the defect rate remains under 5% and production can scale reliably. This positive feedback and clear market demand reinforced our decision to pursue straw-based textiles as a feasible and desirable alternative.

Expectation and Action

Based on Ms.Lu feedback, we refined our focus on developing a straw-based textile that not only matches cotton or lyocell in performance but also helps reduce China’s dependency on both cotton and dissolving pulp. We plan to position our material as a sustainable, scalable, and premium alternative that aligns with Gen Z values and their willingness to pay more for eco-conscious products. This engagement has steered us toward creating a market-ready bio-textile that responds to clear industry gaps and consumer expectations.

Purpose

Following FanRen’s insights, we approached Esquel Group, a leader in textile manufacturing, to better understand whether the idea of a cotton and dissolving pulp shortage was universally acknowledged in the industry. Unlike smaller brands, Esquel has a vertically integrated supply chain and global market presence, which gives us an opportunity to see how different market positions shape perceptions. Our aim was to learn from an industry leader about the actual challenges of adopting alternative fibers in commercial production, and to identify whether our project could address real market barriers beyond the cotton/dissolving pulp supply issue.

Gains

Esquel challenged the notion of a cotton and dissolving pulp shortage, arguing that this was not a critical concern for large-scale textile enterprises. Instead, they emphasized that the true barriers for sustainable fabrics lie in high processing costs, technical limitations, and insufficient consumer willingness to pay for “sustainability only.” Esquel highlighted that consumers value functionality—such as strength, elasticity, durability, and moisture management—equally to sustainability, and that without these features, adoption would remain limited.

They shared their experiences with sustainable fibers, noting that despite their commitment to organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fibers, cost and performance remain central obstacles. These insights shifted our focus: while cotton/dissolving pulp scarcity may drive interest among smaller brands, large-scale adoption depends on functional performance and economic viability.

Expectation and Action

Esquel’s feedback made it clear that positioning our material solely as a substitute for the cotton or dissolving pulp would not be sufficient for industry-wide acceptance. We realized we must enhance functional properties—such as durability, elasticity, or moisture management—alongside ecological benefits. As a result, we refined our product strategy to develop straw-based fiber that not only meets sustainability goals but also delivers tangible performance advantages that meet consumer expectations and manufacturing requirements.

Purpose

After hearing conflicting perspectives from brands of different scales, we conducted a consumer survey to ground our project in end-user attitudes and preferences. The aim was to assess consumer awareness of eco-friendly textiles, their willingness to pay for sustainability, and their perception of straw-based fibers in particular. This engagement was designed to test whether there was a genuine consumer demand for our material, and to determine which attributes matter most in the purchase decision. Ultimately, this would help us align technical development with consumer expectations and shape our marketing strategies more effectively.

Gains

The survey revealed that approximately 80% of respondents were familiar with eco-friendly clothing, but only 40% had heard of straw-based fibers, highlighting a significant awareness gap. Despite this, willingness to pay was relatively strong: most respondents expressed readiness to pay 5–15% more for straw-derived clothing provided that comfort and certification standards were met.

Key purchase drivers were identified as comfort, price competitiveness, and authoritative eco-certification, whereas sustainability alone was not sufficient to drive purchases. Interestingly, the results underscored that while young consumers value eco-friendly fashion, their buying decisions remain closely tied to tangible qualities such as softness, durability, and trusted certification. These findings confirmed that market success depends as much on consumer education and product credibility as on technical performance.

Expectation and Action

The findings shaped our next steps in three major ways. First, we recognized the need to launch awareness campaigns that introduce the concept and benefits of straw-based fibers, converting low recognition into curiosity and demand. Second, we must prioritize achieving comfort and durability in product development to meet consumer expectations. Third, we committed to obtaining internationally recognized eco-certifications to build trust and validate sustainability claims. By integrating these approaches, we can position our material not only as an eco-conscious alternative but also as a high-quality, credible choice embraced by young consumers. The survey made clear that technical and marketing efforts must advance together for the project to succeed.

Purpose

To further explore how our fiber could be applied in practice, we interviewed a fashion designer specializing in sportswear. The purpose was to evaluate whether straw-based fibers could realistically be integrated into performance-oriented products and to understand the expectations of designers who must balance functionality, aesthetics, and marketability. This step helped us transition from general consumer insights to professional design and development requirements, ensuring our material meets the practical demands of real-world apparel production.

Gains

The designer emphasized that the sportswear industry is dominated by high-performance fabrics such as polyester and nylon blends, with eco-friendly materials usually reserved for casual or lifestyle categories. They acknowledged advantages of straw fibers, including natural skin-friendliness and potential antibacterial properties, but also highlighted key limitations such as high cost, colorfastness issues, and supplier constraints.

