This course examines emerging materials and fabrication methods that integrate biological principles with sustainability goals. You will explore biomimicry fundamentals while investigating what constitutes a "biomaterial" across social, industrial, chemical, and practical contexts. You will question whether bio-based solutions are inherently regenerative and examine the lifecycle impacts of biofabricated products.

The course addresses practical challenges of working with early-phase compostable materials and their performance limitations. You will explore how biofabrication processes can scale into biomanufacturing while maintaining regenerative principles. You'll develop transdisciplinary collaboration skills, building bridges between Design and STEM disciplines through shared language. By the end, you will be equipped to critically evaluate biomaterial innovations within regenerative systems.

This course is an option course in the Regenerative Futures minor.