Bioengineering a Sustainable World

Unit Introduction

Our World is Fueled by Petroleum

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Where does petroleum come from?

Can we find alternatives to petroleum?

What are some examples of things that are made from petroleum?

What sustainable alternatives can you think of?

Microalgae: a powerful resource for engineering sustainable products

Source:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/

This designer and researcher found a way to transform algae into plastic to create apparel that helps combat the climate crisis.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_VWBugn3L-/?igshid=1mlg1kmhwbljm

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/11/05/charlotte-mccurdy-bioplastic-raincoat-2/

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This same researcher (Charlotte McCurdy) also partnered with designer Phillip Lim and found a way to embellish a petroleum-free dress

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“‘Sequins are synonymous with plastic waste,’ says renowned designer Phillip Lim about an endeavor to combat the egregious amount of pollution generated each year by the fashion industry. He's part of the 2020 cohort for One X One—a Slow Factory Foundation initiative that matches scientists and designers…”

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2021/02/algae-dress-phillip-lim/

Photo above shows algae sequins in sheets

Surf Boards!

Sources: https://www.algenesismaterials.com/technology

https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/hang-ten-catch-waves-algae-based-surfboard

Flip Flops!

Source: https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/a_flip_flop_revolution

Animal Feed, Supplements, Cosmetics!

Sources: https://animalscience.tamu.edu/2012/08/29/study-focuses-on-feeding-beef-cattle-algae-co-products/ , Amazon, https://www.esteelauder.com/product/681/59757/product-catalog/skincare/nutritious-micro-algae/pore-purifying-cleansing-jelly

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Biofuels!

Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/, http://www.earthtimes.org/energy/algae-based-biofuel-not-economically-viable-another-20-years/672/

Bioengineering a Sustainable World

What is bioengineering?

What is sustainability?

How can these two concepts work together to help our world?

Objectives

Bioengineering a Sustainable World

Lesson 1

1. Understand the problem of a petroleum-driven world and the promise of algae biofuel as an alternative
2. Explore the carbon cycle and build a system model of carbon emissions in the local community
3. Brainstorm similarities and differences between petroleum and algae oil

Agenda

Bioengineering a Sustainable World

Lesson 1

Carbon Emissions Activity

Pre-Assessment

Petroleum vs Algae Oil

Exit Ticket

Bioengineering Video

Can we bioengineer a sustainable world?