Importantly, they suggested specific application niches: inner layers, socks, casual sportswear, and UV-protective accessories. They also advised functional improvements to increase competitiveness, such as enhancing elasticity through blended yarns, optimizing hand feel, and integrating advanced features like UV resistance and cooling effects. The designer noted that while larger brands may absorb sustainability-related price premiums, independent designers might be less willing due to cost constraints.

Expectation and Action

Encouragingly, the designer expressed personal interest in our innovation and confirmed they would consider adopting the fiber if it meets key industry standards for sweat resistance, colorfastness, and durability. This willingness to experiment reassures us that designers can serve as early adopters and help shape consumer perception. Based on this feedback, we will focus on refining functional properties and initially targeting categories that emphasize comfort, natural texture, and sustainability storytelling—such as athleisure, innerwear, and eco-accessories.

Purpose

After exploring brand perspectives, consumer demand, and design feasibility, we sought advice from sustainability experts to ensure that our project aligned with broader environmental and industrial considerations. The goal was to evaluate whether our approach was genuinely sustainable across the entire value chain, taking into account transportation, processing emissions, carbon footprint, and potential safety risks. We particularly wanted to address the environmental shortcomings of conventional straw processing methods. This engagement was intended to prevent the project from being perceived as greenwashing, and instead ensure that it could withstand scrutiny from policymakers and environmental organizations.

Gains

The expert highlighted several critical challenges: transportation costs are high because straw is bulky and lightweight; straw crushing and storage pose dust and safety hazards; he particularly criticized traditional alkali processing for generating heavily polluted wastewater; and China lacks clear methodologies for calculating carbon footprints, which complicates sustainability claims. They also noted the seasonal nature of straw supply, which could disrupt large-scale centralized production.

As potential solutions, he recommended a distributed factory model to reduce transport emissions, stronger environmental controls in processing plants, and integration with other industries such as biogas production to extend the value chain. His strong critique of conventional methods reinforced our commitment to developing enzymatic pretreatment as a cleaner alternative. He stressed the importance of gaining certifications from government agencies and environmental NGOs, with domestic certifications serving as a priority due to the complexity of international processes.

Expectation and Action

Based on this guidance, we will initiate carbon footprint assessments and seek official recognition from domestic regulatory bodies to build legitimacy. A key decision was to site our production facilities near agricultural sources to minimize transport impact. Most importantly, we committed to replacing polluting alkali methods with our enzymatic pretreatment technology. Additionally, we will explore synergies with green energy projects, such as using agricultural and livestock waste for biogas production, to enhance both sustainability and profitability. This engagement reassured us that our project could have a real impact, provided that we design with the entire lifecycle in mind and secure official certification to support our claims.

Purpose

We aimed to understand current straw treatment methods, farmers’ willingness to recycle, and the feasibility of building a straw collection or processing facility in cooperation with local communities. This step ensures stable raw material sourcing and evaluates the socioeconomic impact on farmers.

Gains

From interviews in Fengkai County, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, we learned that open-field burning is currently the dominant method of straw treatment. In the past, straw was used for livestock feed, but since most farmers no longer keep animals, this utilization method was no longer viable. Considering the low value of straws, burning became the only economical option.

Notably, we observed that most fieldwork is now done by women around 60 years old, as younger generations have moved to urban jobs. This reality deepened our sense of purpose and commitment to our value of creating new income for farmers by turning straw waste into high-value textiles. Farmers expressed willingness to recycle straw if it brings economic benefits, ideally at a price of 15 RMB per 50 kg. They suggested establishing a collection point inside the village, supported by posters and visual campaigns.

Motivated to provide not only straw recycling but also local employment, we asked whether they would be willing to work in nearby straw-processing factories given fair wages. Most expressed interest, with an expected monthly salary of around 3000 RMB.

Expectation and Action

Based on this feedback, we expect to establish a straw collection system within villages, supported by educational workshops to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of recycling. We will also explore setting up local recycling factories in partnership with farmers, thereby creating additional income sources while ensuring a consistent and ethically sourced supply of raw materials.

Purpose

Seeing the practicality and potential of our project, we want to commercialize it into a business startup. However, being high school students, we are relatively inexperienced with business operations. Therefore, we reconnected with Mr. Wang, CTO of LINK SPIDER—a company producing synthetic spider silk fibers—to evaluate the feasibility and commercialization potential of our straw-based fiber. We aimed to clarify technical routes, market positioning, and cooperation models through collaborative discussion, ensuring a viable and scalable business strategy. We also shared our concerns regarding spinning technology, particularly given the challenges GreatBay-SZ faced in 2019, and sought his technical input and support.

