Scientists create living clothing that breathes itself

For scientists, no. The use of biotechnology for clothing could become a trend as the 3D cell printing. in the project of living clothes, they printed cells of the known bacterium E.Coli in a latex fabric to create an organic tissue that responds to stimuli. As body temperature rises and humidity drops, openings in clothing “breathe” to maintain balance.

According to a study published by MIT researchers:

We propose the use of genetically treatable microbial cells to create multifunctional interfaces that respond to moisture. Our hypothesis involves the idea that microbial cells can be used as functional building blocks for creating materials that respond to the environment.

The clothing is the result of new research that seeks to harness the power of biological organisms to improve human life. The curious thing is that this characteristic of "giving life" to clothes has a peculiar design, which looks like the skin of an animal. Fortunately, scientists say that the variation of E.Coli used is harmless to human and can be freely handled.

The living clothes of the future

This is a novelty that goes hand in hand with the 3D printing of organs and other advances in medicine. For now, the project involves only a fabric that helps the athlete to be less tired. But, MIT foresees the addition of other functionality in the future.

We used fluorescence as an example, something that can let people see someone running around in the dark. In the future, we may combine functionality that releases odors through genetic engineering. So maybe after working out, the shirt might even give off a nice smell.

Check out the project's concept video and see how living clothes should work:

[Vimeo 142208383 w = h = 425 350]