These fabrics will ultimately have genetically engineered bacteria and cells incorporated into them, which will enable them to generate and replenish chemical coatings and chemically active components. Micro-fabricate devices able to sustain cellular or bacterial life for extended periods and capable of being incorporated into fibers or fabrics. Test these biological micro-environments for tolerance to extremes of temperature, humidity and exposure to washing agents. Biotechnology is revolutionizing the way problems are solved in almost all areas of life. The scope and usefulness of bio-engineered products are constantly increasing.
Clothing is an ideal medium in which to implant mobile bio-environments.
Our project aims at developing new technologies for the incorporation of biologically active fibers and micro-environments with the goal of producing durable fabrics at reasonable cost. The success of this effort will open an entirely new area of textile production in which the rapidly increasing number of genetic engineering tools can be used to improve fabric design and performance. The design and manufacture of micro-environment for cells, bacteria and enzymes specifically for incorporation into fabrics, however, has not been attempted. Most of the work in fabric biotechnology has been in the development of biocidal fabrics. Most of this work appears to have been done as part of NTC projects.