Gains

Mr. Wang advised against targeting individual consumers instead of major fashion companies, as it could risk losing industry trust and require significant investment in branding. Instead, he recommended continuing to serve business clients with a focus on performance stability and cost-effectiveness, using long-staple cotton as a benchmark. He also endorsed the Lyocell production process for its sustainability and scalability, emphasizing the need for standardized fiber properties and partnerships with spinning mills.

He further outlined key performance indicators for textile compatibility—fiber length, fineness, tensile strength, moisture regain, and elongation—and explained that wet spinning enables pre-dyed fibers to reduce dyeing pollution, though white fibers offer greater processing flexibility.

On market strategy, he highlighted promising entry points such as sportswear, functional fabrics, and medical nonwovens, advising us to emphasize cost and performance for B2B clients while aligning straw sourcing with centralized collection models involving local government or cooperatives—directly building on what we learned from farmers in Fengkai County. In response to our specific technical challenges, he agreed to provide support and invited us to conduct spinning trials at LINKS Spider’s pilot facility, using our lignin-processed straw fibers to advance toward viable textile prototypes.

Expectation and Action

Based on Mr. Wang’s suggestions, we will maintain a B2B focus, emphasizing material innovation and performance stability. We will adopt the Lyocell production process as our primary production method and optimize straw pretreatment to enhance fiber quality. Furthermore, we will pursue strategic partnerships with spinning and weaving manufacturers to support scaled production. Finally, we will establish centralized straw collection systems in collaboration with local cooperatives to stabilize raw material supply. We will also proceed with spinning trials at his company’s pilot base, beginning with lignin-removed straw fibers and gradually improving functional properties through iterative testing.

Guided by his performance criteria, we will prioritize fiber standardization and test compatibility with spinning and weaving systems. In parallel, we will advance localized straw collection—informed by our farmer interviews—and initially target functional textiles and nonwovens to establish B2B credibility before exploring consumer-facing applications, which inspires us to learn from companies in the same industry development path.

Furthermore, we will pursue strategic partnerships with spinning and weaving manufacturers to support scaled production. Finally, we will establish centralized straw collection systems in collaboration with local cooperatives to stabilize raw material supply. We will also proceed with spinning trials at his company’s pilot base, beginning with lignin-removed straw fibers and gradually improving functional properties through iterative testing.

Purpose

The goal of this engagement was to exchange insights with Julie, a designer from PEELSPHERE—a company creating leather-like materials from agricultural waste—on how to ensure stable raw material supply, achieve quality control, and balance performance with sustainability. We also wanted to understand how storytelling and certification contribute to brand trust, and how performance improvements can drive wider adoption.

Gains

Julie explained that agricultural residues must be dehydrated and inactivated immediately after collection to prevent degradation, often requiring preprocessing near suppliers. She shared how Peel Sphere’s materials evolved through multiple iterations: the first prioritized 100% bio-content but lacked durability, while later versions balanced bio-content with performance, reaching textile and even automotive standards. Through their experience, we learned that design choices, such as leaving visible coffee grounds, enhanced consumer appeal by making sustainability tangible. Their fully water-based process avoids toxic solvents, while certifications and traceability build trust with clients. We also discussed how their model combines R&D with design expertise, ensuring materials are both technically reliable and visually compelling.

Expectation and Action

Inspired by these insights, we plan to establish local preprocessing for straw stabilization and follow a staged product development approach, beginning with prototypes highlighting bio-content before improving strength and textile compatibility. We will also integrate certifications and strong storytelling about farmer cooperation into our strategy to attract both B2B partners and consumers. Julie expressed her support for our progress and encouraged us to share prototype samples in the future, reinforcing a collaborative relationship as we advance toward real-world implementation.

Purpose

The interview aimed to clarify B2B and B2C differences in technology focus, market investment, and client relations; identify eco-friendly, scalable processing routes for straw fibers; understand critical performance metrics for textile compatibility; and explore targeted market entry and cooperation models to enable sustainable, large-scale project implementation.

Gains

Despite thorough alkali washing, our straw fibers did not dissolve well enough for smooth spinning. LINKS Spider engineer-Maoshuang Chen helped us analyze the results, explaining that poor solubility fundamentally limits spinnability. To aid our progress, they generously blended additional cellulose into our material at a 1:1 ratio. Even then, the resulting fiber strength measured only 0.597 ±0.07 cN/dtex—far below the textile-grade threshold of 2 cN/dtex.

Mr. Wang and Mr. Chen also pointed out that the sodium hydroxide method we used for lignin removal, while effective, conflicts with the sustainable positioning of our venture due to its environmental impact. This reminded us of PeelSphere’s emphasis on a fully water-based, non-toxic production line that ensures worker safety and ecological responsibility, urging us the development of the greener enzymatic pretreatment technology.

While these results were sobering, Mr. Wang and Mr. Chen encouraged us by framing the 1:1 blend achievement as a meaningful first step. They drew an insightful parallel to the Lyocell process, noting its sustainability advantages over viscose but also its dependence on imported wood pulp—highlighting the value of progressively integrating straw-based fiber as a sustainable alternative.

Most importantly, Mr. Wang recalled LINKS-China 2021’s use of bio-enhanced materials and specifically recommended we explore high-performance proteins to strengthen the fiber—a constructive path forward rooted in our team’s own legacy. This approach also resonated with what we later learned from Peel Sphere, where 20%–35% bio-based content already meets functional and market needs.

Expectation and Action

This hands-on trial, though challenging, grounded our project in material reality. Guided by Mr. Chen and Mr. Wang’s advice, we will now pursue two parallel paths: a greener lignin degradation process by enzymes and strengthening straw fibers through recombinant protein integration. Additionally, progressively optimizing the straw pulp blending ratio—inspired by both his technical guidance and PeelSphere’s bio-content model, is necessary to align with our commitment to full-lifecycle sustainability. This experience has taught us that meaningful innovation emerges through persistence, partnership, and the willingness to learn by doing.

Purpose

The main purpose of this meeting was to screen and identify suitable high-performance proteins for enhancing fiber strength under the guidance of our PI, Mr. He. We sought to evaluate whether the plan of using select proteins such as squid beak protein and Eumeta variegata silk fibroin could be realistically implemented by our team, considering biosafety, experimental feasibility, and effective integration with cellulose fibers.

Gains

Mr. He reviewed the protein candidates we had gathered from literature, including resilin, Aciniform Spidroin, Elastin, etc. Then he helped narrow the selection to 2 most promising proteins based on their mechanical properties and compatibility with our system. He agreed that the proposed design was both feasible and safe, provided we adhered to iGEM safety protocols. He specifically recommended using E. coli BL21(DE3) as the chassis for heterologous expression and emphasized incorporating a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) to enable effective binding between the proteins and cellulose matrix. He also reassured us that the project was suitable for a high school team and did not pose risks beyond our technical or biosafety capacities. This expert confirmation and targeted selection gave us clarity and confidence to proceed with protein incorporation.

Expectation and Action

With Mr. He’s endorsement and strategic input, we will move forward with the two prioritized proteins—squid beak protein and Eumeta variegata silk fibroin—fused with CBM domains and expressed using the recommended E. coli system. All experimental steps will be conducted within iGEM safety guidelines for high school teams. We have now finalized the selection based on Mr. He’s screening and literature support, and will begin genetic construction and expression trials to enhance the mechanical performance of our straw-based fibers.

Purpose

The purpose was to confirm whether the addition of selected proteins would enhance the mechanical performance of cellulose fibers in actual spinning processes, and to gather expert feedback from professional materials engineer-Maoshuang Chen, on the applicability of the resulting fibers.

Gains

During the spinning trials conducted with engineer Maoshuang Chen at LINKS Spider, we found that incorporating 5% of our recombinant proteins significantly improved fiber properties. HBP-enhanced fibers showed approximately 2× increase in tensile strength, while EV1-fused fibers achieved nearly 3× improvement—surpassing the minimum requirement for textile applications. The materials engineer evaluated the results and described them as very promising, noting strong potential for real applications in textiles and functional materials. This experimental validation, combining quantitative data and professional assessment, confirms the industrial relevance of our protein-cellulose composite approach.

Expectation and Action

Building on this successful trial, we will further optimize protein-cellulose ratios and scale up the spinning process. We will also conduct systematic property testing—including tensile strength, elongation, moisture regain, and spinnability—to benchmark our fibers against established standards such as long-staple cotton. These results directly strengthen our business case by demonstrating the technical feasibility of producing high-performance straw-based textiles, providing concrete data for future commercialization efforts.

Purpose

The core objective of these workshops was to introduce synthetic biology through themes familiar to children—clothing, food, shelter, and transportation—making abstract concepts tangible and relevant. Inspired by earlier feedback highlighting low awareness of sustainable textiles, we aimed not only to teach but to inspire, turning science into an interactive experience. We sought to transform common misconceptions about microorganisms, foster curiosity, and connect scientific learning to everyday eco-friendly choices.

Gains

Through these workshops, which attracted nearly 60 participants including children and parents, we broadened horizons by introducing basic synthetic biology principles and a variety of fibers—from common natural and synthetic types to innovative materials like spider silk and our own straw-based fiber. Children engaged directly through tactile activities, such as touching bio-fibers and discussing how science can protect the planet. After learning about the environmental benefits of these materials, many expressed a clear preference for sustainable options, stating they would choose such materials in the future.

Expectation and Action

Moving forward, we plan to expand these workshops into reusable educational modules, making them accessible to more schools and community groups. The enthusiastic response from participants has motivated us to continue developing hands-on science outreach that encourages young people to become not only informed consumers but also budding scientists and sustainability advocates. By documenting and sharing our workshop framework, we hope to inspire other iGEM teams and educators to create similar dialogues between synthetic biology and the next generation.

Purpose

The engagement aimed to gather professional feedback on our first physical samples and understand how to strengthen both the product and its narrative for future market entry. We also sought Julie’s perspective on aligning our straw-based fiber with brand and consumer expectations.

Gains

Julie confirmed that our fibers already meet basic standards for apparel use and particularly appreciated the natural color, which visually communicates the straw origin—a tangible link to sustainability that resonates with today's eco-conscious consumers. She compared this to Peelsphere's own approach of visibly integrating coffee grounds into their materials.

Julie stressed the importance of moving beyond raw fiber displays to presenting woven swatches, socks, or small garment samples, enabling people to emotionally and physically connect with the material. On commercialization, she outlined the need for iterative performance testing, credible certification, and cost optimization. She also shared Peelsphere's trajectory—using awards, luxury collaborations, and sustainability certifications to gain visibility—emphasizing that trust and storytelling are as critical as technical performance.

Expectation and Action

We will expand our prototype offerings to include woven swatches and wearable samples for exhibitions and user testing. Guided by Julie's advice, we have begun identifying relevant certifications and will pursue recognition opportunities to build credibility. Notably, Julie expressed strong interest in receiving our next round of refined prototypes, reinforcing her support for our project's commercial and sustainable vision.

Purpose

Our objective was to identify the characteristics athletes prioritize in performance textiles, assess their willingness to adopt sustainable alternatives, and explore potential entry points into the sportswear market. We also sought to understand how our straw-based fiber could align with the practical and aesthetic expectations of active users.

Gains

Athletes consistently prioritized breathability, sweat absorption, quick-drying ability, elasticity, and durability, with sport-specific needs such as insulation for figure skaters. While most had limited prior exposure to bio-based fabrics, they responded with interest when showing visual examples of our material and its sustainable origin.

Several expressed a willingness to pay 5–30% more for apparel that combined performance with a credible eco-story, and some even offered to facilitate prototype testing within their teams or training networks. These insights confirmed that sportswear consumers are performance-driven first, yet increasingly open to sustainability—when it’s paired with proven function and appealing design.

Expectation and Action

We will develop performance-oriented prototypes—starting with lightweight training shirts—that focus on breathability, elasticity, and moisture management. In line with athlete feedback, we will integrate both technical performance data and the sustainability narrative into our communication strategy. We also plan to initiate wear-test collaborations with local sports teams, using their input to iteratively refine the product and strengthen its market readiness.

Purpose

This engagement is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory science and public imagination through artistic expression. By presenting our straw-derived materials in an aesthetic context, we seek to spark curiosity, challenge perceptions of agricultural waste, and demonstrate how biotechnology can enable meaningful cycles of reuse. The exhibition also serves as an experimental platform to gauge public reception and gather informal feedback in a dynamic, non-academic setting.

Gains

While the exhibition is still in development, we anticipate that it will attract diverse visitors—from art enthusiasts to environmentally conscious individuals—who may not typically engage with scientific content. We expect the tactile and visual nature of the installations to stimulate dialogue around sustainability, synthetic biology, and circular economy principles. Visitor reactions and interactions with the artworks will offer qualitative insights into how non-specialists perceive and value bio-based materials.

Expectation and Action

Following the exhibition, we will analyze visitor feedback and social media engagement to assess the impact of this art-science fusion. We plan to document the collaboration process and visitor responses in a format that other iGEM teams or bioart initiatives can adapt. Depending on the outcomes, we will consider extending the exhibition to other cities or digital platforms to broaden the conversation around sustainable materials and biological design.